Taliban Seize More Than 2,500 Hectares of Land in Khost
8am: The Taliban have declared 2,500 hectares of land in Khost province as “Emirate-Owned Property” and taken control of it. In recent days, the Taliban have also declared more than 300 hectares of land in the Omid Sabz township in western Kabul and nearly 180 hectares of land in eastern Kabul as “emirate-owned property.” Click here to read more (external link).
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Women in Badghis report rising deaths amidst lack of maternal care
Amu: Residents of Bala Murghab district in Badghis say there are no functioning facilities dedicated to maternal care, leaving pregnant women without access to treatment from early pregnancy through childbirth. Women in the area said all deliveries now take place at home, often assisted by untrained local birth attendants. Click here to read more (external link).
Afghanistan’s wushu team to compete in Asian championships in Japan
Amu: The Afghanistan Wushu Federation said athletes were selected last week in Kabul following national trials in the sanda, or combat, division. The selected fighters include Shahzada in the 56-kilogram category, Hamed Sharifi in 65 kg, Mohammad Khalid Hotak in 70 kg and Jafar Soltani in 75 kg. Click here to read more (external link).
Border clashes leave 136,000 cut off for weeks in eastern Afghanistan, ICRC says
Amu: About 136,000 people in eastern Afghanistan were left without access to food, health care and other basic services for weeks after tensions with Pakistan blocked a key road, prompting a large-scale humanitarian response, the International Committee of the Red Cross said. The disruption followed an escalation of hostilities in mid-February that closed the main road linking Kamdesh and Barg-i-Matal districts in Nuristan province for nearly two months, isolating remote mountain communities. Click here to read more (external link).
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Tolo News in Dari – May 1, 2026
Karzai warns continued ban on girls’ education will deepen Afghanistan’s foreign dependence
Hamid Karzai
Ariana: Karzai said in a statement: “While I consider universal education vital, I once again emphasize that the doors of schools and universities must be opened to girls as soon as possible. By providing opportunities for education and learning to young people—both girls and boys—the country’s problems and needs can be resolved by the capable hands of its own children, and Afghanistan can be freed from external dependence.” Click here to read more (external link).
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Afghanistan ranks 175th in press freedom index
Amu: Afghanistan ranked 175th out of 180 countries in the 2026 World Press Freedom Index, maintaining one of the lowest positions globally as press freedoms remain severely restricted under Taliban rule, according to Reporters Without Borders. Within Afghanistan, access to independent information is increasingly restricted, with many people relying on foreign or exile-based media when internet access is available, the organization said. Click here to read more (external link).
ACB bans three cricketers for playing in Indian league
Amu: The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) imposed four-month bans on Samiullah Shinwari, Aftab Alam and Mohammad Shahzad, barring them from all domestic and international cricket during that period, the report said. The suspensions stem from the players’ participation in the Legends League Cricket in India without obtaining a required no-objection certificate (NOC) from the ACB, which regulates players’ involvement in overseas tournaments. Click here to read more (external link).
Rising Theft in Balkh: Residents Say Thieves Look No Different From Taliban
8am: Some residents of Mazar-i-Sharif, the center of Balkh province, have expressed concern over rising theft and insecurity in various parts of the city. They say they do not feel safe or confident about their security when leaving their homes. According to them, the Taliban are not only unable to ensure security in the city but are themselves a source of fear and concern for the people. This comes as residents of Kabul and Herat, as well as several other provinces, have previously also expressed serious concern over the rise in armed robberies. Click here to read more (external link).