Taliban leader issues ban on windows overlooking neighboring homes

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Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada

Amu: The Taliban’s leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada, has issued a directive banning the construction of windows in residential buildings that overlook neighboring homes, particularly those housing women. The order, which the Taliban say is aimed at “preserving privacy and protecting women from potential harm,” imposes strict limitations on property owners. According to the decree, individuals building homes may not install windows that face the courtyards or living spaces of adjacent properties where women are present. Click here to read more (external link).

Syria is ‘more strategically important’ to US than Afghanistan: Khalilzad

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Khalilzad

Ariana: He said the recent meeting of the US delegation with Ahmed al-Sharaa, the new Syrian ruler, in Damascus was a positive step. “Not that prematurely engaging doesn’t have risks,” Khalilzad said. “But I think there is an element of timing, of shaping things.” He added that Syria is “more strategically important” to the United States than Afghanistan, making the task more urgent. Click here to read more (external link).

Qosh Tepa Canal phase 2 surpasses 81% completion

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Ariana: In a significant milestone for Afghanistan’s infrastructure development, officials from the National Development Corporation (NDC) have announced that the second phase of the Qosh Tepa Canal in northern Afghanistan is now 81 percent complete, with the construction of its dam progressing steadily at 67 percent. This ambitious project is poised to transform the region, enhancing irrigation systems and boosting agricultural productivity. The ongoing work on this irrigation project is taking place in the Andkhoy district of Faryab province, where hundreds of machines are actively involved. Click here to read more (external link).

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Calls On Taliban To Take Decisive Action Against TTP

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Shahbaz Sharif

Afghanistan International: Three days after Pakistan’s airstrikes on Paktika, the country’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called on the Taliban administration to adopt a decisive policy against the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The Taliban must take a clear stance against the TTP, he said, stressing that Pakistan will not tolerate double standards. Click here to read more (external link).

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Taliban’s Intelligence Agency Spokesman Talks About ‘Opportunity To Divide Pakistan’

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Afghanistan International: In response to Pakistan’s airstrikes on Paktika, Taliban’s intelligence agency spokesman Jawad Sargar said that Punjab has been separated from other parts of Pakistan and now the possibility of Pakistan’s disintegration is stronger than ever. Sargar said that the Pakistani army has no incentive to fight and that the Taliban should seize the opportunities. Click here to read more (external link).

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Over 180 cases of Journalists rights violations recorded in Afghanistan in 2024: AFJC

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Khaama: The Afghanistan Journalists Center released its annual report on December 26, 2024, highlighting the challenging situation for media outlets and journalists in the country. The report indicates that 181 cases of journalist rights violations were recorded, and 18 media outlets were shut down due to the Taliban’s repressive policies. The Afghanistan Journalists Center has reported 181 instances of media rights violations by the Taliban in 2024, as part of its annual report. Click here to read more (external link).

The Passport Holders: Power, Privilege, and Corruption in Afghanistan

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Ghani

8am: Ashraf Ghani was just another passport holder who had spent most of his life in the West and was married to a Christian woman from Lebanon. Despite spending his childhood in Kabul, he was alien to Afghanistan and its people. His obvious mistakes in performing namaz (Prayer) and reciting Farsi poems became subjects of jokes in people’s gatherings. During his tenure, Ashraf Ghani placed unconditional trust and support in his fellow passport holders, utilizing various methods to weaken the jihadi leaders who were enjoying the lion’s share of power during Hamid Karzai’s tenure, and replacing them with his own men. In doing so, he systematically weakened state institutions, overcentralizing decision-making authority under his control at the presidential palace. Click here to read more (external link).