Magnitude 6.4 Earthquake Strikes Afghanistan

Reuters: An earthquake of magnitude 6.4 struck Afghanistan on Wednesday, the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) said. Click here to read more (external link).
Public Resolve Against Taliban Is Growing, Says Afghan Resistance Leader

Massoud
Afghanistan International: Ahmad Massoud, leader of the National Resistance Front, has stated that the Afghan people’s determination and desire to resist the Taliban has significantly increased. He noted that he is receiving an increasing number of messages from citizens expressing willingness to support efforts against the Taliban regime. Speaking on Monday during an online ceremony marking the second anniversary of the deaths of key members of the Afghanistan Freedom Front in Salang district of Parwan province, Massoud stressed: “No regime can survive without popular support, and change and transformation will inevitably come.” Click here to read more (external link).
Afghan migrants in Islamabad say police broke into homes, detained residents
Amu: Police in Pakistan’s capital raided homes in a neighborhood known to house Afghan migrants early Tuesday, breaking down doors and detaining several residents, according to sources who spoke to Amu. The incident took place in Islamabad’s B-17 sector. Witnesses said police officers entered homes without prior warning and took several people into custody, including women and children. Those detained were reportedly transferred to Haji Camp, a holding facility used for migrant processing. Click here to read more (external link).
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UN warns Taliban restrictions on women could cost Afghanistan $1 billion in two years
Amu: The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) has warned that the Taliban’s escalating restrictions on women’s rights and employment could cost Afghanistan’s economy up to $1 billion over the next two years. The agency said that women in Afghanistan are facing increasing limitations on their ability to work, access public spaces, and participate in social life — a trend that has deepened since the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021. Click here to read more (external link).
Taliban Orders Closure Of Hezb-e-Islami Offices & Arrest Of Staff

Gulbuddin Hekmatyar
Afghanistan International: The Taliban has ordered the closure of all Hezb-e-Islami offices across Afghanistan, the arrest of its staff, and the confiscation of its office equipment, according to a document shared by Habib-ur-Rahman Hekmatyar, son of party leader Gulbuddin Hekmatyar. The Taliban dissolved the political parties department within the Ministry of Justice in April 2022 and dismissed its staff. Since then, the ministry has repeatedly asserted that political party activity is illegal under the current regime. Click here to read more (external link).
Explosion rocks Mazar-i-Sharif, Balkh Province, Afghanistan
Khaama: An explosion occurred in Mazar-i-Sharif, Balkh province, Afghanistan, near the Shiite “Seh Dokan” mosque. Local sources reported on Monday, April 14, an explosion in the city of Mazar-i-Sharif, Balkh Province of Afghanistan. According to the sources, the explosion occurred around 8:30 a.m. near the “Seh Dokan” mosque, which is associated with the Shia community. Seh Dokan is a predominantly Hazara-populated area located in the second security district of Mazar-i-Sharif. The blast’s location in this area has raised concerns about possible sectarian tensions. So far, Taliban authorities have not commented on the incident, and there is no information available regarding the potential casualties resulting from the explosion. Click here to read more (external link).
Return of Afghans from Pakistan could worsen already dire humanitarian situation: IFRC
Ariana: Return of Afghans from Pakistan could worsen already dire humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) warned on Monday. After decades of seeking refuge in Pakistan, up to a million Afghans could return to Afghanistan following a directive by the government of Pakistan which would require all Afghans without valid visas to leave the country by 31 March 2025. “People returning are facing numerous challenges that they cannot navigate alone. Women and children represent a significant portion of those returning, and ensuring their safety and well-being must be our top priority. As a local organisation with a presence across the country, our aim is to provide immediate relief and long-term support to help people rebuild their lives safely and with dignity.” Click here to read more (external link).
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Tolo News in Dari – April 14, 2025
