A group of politicians and representatives of anti-Taliban groups said after a two-day meeting in London that Afghanistan’s future political system must be based on the will and vote of the people, within the framework of a modern constitution.
Taliban border police say reports that the Torkham crossing will reopen are false and that the key Afghanistan-Pakistan route remains closed.
Sebastian Gorka, deputy assistant to the US president, said efforts are continuing to secure the release of two Americans still believed to be held in Afghanistan after the Taliban freed Dennis Coyle.
Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said calls to extend the ceasefire are primarily directed at Pakistan, insisting the group did not initiate the conflict.
Knowledgeable sources told Afghanistan International that the Taliban have recently detained two Polish nationals. The sources said the men had travelled to Afghanistan for business purposes.
The conflict between Afghanistan and Pakistan has entered a dangerous new phase since late February, raising serious concerns about regional stability.
Local Taliban officials in Kunar province say Pakistan fired 85 mortar rounds over the past 24 hours at the provincial capital and the districts of Sarkano, Manogai and Nari.
Sources in Pakistan say the country has decided to reopen the Torkham border crossing on March 5 at the request of Taliban officials.
The US State Department, referring to the release of American hostage Dennis Coyle from Taliban custody, said President Donald Trump is committed to ending wrongful detentions abroad.
The Taliban’s foreign ministry confirmed the release of US detainee Dennis Coyle saying the decision was approved by the group’s supreme leader.
The second round of the Islamabad conference will be held in London on Tuesday, March 24, bringing together Afghan political figures and civil society representatives.
The Taliban have publicly flogged two men and a woman in Kabul and Balkh, according to a statement from the group’s Supreme Court.
The Taliban are set to release a US citizen from detention following warnings from the administration of President Donald Trump. A US delegation was seen in Kabul on Tuesday as part of efforts to secure the hostage’s release.
Germany’s Foreign Ministry said it does not recognise any new appointment by the Taliban to Afghanistan’s embassy in Berlin, following reports that the group has designated a new representative to lead the mission.
A document obtained by Afghanistan International shows Taliban authorities ordered the health ministry to hire a former US adviser to help secure international aid.
Pakistan’s president said recent military operations against militant groups have produced significant results and warned that those supporting terrorism would be “eliminated”.
A Chinese researcher said the Taliban are unwilling to fully meet Beijing’s demands regarding the East Turkestan Islamic Movement, highlighting ongoing security concerns in Afghanistan.
Pakistan’s ambassador to Russia warned that militant groups operating from Afghanistan pose a growing threat not only to the region but also to Russia.
Pakistan’s foreign minister, Ishaq Dar, says Islamabad is taking a firm approach to combating what it calls terrorism, including operations linked to Afghanistan.
France’s ambassador for human rights said Afghan women must be included in all decision-making processes and that Paris rejects any dialogue with the Taliban.
Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry said “Operation Ghazab lil Haq” has been temporarily suspended for Eid al-Fitr but will resume.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees says that amid escalating tensions in Iran, thousands of Afghans are returning to Afghanistan.