Khaama: Defense Minister Khawaja Asif told ARY News that Pakistan may take action against militants operating from Afghanistan if security threats continue unchecked. He said some level of contact with Taliban authorities remains in place, but militant activity targeting Pakistan has not declined despite ongoing discussions. Pakistan has repeatedly accused militant groups based in Afghanistan, particularly the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), of carrying out cross-border attacks against Pakistani security forces and civilians. Click here to read more (external link).
Khalilzad questions whether Pakistan played a ‘double game’ in Afghanistan war
Khalilzad
Ariana: Former U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad has questioned whether Pakistan pursued a “double game” during the war in Afghanistan, following recent remarks by Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif about Islamabad’s role after the September 11 attacks. Speaking in Pakistan’s parliament, Asif said the country had effectively “rented itself to the United States” by aligning with Washington in the U.S.-led war on terror. Click here to read more (external link).
South Africa edge thriller against Afghanistan in double Super Over
Amu: South Africa beat Afghanistan in a dramatic double Super Over after the teams were tied on 187 in their T20 World Cup Group D clash on Wednesday, boosting their position at the top of the standings. Afghanistan next play the United Arab Emirates on Feb. 16, before taking on Canada on Feb. 19. Victory in those games would keep their qualification hopes alive, though net run rate could prove decisive. Click here to read more (external link).
Other Afghan Sports News
Afghanistan Remains Among World’s Most Corrupt Countries
Afghanistan International: Afghanistan remains among the world’s most corrupt countries, according to Transparency International’s annual Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), which shows the country’s ranking worsening slightly in 2025 under Taliban rule. The report shows Afghanistan scored 16 out of 100, ranking 169th out of 182 countries. In 2024, the country scored 17 points, placing 165th out of 180 countries. Click here to read more (external link).
Pakistan defense minister makes rare admission on political motives behind Afghanistan wars
Khawaja Muhammad Asif
Amu: Speaking during a session of Pakistan’s National Assembly on Monday, Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif said Pakistan’s participation in wars linked to Afghanistan, beginning during the Cold War and continuing after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, was a strategic choice made to secure international support, particularly from the United States. “We did not enter these wars to defend Islam or for jihad,” Asif told lawmakers. “We entered them for political legitimacy and to secure the support of a superpower.” The defense minister said Pakistan failed to learn from the aftermath of the Soviet withdrawal and again aligned itself with Washington after the 9/11 attacks, remaining involved in the U.S.-led war in Afghanistan for nearly two decades. “For not one decade, but two decades, we rented ourselves out,” he said. “The only objective was to gain American support.” Click here to read more (external link).
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Tolo News in Dari – February 10, 2026
Rashid Khan: ‘Definitely’ want to see Afghanistan have a women’s team
Rashid Khan
ESPN: Rashid Khan has said he would “definitely,” like to see an Afghanistan women’s team in the future but the decision to ratify one is out of his hands. This is the first time Rashid has made a statement in support of a women’s team after previously pleading for women’s rights to education under the Taliban government, who have banned women from almost all areas of public life. Click here to read more (external link).
New semi-precious stone deposit found in Panjshir
Amu: Local Taliban officials said they have identified a new deposit of semi-precious green garnet stone in the central province of Panjshir, marking the first reported discovery of the mineral in the area. Mohammad Qasim Amiri, the Taliban’s head of mines and petroleum in Panjshir, said the deposit was located in Ab Dara village in Anaba district, according to a statement issued by the provincial mines department. Click here to read more (external link).
Tolo News in Dari – February 9, 2026
Medicine Prices In Kabul Rise By Up To 40 Percent After Import Disruptions
Afghanistan International: Three months after the Taliban ordered a halt to pharmaceutical trade with Pakistan, medicine prices in Kabul have risen by as much as 40 precent, according to pharmacy owners and market sources. Formal medicine imports have largely stopped, and many drugs are now entering the market through smuggling routes. Click here to read more (external link).