Stories from Kabul · Afghanistan

New data indicates record-low snow levels across most major river basins in the Hindu Kush Himalaya region. This trend has persisted for four consecutive years, potentially reshaping water flow patterns across Asia.

An Islamic State group militant was convicted on Wednesday of conspiracy charges related to a deadly suicide bombing at a Kabul airport. The attack occurred during the United States military's withdrawal from Afghanistan.

The number of female teachers in basic education in Afghanistan has decreased by more than 9 percent. This decline threatens learning for children, particularly girls who are more likely to attend school when female teachers are present.

FIFA has approved a rule change that allows Afghanistan's refugee women footballers to participate in official international matches. The move is intended to provide a route back to international competition for players. The team will compete under the name 'Afghan Women's National Team'. This decision follows months of efforts and advocacy to secure participation for the athletes. The move is described as an step in the sporting world. King Charles expressed deep concern regarding recent anti-Semitic incidents during his state visit to America. Increased police presence has been noted in response to anti-Semitic hatred. The Asian Football Confederation has reportedly allowed the Afghanistan women's football team to compete using a neutral flag. FIFA stated it can consider such exceptions for players unable to use their national symbols due to domestic political or security reasons.

UNICEF warned this morning that Afghanistan could lose approximately 25,000 female teachers and healthcare workers by 2030. This potential loss is attributed to extensive restrictions imposed by the Taliban on girls' education and women's employment. The warning was issued by the United Nations Children's Fund. These restrictions have prevented female players from participating in matches without Taliban approval. Many athletes have been in exile since the Taliban returned to power nearly five years ago. Since the Taliban returned to power in 2021, extensive restrictions have been placed on the employment, education, and sports participation of Afghan women. The Afghan women's national football team has not participated in any official matches during this period. The source noted that for these women, the prospect of returning to the field remains a distant dream.

A strike at a university has reportedly placed the existing truce between Afghanistan and Pakistan under strain.

The Taliban government in Afghanistan reported that at least 4 people were killed and approximately 70 others were injured during mortar and rocket fire. The attack was reportedly carried out by Pakistan. This incident indicates escalating tensions between the two neighboring countries. The report was provided by Taliban deputy spokesperson Hamdullah Fitrat.

Rocket attacks launched by Pakistan against Afghanistan killed four people and injured 70 others, according to the Taliban government. Among the wounded are approximately 30 women and children. The resurgence of combat between the two nations threatens fragile peace negotiations. Islamabad has denied responsibility for a Pakistani attack on a rehabilitation center in Kabul that resulted in 270 deaths. The incident occurred in recent months, according to the report. The attack targeted the facility located in the capital city. Seven soldiers of the Pakistani army were killed and 85 others were injured in an Afghan border province on Monday. No specific name of the province or the exact mechanism of the attack was provided. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha was also mentioned in the context of Russian strikes on Odesa.

Seven people were killed and eight others were injured in attacks in eastern Afghanistan. The report follows recent violence in the region. No specific casualty figures or exact locations within the eastern provinces were provided by the source. The strikes reportedly hit a university. Afghanistan and Pakistan have been in conflict for several months, with violence increasing since late February.

The estate of Swiss photographer and author Eliane Hugi-Roche has been added to the UNESCO World Heritage list. Hugi-Roche was known for her work documenting Asian regions for Western audiences. She lived in Kabul in September 1939 during the declaration of World War II and later resided in India during the war. Her work focused on Eastern spirituality and wisdom. Hugi-Roche, who lived from 1993 to 1997, extensively documented Asian regions, introducing them to Western audiences for the first time. This recognition prompted a special cultural program.