Taliban authorities destroy tomato fields in Logar, farmers say

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Amu: Taliban authorities in the eastern province of Logar have once again destroyed fields of tomato crops cultivated by local farmers, according to multiple sources who shared video evidence with Amu. The farmers said the provincial Department of Agriculture, under Taliban control, had previously warned them against planting tomatoes this season, claiming that the crop lacks sufficient market demand and would not justify the cost of water and investment. Despite the warning, many farmers proceeded with planting. Click here to read more (external link).

Taliban Leader’s Downsizing Order Sparks Internal Backlash, Say Sources

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Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada

Afghanistan International: In response to the rising unrest, Taliban officials including the Minister of Defence, Mullah Yaqub Mujahid; the Minister of Interior, Sirajuddin Haqqani; and the head of the intelligence directorate, Abdul Haq Wasiq, reportedly travelled to Kandahar. According to informed sources, the senior leaders met with Hibatullah Akhundzada to express their concerns about the potential consequences of the decision and urged him to reconsider. Click here to read more (external link).

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Afghanistan facing deepening Media censorship on world press freedom day

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Khaama: On Saturday, May 3, World Press Freedom Day arrives amid mounting concerns over the deteriorating state of media freedom in Afghanistan. Under Taliban rule, the country’s once-vibrant press landscape continues to shrink under severe censorship and repression. Click here to read more (external link).

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Taliban Leader Makes Rare Trip To Kabul, Urges Strict Enforcement Of Sharia

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Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada

Afghanistan International: Hibatullah Akhundzada, the reclusive leader of the Taliban, made a rare trip from Kandahar to the Afghan capital on Friday, 12 April, to address a one-day conference attended by senior officials of the group. His unexpected appearance in Kabul underscores internal divisions within the Taliban leadership and a possible attempt to reassert control and unity. Click here to read more (external link).

Russia says it will help Taliban fight Islamic State in Afghanistan

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Reuters: Russia will help the Taliban authorities in Afghanistan fight against the Afghan branch of Islamic State, Moscow’s special representative for the country was quoted as saying on Friday.
Zamir Kabulov, a former Russian ambassador to Afghanistan, referred to Islamic State Khorasan (ISIS-K) as the “common enemy” of Moscow and Kabul. Click here to read more (external link).

Bilawal Bhutto admits Pakistan’s support for terrorist groups

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Zardari

Khaama: Former Pakistani Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari admitted to Pakistan’s historical support for terrrorist and extremist groups. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the former Foreign Minister of Pakistan, has admitted to Islamabad’s support for terrorist groups and the Taliban. In an interview with Yalda Hakim from Sky News, Zardari responded to a question about Pakistan’s backing of terrorist groups and the presence of the ISI chief in Kabul when the Taliban took control, acknowledging it as an unpleasant chapter in the nation’s history. Click here to read more (external link).

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Pakistan deported 144,500 migrants in April, report says

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Amu: In April, Pakistan deported 144,500 Afghan nationals, marking the highest monthly total since the mass repatriation campaign began in September 2023, according to a joint report by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The report indicates that 72 percent of those returned were undocumented, while 22 percent held Afghan Citizenship Cards and 6 percent possessed Proof of Registration cards. Click here to read more (external link).

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