News for 'Taliban'

Sharif thanks Trump for 'appreciating' Pakistan

Sharif thanks Trump for 'appreciating' Pakistan

Rediff.com5 Mar 2025

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif thanked US President Donald Trump for acknowledging Pakistan's role in counter-terrorism efforts after the country arrested a wanted terrorist. Trump thanked the Pakistani government for helping arrest "Mohammad Shareefullah", also known as Jafar, who supported and conducted activities on behalf of ISIS-K in support of multiple lethal attacks, including the Abbey Gate attack in 2021. Sharif said the terrorist, an Afghan national, had been apprehended in an operation along the border with Afghanistan.

26/11 marked turning point in India-Pak ties: Jaishankar

26/11 marked turning point in India-Pak ties: Jaishankar

Rediff.com15 Apr 2025

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said the 2008 Mumbai terror attack marked a turning point in relations with Pakistan when Indians collectively felt that such behaviour from a neighbouring country could no longer be tolerated. Speaking at Charotar University of Science and Technology, Jaishankar acknowledged India's transformation under Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the last decade, while Pakistan has remained unchanged, continuing with what he termed as its "bad habits."

Taliban Bans Beauty Salons

Taliban Bans Beauty Salons

Rediff.com28 Jul 2023

Ahead of the second anniversary of its grabbing power in Afghanistan, the Taliban has banned women's beauty salons in the country.

Liberation of Balochistan and Sindh must top the agenda

Liberation of Balochistan and Sindh must top the agenda

Rediff.com25 Apr 2025

Terrorism and insurgency in J&K had subsided when India demolished East Pakistan -- for the simple reason that Pakistan understands power. We need to follow Chanakya's dictum of Saam, Daam, Dand, Bhed for strategising against Pakistan, asserts Lieutenant General Prakash Katoch (Retd). The ground truth is that unless we are prepared to acknowledge our shortcomings, including massive intelligence failures, punish those responsible and take corrective actions, we will continue in the same vein, asserts Lieutenant General Prakash Katoch (Retd).

Malala Visits Home For 1st Time After Shooting

Malala Visits Home For 1st Time After Shooting

Rediff.com6 Mar 2025

'It was such a joy for me to return there today -- after 13 long years -- to be surrounded by the mountains, dip my hands in the cold river and laugh with my beloved cousins.'

Is India keen to revive ties with Taliban-controlled Afghanistan?

Is India keen to revive ties with Taliban-controlled Afghanistan?

Rediff.com8 Mar 2024

Singh, the joint secretary heading the division for Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran in the ministry of external affairs, held talks with Taliban's foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi on Thursday.

Will Pakistan's Generals Never Learn?

Will Pakistan's Generals Never Learn?

Rediff.com19 Apr 2025

Asim Munir and his brand of short-sighted army officers give no inkling of paying heed, changing course or learning lessons from the past, observes Rana Banerji, who headed the Pakistan desk at RA&W.

Afghanistan cricket reeling under sex apartheid

Afghanistan cricket reeling under sex apartheid

Rediff.com15 Jan 2025

'We are committed to leveraging our influence constructively to support the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) in fostering cricket development and ensuring playing opportunities for both men and women in Afghanistan'.

Eng players urged to boycott Champions Trophy match

Eng players urged to boycott Champions Trophy match

Rediff.com7 Jan 2025

England previously faced Afghanistan at the 50-overs Cricket World Cup in 2023, as well as at the Twenty20 World Cup in 2022.

'Without US, Saudis, UAE in loop, there will be no retaliation'

'Without US, Saudis, UAE in loop, there will be no retaliation'

Rediff.com24 Apr 2025

'If Pakistan's army wants to escalate violence in Kashmir, they have an unlimited supply of jihadis they can train and send. That's not an issue for them.'

Why did Trump thank Pakistan?

Why did Trump thank Pakistan?

Rediff.com5 Mar 2025

Trump thanked the Government of Pakistan for "helping arrest this monster".

'We have no option but to strike back'

'We have no option but to strike back'

Rediff.com23 Apr 2025

'If they aim to remain aligned with the public sentiment, as any democratic government should, then they must respond. Why else would the prime minister have cut short his visit to Saudi Arabia? And why would he have instructed the home minister himself to travel to Srinagar to assess the situation firsthand? This suggests that something is indeed being planned. I am quite certain of that, although the exact form it will take remains to be seen.'

