Afghanistan International: A group of retirees blocked the street leading to the Ministry of Finance in Kabul on Saturday, October 26, in protest against the Taliban’s non-payment of their salaries since the last three years. Taliban leader Haibatullah Akhundzada has dissolved the pension system in Afghanistan and slashed the salaries of retirees. Click here to read more (external link).
How the Taliban Built an Air Force
FP: The collapse of the Afghan state amid the United States’ withdrawal in 2021 gifted the new Taliban government with more than $7 billion worth of U.S. military equipment. Afghanistan’s new overlords suddenly found themselves with fleets of Humvees, mountains of machine guns, and forests of radars and satellite dishes. The vast hardware hoard also included dozens of aircraft: a motley mix of Hind and Blackhawk helicopters, cargo planes, and close air support props. Click here to read more (external link).
Tolo News in Dari – October 26, 2024
Afghanistan A beat India A to reach final of Emerging Teams Asia Cup
Ariana: Afghanistan A defeated India A by 20 runs on Friday to advance to the final of ACC T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2024. The result means Afghanistan A have reached the final of the ACC T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup for the first time and will play Sri Lanka A, two-time champions, in the final. Click here to read more (external link).
National Resistance Front Accuses American Media Of “Whitewashing” Taliban
Nazary
Afghanistan International: Ali Maisam Nazary, head of foreign relations of the National Resistance Front (NRF), said that with the US elections round the corner, some Western media outlets have resorted to “whitewashing” the Taliban. Following the publication of The New York Times report on Sirajuddin Haqqani, Nazary accused some Western media of “normalising” the Taliban. Click here to read more (external link).
Related
UK envoy says Britain won’t support opposition groups in Afghanistan
Ariana: The Chargé d’Affaires of the British Embassy in Afghanistan Robert Dickson said in a meeting with Mawlawi Abdul Kabir, political deputy prime minister, that the UK government does not permit the activities of opposition groups in Afghanistan, Arg said in a statement on Friday. Click here to read more (external link).
Tolo News in Dari – October 25, 2024
China offers Taliban duty-free trade, promising zero tariffs
Khaama: The Chinese ambassador in Kabul announced that China will grant the Taliban duty-free access to its markets, particularly in construction and energy sectors. Zhao Xing stated on X that China would provide zero tariffs to Afghanistan, replacing the current 100 percent tariff lines. This move marks an effort by China to strengthen its ties with the Taliban since they took control of Afghanistan in August 2021. Despite seeking to develop relations, China, like other nations, has refrained from officially recognizing the Taliban government. However, Afghanistan’s rich mineral resources present an appealing opportunity for Chinese companies, making the partnership mutually beneficial. Click here to read more (external link).
Other Economic News
Afghanistan’s Malnutrition Crisis: Children and Pregnant Women Face Risk of Early Death
8am: Afghanistan, under Taliban rule, is grappling with multiple crises, one of the most severe being malnutrition. Over the past three years, international organizations have reported that, despite the Taliban’s claims of job creation, hunger reduction, and improved healthcare services, the health crisis has not only persisted but worsened. In some regions, the situation has reached unprecedented and alarming levels. Recently, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) warned of an escalating malnutrition crisis. They indicated that with the onset of winter, this crisis will intensify, putting children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers at risk of early death and lifelong complications, including cognitive impairment and stunted growth. The World Health Organization (WHO) also previously reported that around 700,000 children in Afghanistan suffering from malnutrition lack access to essential treatment. Click here to read more (external link).
Afghanistan beat Cambodia 3-1 in AFC U17 Asian Cup Qualifiers
Ariana: Afghanistan U17 national football team defeated Cambodia 3-1 in their third match of the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2025 Qualifiers on Friday. The U17 national football team had also defeated Macau and the Philippines in the previous two matches. Click here to read more (external link).