Ariana: Return of Afghans from Pakistan could worsen already dire humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) warned on Monday. After decades of seeking refuge in Pakistan, up to a million Afghans could return to Afghanistan following a directive by the government of Pakistan which would require all Afghans without valid visas to leave the country by 31 March 2025. “People returning are facing numerous challenges that they cannot navigate alone. Women and children represent a significant portion of those returning, and ensuring their safety and well-being must be our top priority. As a local organisation with a presence across the country, our aim is to provide immediate relief and long-term support to help people rebuild their lives safely and with dignity.” Click here to read more (external link).
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8am: Many students across various schools in Afghanistan have expressed concern over the mounting pressure from the Taliban to wear white shalwar kameez and turbans (lungi). According to these students, those who cannot afford such attire face harsh treatment, are sometimes beaten by teachers, marked as absent, or even barred from entering school. Many students say that aside from the discomfort of wearing a turban, they simply cannot afford the cost. 
Amu: Afghanistan’s under-19 cricket team claimed a dominant second win at the ICC U-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup Asia Qualifier on Monday, defeating Hong Kong by eight wickets. Afghanistan is one of five teams competing in the Asia qualifier, alongside Nepal, the United Arab Emirates, Oman and Hong Kong. The tournament, hosted by Nepal, will determine which team advances to the 2026 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup. With two convincing wins in as many days, Afghanistan’s U-19 squad has emerged as a strong contender to top the group and secure qualification. 
Khaama: The Afghanistan national futsal team is set to face China in their second match of the international four-nation tournament on Sunday evening. The competition, featuring teams from Afghanistan, China, Portugal, and Morocco, has entered its second day, with Afghanistan preparing for this crucial match. In their first game, the Afghanistan national futsal team suffered a 3-1 defeat against the strong Portuguese squad. 
Amu: The Afghani has sharply depreciated against the U.S. dollar over the past week, with the exchange rate rising by nearly 300 Afghanis per hundred dollars in just three days, despite continued efforts by the Taliban-run central bank to stabilize the currency. Da Afghanistan Bank, the country’s central bank, put $20 million up for auction last Thursday in an attempt to maintain the Afghani’s value. However, as of Saturday, the exchange rate stood between 73.23 and 73.50 Afghanis per dollar — a notable jump from around 70 Afghanis just weeks earlier. 