Taliban leader, visiting Helmand, urges strict obedience to his decrees
In rare trip, Hibatullah Akhundzada also stresses poppy ban as residents cite economic hardship.
Politics
Human Rights
Public floggings by Taliban rise 92% in one month, data shows
At least 115 people, including 14 women, were punished across 19 provinces in the first month of the year.
Women
Women in Kandahar say work restrictions deepen economic hardship
Many, once primary earners, now rely on low-paid domestic labor to support their families.
Afghanistan
Floods in Afghanistan kill scores, displace thousands, UN says
Aid officials warn of rising humanitarian risks, including gender-based violence, as communities struggle to recover.
Security
UN says 94,000 displaced by Taliban-Pakistan clashes
Border fighting and airstrikes damage civilian infrastructure and hinder aid delivery.
Human Rights
UK envoy calls Taliban penal code ‘oppressive,’ urges its repeal
Comments echo UN concerns that new rules could undermine fair trial rights and expand repression.
Immigration
Returnees from Pakistan struggle with housing, economic hardship
Forced deportations leave many families without shelter, income or access to basic services.
Politics
Pakistan reviewing Urumqi talks with Taliban
Islamabad says diplomatic channels remain open but seeks written security guarantees.
Politics, Taliban Internal Rift
Senior former Taliban official, Mutasim Agha Jan, detained in Kandahar: Sources
Arrest of Mutasim Agha Jan is reportedly linked to independent political and religious initiatives.
Human Rights
UN experts urge Taliban to revoke decree on court rules
UN rapporteurs say the new legal framework undermines fair trial rights and risks expanding discrimination and harsh punishments.