8am: Local sources in Hesa-e Awal district of Panjshir province have expressed concern over an increase in what they describe as “serial killings” carried out by the Taliban. These sources told the Hasht-e Subh Daily that the Taliban enter villages at night without coordinating with local elders and village heads, and carry out military operations. According to them, Taliban forces claim to have a complete list of the family’s members and are seeking to detain or kill the remaining relatives. They say that a number of the family’s surviving members, including women, children, and men, have fled their homes out of fear of arrest or death and have taken refuge in unknown locations. They warn that these individuals continue to face the risk of detention or death. Click here to read more (external link).
Final touches being made to Ayubi Cricket Stadium ahead of Kabul Premier League
Ariana: Preparations are in the final stages at Kabul’s Ayubi Cricket Stadium as ground staff complete the finishing touches ahead of the start of the fourth season of the Kabul Premier League (KPL) on Saturday, August 8. Workers have been busy ensuring the venue meets the highest standards, with improvements focused on the playing surface. Click here to read more (external link).
WHO: Afghanistan reports 15 polio cases in 2026
Amu: The World Health Organization said no new cases of wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) were confirmed in Afghanistan or Pakistan during the latest reporting week, leaving Afghanistan with 15 confirmed cases in 2026 — the highest number recorded globally this year. In its latest Eastern Mediterranean Polio Bulletin, covering the week ending Aug. 2, the WHO said a total of 18 wild poliovirus cases have been reported this year, including 15 in Afghanistan and three in Pakistan. Click here to read more (external link).
Other Health News
Tolo News in Dari – August 4, 2026
HRW: Taliban rule makes Afghanistan one of world’s gravest rights crises
Taliban militants (file photo)
Amu: Human Rights Watch said Afghanistan has descended into one of the world’s gravest human rights crises during nearly five years of Taliban rule, citing systematic repression of women and girls, attacks on media freedom, arbitrary detentions and a worsening humanitarian emergency. The organization said women and girls have borne the brunt of the Taliban’s policies. Since retaking power in 2021, the Taliban have barred girls from secondary schools and universities, restricted women’s employment, freedom of movement and public participation, and imposed measures that Human Rights Watch says amount to the crime against humanity of gender persecution. Click here to read more (external link).
Taliban Welcomes Iran’s Stance Against Armed Resistance Groups In Afghanistan
Zabihullah Mujahid
Afghanistan International: Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid has welcomed recent remarks by Iran’s deputy ambassador in Kabul about armed opponents of the group, saying they reflect the wishes of the Afghan people. Seyed Hassan Mortazavi, Iran’s deputy ambassador in Kabul, had earlier said Tehran did not support any political or military group opposing the Taliban and did not regard armed conflict against the group as resistance. Click here to read more (external link).
Related
Taliban Reviews Seizure Of ‘Hazara Townships’ In Kabul, Mazar-e-Sharif & Herat
Hazaras (file photo)
Afghanistan International: Credible sources in the Taliban’s Justice Ministry say the commission for recovering seized land plans to review Hazara and Shia townships and properties across several Afghan provinces. A community elder from western Kabul told Afghanistan International: “The Hazaras do not want conflict with the Taliban, but the Justice Ministry is making provocative decisions that leave them no option except to take to the mountains.” Click here to read more (external link).
Tolo News in Dari – August 3, 2026
Nearly 140,000 Afghan Migrants Deported From Pakistan’s Punjab Province
Khaama: Pakistan’s Punjab province has detained and deported nearly 140,000 undocumented Afghan migrants as part of a nationwide campaign targeting foreigners without legal residency documents, provincial authorities said. Punjab’s Home Department stated that 139,902 Afghan nationals had been detained and sent back to Afghanistan after completing legal procedures. The campaign has intensified in recent weeks, with Afghan migrants reporting challenges renewing visas and maintaining legal status in Pakistan. Click here to read more (external link).
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Death toll in Badakhshan protest rises to four
Amu: At least four people were killed and nine others wounded after Taliban opened fire on protesters in northeastern Badakhshan province, residents said on Sunday, a day after demonstrations erupted in Yaftal-e-Payin district. Residents told Amu that the protest was triggered by what they described as months of increasing pressure from Taliban, including arrests, house searches and heightened security operations following recent clashes in the province. They said Taliban forces fired on demonstrators while attempting to disperse the crowd. Click here to read more (external link).