Taliban Celebrates The Fall Of Kabul

Taliban Celebrates The Fall Of Kabul

Rediff.com16 Aug 2023

August 15, 2023 marked two years since the Taliban captured power in Afghanistan and Talibs celebrated the fall of Kabul on the street near the US embassy on Tuesday.

Are Baloch rebels out of Pakistan's control now?

Are Baloch rebels out of Pakistan's control now?

Rediff.com14 Mar 2025

The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) has undergone a significant transformation, evolving from hit-and-run attacks to carrying out sophisticated operations with tactical precision. The group's tactics and targets have become increasingly audacious, targeting security forces, Chinese nationals, and innocent civilians. Experts attribute the BLA's evolution to various factors, including the leadership of Bashir Zeb, the group's growing intelligence network, and its exploitation of the grievances of the Baloch people. The BLA's actions are a cause for concern, as the group's sophisticated attacks pose a major challenge to security forces.

12 civilians, 6 terrorists killed in attack on Pak Army Cantonment

12 civilians, 6 terrorists killed in attack on Pak Army Cantonment

Rediff.com5 Mar 2025

At least 12 persons, including four children, were killed and 30 injured as two explosive-laden vehicles rammed into the boundary wall of the main cantonment in Bannu in northwest Pakistan on Tuesday while the army personnel neutralised at least six terrorists.

The Diplomat Review: John Abraham Plays It Safe

The Diplomat Review: John Abraham Plays It Safe

Rediff.com14 Mar 2025

The possibilities of this serviceable thriller are immense but the makers prefer to play it safe and hold back the daredevil in the diplomat's clothing, observes Sukanya Verma.

Afghanistan knock England out of Champions Trophy

Afghanistan knock England out of Champions Trophy

Rediff.com27 Feb 2025

Joe Root's century in vain as England were shown the door.

Champions Trophy: SA urged to boycott Afghanistan match

Champions Trophy: SA urged to boycott Afghanistan match

Rediff.com9 Jan 2025

South Africa Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie said he supported calls for a boycott of Afghanistan in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan next month.

'This is a very historic moment for all Afghan women'

'This is a very historic moment for all Afghan women'

Rediff.com27 Jan 2025

Afghanistan women set to return to cricket field after four-year wait.

'Don't Think US Will Cut Off Ties With UN'

'Don't Think US Will Cut Off Ties With UN'

Rediff.com10 Mar 2025

'Decline of the UN did not start with the Trump administration. It has been happening over the last two decades or more.'

Pak Army chief visits Balochistan as clashes kill 18 security personnel

Pak Army chief visits Balochistan as clashes kill 18 security personnel

Rediff.com2 Feb 2025

Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff Gen Syed Asim Munir visited Balochistan on Saturday amid clashes in the restive province in which 18 security personnel and 23 terrorists have been killed in the last 24 hours. The army chief was given a comprehensive brief on the prevailing security situation in the province and offered prayers at the funeral of the slain soldiers. He also visited the injured soldiers in the Combined Military Hospital Quetta. The military said the terrorists were killed in different areas of troubled Balochistan in the last 24 hours. Terror attacks have increased since the banned militant Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan group broke a fragile ceasefire agreement with the government.

Local staffer at Indian consulate in Afghanistan hurt in attack

Local staffer at Indian consulate in Afghanistan hurt in attack

Rediff.com25 Dec 2024

An Afghan national working at the Indian consulate in Jalalabad sustained injuries when unidentified persons opened fire at his vehicle. India had closed operations at the consulate in 2020 but a number of local staffers were working at the mission. The Afghan staff member of the consulate, identified as Wadood Khan, was reportedly working as a translator. Khan had left Afghanistan after the Taliban takeover and went to India. He reportedly returned to Afghanistan few months back and rejoined the consulate.

Afghanistan name Champions Trophy squad amid boycott calls

Afghanistan name Champions Trophy squad amid boycott calls

Rediff.com13 Jan 2025

Afghanistan may be faced with some off-field distractions in Pakistan with Group B rivals England and South Africa being urged to boycott their matches.

Trump opens up on his viral moment with Obama

Trump opens up on his viral moment with Obama

Rediff.com11 Jan 2025

United States President-elect Donald Trump opened up about the viral moment between him and former President Barack Obama, acknowledging the seemingly warm interaction that was captured during the funeral of former President Jimmy Carter, Politico reported.

Complainant drops out, Javed Akhtar acquitted in RSS defamation case

Complainant drops out, Javed Akhtar acquitted in RSS defamation case

Rediff.com18 Nov 2024

A Mumbai court has acquitted veteran lyricist Javed Akhtar in a defamation case against him over his alleged objectionable remarks on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) as the complainant has withdrawn the case.

