Khaama: The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) office in Afghanistan has issued a warning about a severe heatwave that will affect the entire country from June 30 to July 6 this year. The heatwave is expected to bring dangerously high temperatures, with forecasts indicating that many areas will experience temperatures 2 to 10 degrees Celsius higher than normal. This extreme weather poses significant health risks, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with pre-existing health conditions. Click here to read more (external link).
Tolo News in Dari – July 1, 2025
ACB signs 10-year strategic partnership to deliver Afghanistan Premier League T20
Ariana: In a landmark development for Afghan cricket, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has entered into a long-term strategic partnership with ITW MEA to manage and deliver the Afghanistan Premier League (APL T20) over the next 10 editions. The agreement, signed by ACB Chairman Mirwais Ashraf, CEO Naseeb Khan, and ITW MEA Director Vivek Chandra, marks a major step in reviving the country’s flagship T20 tournament. Click here to read more (external link).
No Safe Return: The Case Against Deporting Afghan Refugees
The Diplomat: Beneath the official narratives of “stability” and “return,” lies a brutal truth: Afghanistan remains a deeply unsafe country and any forced return of refugees constitutes a clear violation of international law and basic human rights. Click here to read more (external link).
Related
Cockfighting in Afghan capital shows bloody pastime thriving in shadows
AP: This centuries-old blood sport, once a common winter pastime, now takes place year-round in the Afghan capital, driven not just by tradition but by poverty, unemployment and desperation. The Taliban has outlawed cockfighting since seizing power in 2021. Yet the fights continue. Click here to read more (external link).
Russia’s Expanding Relations with Taliban-Ruled Afghanistan
The Diplomat: Amid ongoing turmoil in the Middle East, Russia is steadily strengthening its engagement with Afghanistan. While global attention remains fixed on headline-grabbing crises, less visible but potentially more consequential processes are taking shape. In its policy toward Afghanistan, Moscow has begun to play one of its most strategic cards: labor migration. Click here to read more (external link).
Tolo News in Dari – June 30, 2025
Former Iranian diplomat dispels rumors of Afghan migrants collaborating with enemy
Ariana: Former Iranian diplomat Rasoul Mousavi, who previously served as Director General for South Asian Affairs at Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has stressed that Afghan migrants in Iran should not be equated with foreign spies. His comments were published in an interview with a local media outlet and come amid growing tensions related to Afghan refugees in the country. “Afghan migrants are not aligned with enemy intelligence agents,” Mousavi stated, urging Iranian authorities to address migration issues with patience and respect for human dignity. His remarks follow recent developments during the 12-day conflict between Iran and Israel, during which several Afghan migrants were reportedly detained by Iranian authorities on allegations of espionage and collaboration with Israel. Click here to read more (external link).
Dispute Over Pastureland in Farkhar, Takhar Province: Taliban Kill Local Resident
8am: Residents report that about eight days ago, nomads, supported by Taliban local authorities, settled in Lazhda village and the foothills adjacent to Khusda and Dara-e Aahu villages. They add that when locals protested this action, Taliban forces opened fire on the protesters, resulting in the death of one resident. Click here to read more (external link).
Tourists are trickling into Afghanistan and the Taliban government is eager to welcome them
AP: By plane, motorbike, camper van and even on bicycles, tourists are beginning to discover Afghanistan, with solo travelers and tour groups gradually venturing into a country that until recently was wracked by war. Click here to read more (external link).