Amu: Afghanistan’s passport has been ranked as the weakest in the world for 2025, according to a new report from Nomad Capitalist, a financial and immigration consultancy that evaluates global mobility and citizenship options. At the top of the list is Ireland, which the firm named the most powerful passport globally this year, citing strong international credibility, favorable tax policies, personal freedoms and the ability to hold dual citizenship. Click here to read more (external link).
Illicit arms trafficking ‘persists’ along Pakistan-Afghanistan border
The News (Pakistan): The Small Arms Survey, in its report titled “Documenting Arms Availability in Afghanistan”, underscored the continued arms trafficking in the region, with both Soviet-era and NATO-style weapons still readily available in informal markets, despite the Taliban’s attempts to regulate arms distribution. The findings show that, while the Taliban have attempted to tighten civilian arms possession, weapons continue to circulate, often with the tacit approval of local Taliban officials. These weapons are regularly diverted to non-state armed groups, including the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and al-Qaeda, raising concerns about regional security. Click here to read more (external link).
Tolo News in Dari – April 4, 2025
Pakistani General Exposes Haqqani-Kandahar Taliban Divide
Afghanistan International: A retired Pakistani army general, Inam-ul-Haq, has revealed deepening tensions within the Taliban, spotlighting a rift between the Haqqani Network and the Kandahar faction, in an Express Tribune article. He outlined how disputes over the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), girls’ education bans, Pakistan relations, and governance are driving the divide. Click here to read more (external link).
Afghanistan U-17 Footballers to face Yemen today
Khaama: The Afghanistan U-17 national football team will play its first match in the AFC U-17 Asian Cup on Friday, April 4 against Yemen. According to the announced schedule, this match will take place at 9:30 PM Kabul time and will be hosted by Saudi Arabia. This game is crucial for the Afghanistan national team, as the result will significantly impact their chances of advancing in the tournament. Click here to read more (external link).
Farmers in northern Afghanistan await canal water as drought parches fields
Amu: In the drought-stricken province of Faryab, farmers say their livelihoods are hanging by a thread as water scarcity and prolonged dry spells continue to devastate agriculture. Dozens of farmers are now looking to the Qosh Tepa canal — a long-awaited irrigation project — as their last hope for salvaging the growing season. Without its arrival, they warn, thousands of acres of farmland will remain barren. “The water in Andkhoy is salty. There’s no flowing water here — only wells, and that water is bitter,” said Nazar Mohammad, a local farmer struggling to maintain his crops. “Everyone is waiting for water from the canal. If it had arrived earlier, many of our problems would have been solved. This land only needs water — nothing else.” Click here to read more (external link).
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Tolo News in Dari – April 3, 2025
Afghanistan under-19 team routs Nepal by 130 runs in ODI series opener
Amu: Afghanistan’s under-19 national cricket team secured a commanding 130-run victory over Nepal in the opening match of their One Day International series on Thursday at the Mulpani Cricket Stadium in Kathmandu. With the win, Afghanistan takes a 1-0 lead in the series. Click here to read more (external link).
Canada warns citizens against travel to Afghanistan due to security risks
Khaama: The Canadian government issued a warning on Tuesday, urging its citizens to avoid travel to Afghanistan due to escalating security concerns. The government highlighted the risks posed by ongoing armed conflicts, terrorist attacks, and the increasing frequency of abductions and arbitrary detentions. In a public statement, Canada described the security situation in Afghanistan as chaotic, emphasizing the dangers posed by terrorism, violent clashes, and widespread human rights violations under the de facto Taliban authorities. The government warned that despite the Taliban’s claims, the security environment remains volatile and unsafe. Click here to read more (externa link).
US Sanctions Afghan Brothers In Russia For Houthi Ties
Afghanistan International: he US Department of the Treasury has imposed sanctions on several entities and individuals in Russia, including Afghan businessmen Hushang Ghairat and his brother Sohrab Ghairat, for aiding Yemen’s Houthi rebels. Click here to read more (external link).