Kabulov
Afghanistan International: Zamir Kabulov, Russia’s Special Envoy for Afghanistan, announced that the suspension of the Taliban’s designation as a terrorist organisation eliminates legal barriers to establishing formal relations between Moscow and the Taliban. He stated that this move would facilitate enhanced political and economic cooperation between the two sides. Speaking to Russia’s TASS news agency on Thursday, Kabulov confirmed that joint efforts are underway to normalise bilateral ties comprehensively. Click here to read more (external link).
Amu: Afghanistan’s Under-19 cricket team took to the nets early Friday morning, fine-tuning preparations for a decisive match against Nepal that will determine a place in the 2026 ICC Men’s Under-19 Cricket World Cup. The much-anticipated game, set for Saturday, April 19, is a pivotal contest in the regional qualifying tournament. Both Afghanistan and Nepal remain undefeated, and the winner will secure a coveted berth in the next global championship. 
Afghanistan International: According to sources speaking to Afghanistan International, the teenager, identified as Mahdi, was shot dead by Taliban forces last Wednesday near the Jaghori district centre. His body was later handed over to his family with instructions to bury him quietly and without funeral prayers. Contrary to these claims, several local sources maintain that Mahdi was merely riding past the district office on a motorcycle when he failed to stop at a Taliban checkpoint. He was shot and killed on the spot, according to eyewitnesses. Photographs seen by Afghanistan International show visible gunshot wounds on his body. 
Afghanistan International: Pakistan’s Foreign Minister, Mohammad Ishaq Dar, announced on Thursday that he will soon travel to Kabul as part of Islamabad’s efforts to normalise relations with neighbouring countries. Speaking at a joint press conference with Hungary’s Foreign Minister in Islamabad, Dar said his upcoming trip to Afghanistan would aim to strengthen diplomatic engagement between the two countries. Pakistani media have reported that the visit is expected to take place on Saturday, 19 April. 
Khaama: Russia has officially lifted its two-decade-long ban on the Afghan Taliban, removing the group from its list of designated terrorist organizations. The move, confirmed by Russian state media on Thursday, marks a significant shift in Moscow’s diplomatic posture toward the de facto rulers of Afghanistan. The Russian Supreme Court’s decision to lift the ban, imposed in 2003, takes immediate effect and paves the way for broader engagement between the Kremlin and the Taliban. Although no country has formally recognized the Taliban-led government since it seized power in August 2021 following the withdrawal of U.S. and NATO forces, Moscow has gradually deepened its ties with the group in recent years. 