As Afghanistan undergoes a seismic shift in governance, the call to help resettle Afghans who worked with the British military has become increasingly urgent. The Afghan people, who risked their lives to support British troops, now face grave threats to their safety following the Taliban’s takeover. The UK government is under mounting pressure to fulfill its moral obligations and strategic interests by accelerating the resettlement process. Amidst these urgent pleas, there is also the troubling case of Afghan militants being left in Islamabad, a matter that requires careful scrutiny. Around 2,300 Afghans who worked alongside British armed forces have been…
Author: Web Desk2
In August 2021, the world watched as Afghanistan fell into the hands of the Taliban, marking a somber moment in history. The images of desperate Afghans clinging to departing planes and the swift collapse of the Afghan government raised a crucial question: Why has the world seemingly abandoned Afghanistan? This article will delve into the complex factors that have contributed to this situation, from the legacy of foreign intervention to geopolitical interests, humanitarian concerns, and the evolving global landscape. The Legacy of Foreign Intervention One of the key factors behind the world’s abandonment of Afghanistan is the legacy of foreign…
The bilateral relationship between Afghanistan and Pakistan has always been under duress. A major point of contention between the two neighbors is the status of a colonial legacy along the Durand Line, cutting through the Pashtun-dominated tribal areas. Between 1809 and 1947, Afghan rulers and British officials signed numerous agreements and treaties. However, the one treaty that keeps resurfacing is an 1893 treaty (or the so-called Durand Treaty) between the Afghan ruler Amir Abdur Rahman Khan and the British Indian Foreign Secretary Sir Mortimer Durand. To put into perspective the dispute over the boundary, it is imperative to understand the…
The government of Pakistan has officially started a crackdown against undocumented Afghans residing in the country. Hundreds of refugees have been arrested and detained on the grounds that they do not have adequate paperwork and are involved in crimes and other activities. The government, citing a rising number of crime activities, has ordered all the undocumented Afghan migrants and refugees to leave Pakistan by the beginning of next month, either voluntarily or by force. The announcement immediately drew criticism from national and international observers. The humanitarian organizations are urging the Government of Pakistan to continue its historic support for Afghan…
Sharmin Obaid Chinoy, a renowned journalist and documentary filmmaker, initiated a mentorship program. This program intends to assist upcoming filmmakers from the KPK-adjacent Kurram, Orakzai, North Waziristan, and Khyber Districts. The program’s objective is to give the kids the resources and guidance they need to produce their own quick documentaries. Chenoy’s Patakha Pictures has started this mentoring initiative. In order to inspire and aid a new generation of Pakistani storytellers, Patakha Pictures was established. Patakha Pictures’ programs encourage young people to make short documentaries that raise awareness of significant topics and appeal to a larger audience. This can be done…
The U.S. military retreated from Afghanistan two years ago, leaving behind weapons that are now turning up in far-flung trouble spots where terrorists are fighting and killing America’s allies. In markets, merchants with Taliban permits are offering U.S.-made automatic assault rifles and handguns for sale. Business, like terrorism, is thriving. These weapons were offered for sale at the ad hoc bazaars that were organized by the Taliban. Weapons like rockets and bombs, shoulder-fired grenade launchers, night vision goggles, sniper rifles and scopes, and ammunition were priced in Afghanis, rupees, and dollars. The left-behind American rifle, an M4 in good condition,…
The interim government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa requested the Higher Education Commission (HEC) to discontinue all associate degree programs within the province. Following this, the HEC formally announced the closure of these programs across the entire region. The background of these associate degree programs dates back to 2012 and 2013, when BS degrees were not yet formally integrated into college prospectuses. However, as time progressed, it became apparent that students were not expressing substantial interest in pursuing associate degree programs. Considering the constantly low levels of interest, the Higher Education Commission decided to eliminate all associate programs throughout Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The…
Balochistan’s interim information minister, Jan Achakzai, made a significant announcement today. He gave a 10-day ultimatum for a serious crackdown on the oil smugglers operating within the province. The minister emphasized the province’s constant commitment to ending the illicit oil trade while speaking to the media in Quetta. He affirmed that if oil smuggling does not cease within the specified 10-day period, the provincial government will initiate the destruction of smuggler boats, signaling a resolute stance against this unlawful activity. Jan Achakzai also emphasized that the provincial government is determined to protect its lands from encroachment. The individuals accused of…
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) is home to a substantial population of school-aged children who are unable to attend school due to the closure of several educational facilities following the resurgence of terrorism and the aftermath of last year’s catastrophic floods in the province. This is despite the province having a proper educational network consisting of thousands of learning centers. The provision of quality education to children offers some hope for a better tomorrow. A country that is already dealing with crippling finances, combating rising crime, and suffering from pervasive social injustice also has millions of children out of school. The Benazir Income…
With the Taliban’s taking the throne in August 2021, many Afghans feared facing the repression that characterized the violent rule by the militant groups in the 1990s. After seizing power, they tried to bribe the local people and international communities by projecting themselves as a more moderate force and pledging to uphold human rights and press freedom. But after taking over the nation and toppling the Western-backed Afghan government two years ago, they have fallen short of their promises and instead have severely restricted the rights of women, carried out a savage crackdown on dissent, and reinstated their ruthless system…