Afghanistan International: The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed the second case of polio in Afghanistan in 2025, with the latest infection reported in the southern province of Helmand. The organisation did not release additional details about the case. The first confirmed case this year occurred in Bala Murghab district of Badghis province, affecting a five-year-old child. Click here to read more (external link).
Afghanistan climbs to seventh in ICC Men’s ODI rankings
Afghan Team (file photo)
Amu: Afghanistan’s national cricket team has reached its highest-ever position in the ICC Men’s ODI rankings, climbing to seventh place as of May 4, 2025 — a significant leap that places it ahead of cricketing powerhouses like England and the West Indies. Click here to read more (external link).
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Tolo News in Dari – May 4, 2025
Taliban authorities destroy tomato fields in Logar, farmers say
Amu: Taliban authorities in the eastern province of Logar have once again destroyed fields of tomato crops cultivated by local farmers, according to multiple sources who shared video evidence with Amu. The farmers said the provincial Department of Agriculture, under Taliban control, had previously warned them against planting tomatoes this season, claiming that the crop lacks sufficient market demand and would not justify the cost of water and investment. Despite the warning, many farmers proceeded with planting. Click here to read more (external link).
Taliban Leader’s Downsizing Order Sparks Internal Backlash, Say Sources
Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada
Afghanistan International: In response to the rising unrest, Taliban officials including the Minister of Defence, Mullah Yaqub Mujahid; the Minister of Interior, Sirajuddin Haqqani; and the head of the intelligence directorate, Abdul Haq Wasiq, reportedly travelled to Kandahar. According to informed sources, the senior leaders met with Hibatullah Akhundzada to express their concerns about the potential consequences of the decision and urged him to reconsider. Click here to read more (external link).
Related
First-Class Cricket Tournament to Begin in Nangarhar
Tolo News: The four-day First-Class Cricket Tournament will begin tomorrow (Monday) in Nangarhar, organized by the Afghanistan Cricket Board. Teams Hindukush, Maiwand, Pamir, and Mahipar will compete in the tournament. Click here to read more (external link).
9 things about Afghanistan’s Bagram airbase that Trump claims China occupies
Bagram (file photo)
Firstpost: As US President Donald Trump claims China occupies the Bagram Airbase, an assertion rejected by both Beijing and the Taliban, here are 9 things to know about Afghanistan’s largest airfield. Click here to read more (external link).
Afghanistan facing deepening Media censorship on world press freedom day
Khaama: On Saturday, May 3, World Press Freedom Day arrives amid mounting concerns over the deteriorating state of media freedom in Afghanistan. Under Taliban rule, the country’s once-vibrant press landscape continues to shrink under severe censorship and repression. Click here to read more (external link).
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Tolo News in Dari – May 3, 2025
Taliban Leader Makes Rare Trip To Kabul, Urges Strict Enforcement Of Sharia
Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada
Afghanistan International: Hibatullah Akhundzada, the reclusive leader of the Taliban, made a rare trip from Kandahar to the Afghan capital on Friday, 12 April, to address a one-day conference attended by senior officials of the group. His unexpected appearance in Kabul underscores internal divisions within the Taliban leadership and a possible attempt to reassert control and unity. Click here to read more (external link).