Afghanistan International: A local commander affiliated with the National Islamic Movement Party of Afghanistan was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in northern Afghanistan after being deported from Iran, the party’s spokesperson said. Ehsan Niro told Afghanistan International that the Taliban were responsible for the killing of a commander known as Yousuf in Khwaja Du Koh district of Jowzjan province. Click here to read more (external link).
The Taliban’s ‘Successful’ 2025 Was Anything But
The Diplomat: Last week, as the Taliban spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid triumphantly declared 2025 “a year of diplomatic success,” the claim was received with predictable laud from the movement’s echo chambers. But to anyone observing Afghanistan with even minimal distance from the Taliban’s propaganda, the opposite is true. Far from consolidating power or gaining legitimacy, the Taliban spent 2025 losing allies, credibility, and deepening their pariah status on the world stage. Click here to read more (external link).
Afghan Activists Urge End To Language Discrimination Against Persian Speakers
Afghanistan International: In an open letter addressed to the special rapporteurs of the UN Human Rights Council, the activists said the Taliban administration has pursued policies that deliberately marginalise and suppress the use of Persian, one of Afghanistan’s two official languages. The letter raised concerns about what it described as linguistic and structural discrimination, accusing the Taliban of imposing Pashto across education, administration and other public spheres. The activists said these policies have deprived Persian speakers of equal participation, fair access to public services and social standing. Click here to read more (external link).
Taliban confirm four killed in Takhar gold mine clashes
Amu: Abdul Mateen Qani, spokesman for the Taliban-run interior ministry, said three local residents and one employee of a mining company were killed in fighting in Chah Ab district. Five others were wounded, he said. Qani said the Taliban deputy governor for Takhar had travelled to the area to investigate the incident. Mining operations at the site have been suspended while inquiries continue, he added. Click here to read more (external link).
More
- Blood Gold and Environmental Disaster: Reactions to the Plunder of Mines and the Suppression of People in Takhar
- Former deputy intelligence chief at the Taliban Defence Ministry accused Taliban officials of “corruption, ethnic favouritism and prioritising personal and tribal interests over justice and the public good
Tolo News in Dari – January 7, 2026
Asif says Pakistan ready to confront Taliban and India simultaneously
Khawaja Muhammad Asif
Amu: Pakistan’s defense minister warned that Islamabad is fully prepared to confront both the Taliban and India at the same time, saying the Taliban were no longer trustworthy due to their ties with India and militant groups. Khawaja Asif said in an interview that his earlier optimism about the Taliban after they returned to power in Kabul in 2021 had proven misplaced. “I made a mistake when the Taliban took power in Kabul and I pinned my hopes on them,” Asif said. “All those hopes were shattered. I think the Taliban are not trustworthy. Their friends — whether Afghan, Pakistani, the TTP or India — none of them are reliable. The Taliban have now moved closer to India.” Click here to read more (external link).
Other Pakistan-Afghanistan News
Ariana Airlines Buys Two Aircraft Engines Worth Over $4 Million
Khaama: Ariana Airlines has purchased two aircraft engines from Turkey and Serbia worth $4.7 million, aiming to strengthen operations and install them on Boeing 737 and Airbus 310. The acquisition signals an effort by Ariana to stabilise operations and maintain regular services amid broader economic and regulatory challenges. Click here to read more (external link).
Afghanistan joins international kickboxing federation
Amu: Afghanistan has been admitted as a member of the International Kickboxing Federation, the National Olympic Committee said, a move it said could allow athletes to compete more regularly in international events. The committee said Afghanistan’s kickboxing federation had not been affiliated with a global body for more than two decades, a gap that prevented some athletes from taking part in international competitions due to the lack of formal recognition, facilities and financial support. Click here to read more (external link).
Other Afghan Sports News
Afghanistan Became Region’s Main Terrorism Hub in 2025, Says Pak Army
Afghanistan International: Pakistan’s military spokesperson said Afghanistan became the region’s primary hub for terrorism in 2025, accusing militant groups based there of driving a sharp rise in violence. He added that Pakistan’s concerns have gained international acceptance. The military spokesperson said Afghanistan has become a safe haven for smugglers as well as regional and international terrorist groups that, he alleged, operate from Afghan soil against neighbouring countries. Click here to read more (external link).
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