Author: The Afghanistan Post

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that Pakistan has learned nothing from the past and continues to support “terrorism and proxy wars.” Modi made these remarks on the 25th anniversary of the Kargil conflict between India and Pakistan in 1999, saying, “Pakistan has failed in all its nefarious efforts in the past but has learned nothing from its history.” He added that Indian soldiers would crush terrorism “with full force.” Pakistani officials have previously strongly condemned the Indian Prime Minister’s statements regarding Pakistan’s support for terrorist groups.

Randeep Jaiswal, spokesperson for India’s Ministry of External Affairs, stated that due to the historical ties between Afghanistan and India, the country has been providing humanitarian aid to Afghans for years. Regarding the issuance of visas to Afghans, Jaiswal confirmed that India continues to grant visas and travel routes to India remain open.

President Joe Biden pressed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for a ceasefire in Gaza during their meeting at the White House on Thursday. Netanyahu expressed gratitude for the U.S.‘s 50 years of support. This meeting marks their second face-to-face encounter since Hamas’s deadly attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Biden had earlier introduced a three-stage plan to halt the Gaza conflict. Netanyahu is also set to meet with Vice President Kamala Harris on Thursday.

Amid escalating unemployment, poverty, and migration, the Taliban hosted a “national labor conference” in Kabul on Tuesday to address joblessness and bolster cooperation among public and private institutions. Abdul Mannan Omari, the Taliban Acting labor minister, announced amendments to the labor law to “ensure the rights of employees” and tackle employment issues, noting there are one million employees in various institutions nationwide. Citizens, however, report increasing poverty and diminished job opportunities since the Taliban’s takeover in August 2021. Many claim they were dismissed from their jobs, now filled by Taliban affiliates, leaving them with no job prospects or sufficient food.

Bamiyan is hosting an exhibition where female entrepreneurs and artisans from various provinces display their local products near the iconic Buddha statues. Over 180 booths feature handicrafts, dairy products, artworks, and more. Officials emphasized Bamiyan’s support for growing local industries and enabling exports. Organizer Khyber Hiwadmal noted that 80% of the booths are run by women. Participants highlighted the benefits of such exhibitions but also expressed needs like reliable electricity for further development. The exhibition will run for five days, with plans for similar events in other provinces and abroad.

Work on the Mes Aynak Copper mine in Logar has commenced with an inauguration ceremony attended by officials from the Islamic Emirate and China. Taliban Acting Minister of Mines and Petroleum, Hedayatullah Badri, emphasized the contractual obligations of the involved company. Taliban Deputy Prime Minister Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar highlighted the project’s significance for Afghanistan. Chinese Ambassador Zhao Xing noted the expanding economic ties between Kabul and Beijing. The ceremony also addressed the protection of ancient artifacts during excavation, with both Afghan and Chinese officials underscoring the cultural and economic benefits of the project.

Iran has initiated a project to erect a 300-kilometer-long wall along its border with Afghanistan, specifically in Razavi Khorasan province. The wall, designed to stand four meters high, is part of a broader strategy to bolster border security. Ahmad Akbari, commander of the 444th Engineering Group of the Iranian Army Ground Force, detailed that each section of the wall measures four meters in height, 3.7 meters in length, and 1.1 meters in thickness. The project is utilizing all available resources to ensure its completion. In related news, Iran’s Deputy Minister of Energy met with Afghanistan’s acting Foreign Minister in Kabul…

Taliban’s recent decision to cut female teachers’ salaries to 5,000 Afghanis has raised concerns among educators. Teachers fear this drastic reduction will lead to severe economic challenges. Many teachers, who are the sole breadwinners, express their inability to meet basic living expenses. The new policy, effective from Monday, has been communicated via an official letter.

The Taliban have shot a former national security employee named Kamal in the village of Haiderkhel, Ismail Khel District, Khost. Kamal worked in the Paktika Province security directorate and had been detained and released several times by the Taliban before. The Taliban have not commented on this incident.

17 July, marks the 17th death anniversary of Afghanistan’s last king, Mohammad Zahir Shah. Zahir Shah ascended to power at 19 after the assassination of his father, Mohammad Nadir Khan, and ruled for 40 years. His reign saw the establishment of a new constitution, the adoption of a constitutional monarchy, and the freedom of political parties. Political analysts note that Zahir Shah managed to maintain a balance between the East and West, the USA and the USSR, and established strong internal security. However, his cousin, Daoud Khan, ended the monarchy with a coup in 1973. Zahir Shah returned to Afghanistan…