India's dominance hurts Test cricket: Chappell

India's dominance hurts Test cricket: Chappell

Rediff.com26 Jan 2025

Former Australia captain Ian Chappell has criticized the ICC, calling it an "event management company" and stating that financially stronger boards are dictating a self-serving schedule that harms Test cricket.

Afghan embassy denies leadership change amid Taliban claim of CDA appointment

Afghan embassy denies leadership change amid Taliban claim of CDA appointment

Rediff.com16 May 2023

Mamundzay was appointed by the previous Ashraf Ghani government and he has been operating as the Afghan envoy even after the Taliban came to power in August 2021.

What was in red bag on IC-814 flight? Ex-envoy reveals in new book

What was in red bag on IC-814 flight? Ex-envoy reveals in new book

Rediff.com14 Sep 2024

"The 'red bag' belonged to one of the hijackers, it contained explosives, and possibly, real passports, too.

Afghan Khudadadi first refugee to win Paralympic medal after chaotic journey

Afghan Khudadadi first refugee to win Paralympic medal after chaotic journey

Rediff.com30 Aug 2024

Zakia Khudadadi completed a remarkable journey to become the first athlete from the refugee team to win a medal at the Paralympics when she clinched a taekwondo bronze on Thursday.

Spotted! The Taliban's Mullah Baradar

Spotted! The Taliban's Mullah Baradar

Rediff.com25 May 2022

Present at the signing ceremony was the Taliban's rarely seen Deputy Prime Minister Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, who lost out in a power struggle last year to be prime minister.

Taliban welcome Indian Budget 2023, say good for ties

Taliban welcome Indian Budget 2023, say good for ties

Rediff.com3 Feb 2023

The Taliban's remarks came after Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed a $25 million development aid package for Afghanistan in the Union Budget.

IC-814: The Hijack That Shook The Nation

IC-814: The Hijack That Shook The Nation

Rediff.com4 Sep 2024

All You Want To Know About The 1999 Hijack.

The Man Who Fought Al-Qaeda, Taliban

The Man Who Fought Al-Qaeda, Taliban

Rediff.com4 Mar 2023

Ahmed Shah Massoud's assassination, 9/11 and the defeat and ejection of the Taliban suggested a break in Afghanistan's history, but the events of August 2021 and the Taliban's return shows how deeper continuities remained in place, points out T C A Raghavan, former Indian high commissioner to Pakistan.

Taliban terrorists or not: Omar on India-Taliban talks

Taliban terrorists or not: Omar on India-Taliban talks

Rediff.com1 Sep 2021

"If they are a terror organisation, why are you (GoI) talking to them? If they are not a terror organisation, why are you banning their bank accounts. Why are you not recognizing their government? Make up your mind," he said.

Indian Diplomats Meet With Taliban

Indian Diplomats Meet With Taliban

Rediff.com3 Jun 2022

A delegation led by J P Singh, joint secretary (Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran) at the ministry of external affairs, visited Kabul on Thursday, June 2, 2022, to to survey Indian developmental projects in Afghanistan.

Olympics: Afghan refugee athlete disqualified for slogan

Olympics: Afghan refugee athlete disqualified for slogan

Rediff.com10 Aug 2024

Afghan B-Girl Manizha Talash, a member of the refugee Olympic team at the Paris Games, was disqualified after displaying the words "Free Afghan Women" on her cape.

Taliban issue new diktat to punish 'untruthful criticism'

Taliban issue new diktat to punish 'untruthful criticism'

Rediff.com23 Jul 2022

Zabiullah Mujahid, spokesperson of the Taliban published new 'instructions' attributed to their leader, Mullah Hebatullah Akhundzada, and their implementation was called the 'Sharia responsibility' of the people and the media, reported Voice of America (VOA).

Afghan sprinter makes bold statement at Paris Olympics

Afghan sprinter makes bold statement at Paris Olympics

Rediff.com3 Aug 2024

Kimia Yousofi sends message for Afghan women with Paris performance

NIA gets mail threatening 'Taliban attack' in Mumbai

NIA gets mail threatening 'Taliban attack' in Mumbai

Rediff.com3 Feb 2023

The IP (internet protocol) address of the sender has been traced to Pakistan, said the official.

US warns Taliban over decision to ban women from universities

US warns Taliban over decision to ban women from universities

Rediff.com21 Dec 2022

The Taliban rulers on Tuesday banned university education for women nationwide, as they took decisive steps to crush their right to education and freedom.