Uzbekistan Reveals Past Relations with Islamic Emirate
Tolo News: The Deputy Secretary of Uzbekistan’s National Security Council has disclosed that Uzbekistan had established relations with the Islamic Emirate [Taliban] before it returned to power in Afghanistan. Abdulaziz Kamilov described his country’s approach as reasonable and timely, adding that many countries that once criticized Uzbekistan for these relations have now changed their views. Abdulaziz Kamilov said, “During the time of the former Republic of Afghanistan, our president instructed the leadership to establish contact with the opposition of the previous Afghan government, telling them we are ready to assist and that we must be prepared. This policy was very reasonable. We invited the Taliban and established relations with them, and now they have come to power.” Click here to read more (external link).
Taliban Pulls Eradication Team Amid Infighting & Protests In Badakhshan
Afghanistan International: A Taliban team deployed to destroy opium poppy fields in Badakhshan’s Jurm district has withdrawn amid growing internal tensions and local unrest, sources told Afghanistan International on Sunday. Local sources said dissatisfaction is mounting among Taliban members from the province, with tensions further fuelled by the killing of a Taliban fighter in the provincial capital, Faizabad. According to the sources, a Badakhshani Taliban member was shot dead by another Taliban fighter in Faizabad, inflaming divisions within the group’s local ranks. Fasihuddin Fitrat, the Taliban’s Chief of Army Staff and himself a Badakhshani, is reportedly seeking to maintain tight control of the situation to prevent new protests in the province. However, discontent among Taliban members from Badakhshan reportedly remains high. Click here to read more (external link).
Australia advises citizens against traveling to Afghanistan
Khaama: The Australian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged its citizens to avoid traveling to Afghanistan under Taliban control, citing extremely dangerous security conditions. In a statement released on Tuesday, June 3, the ministry warned of a very high risk of terrorism and kidnapping throughout Afghanistan, including in the capital, Kabul. Click here to read more (external link).
4 Million Afghan Children Out Of School Due To Taliban Restrictions, Says UN
Afghanistan International: Nearly 4 million children in Afghanistan are currently out of school, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reported on Sunday. A lack of proper school buildings, access to clean water, sanitation facilities and a shortage of qualified teachers particularly women are among the key factors keeping children out of the classroom, the agency said. Many children are also forced to work to support their families as economic hardship continues to deepen across the country. Click here to read more (external link).
Tolo News in Dari – June 2, 2025
Naswar and Paan: The Silent Poison Devouring Afghanistan’s Youth
8am: Some residents of Kabul have expressed concern over the rising use of naswar and paan among young girls and boys. They note that due to their low cost and easy availability, these substances have become commonplace in society. However, doctors warn that consuming any tobacco-containing substance can lead to cancers of the esophagus, stomach, lips, mouth, teeth, lungs, and pancreas. Some doctors and nurses report that many women visiting hospitals are relatives of Taliban members who have come to Kabul from the provinces. Additionally, the report’s findings indicate that some teenagers and school students are also using paan. Click here to read more (external link).
Trump’s immigration policies leave Afghans in the US in Limbo
Donald Trump
Khaama: The Afghanistan Analysts Network reports that many Afghan refugees in the United States, particularly in Texas, are experiencing severe uncertainty and hardship because of restrictive immigration policies implemented during the Trump administration. The organization highlights that the asylum application review process for Afghan applicants has slowed down significantly. Click here to read more (external link).
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NATO Seeking Return To Afghanistan, Says Russian FM
Lavrov
Afghanistan International: Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has once again warned of the potential return of NATO forces to Afghanistan. Lavrov’s remarks come amid repeated claims by former US President Donald Trump, who has expressed interest in regaining control of Bagram Airbase. Click here to read more (external link).
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Racism and Rampant Violence against Afghan refugees in Iran
Khaama: Rampant racism and violence against Afghan refugees in Iran continue unchecked, causing fear and suffering among vulnerable refugee communities. A disturbing video recently circulated on social media shows two young Iranian men in a car chasing an Afghan teenager in the southern Iranian city of Bandar Abbas. The car appears to be deliberately attempting to run over the boy, who is riding a bicycle. Click here to read more (external link).
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