Latest news with #FeastofSacrifice
Korea Herald
3 days ago
- Politics
- Korea Herald
Taliban leader slams Trump's travel ban on Afghans and calls the US an 'oppressor'
The top Taliban leader on Saturday slammed President Donald Trump's travel ban on Afghans, calling the United States an oppressor, as Afghanistan's rulers seek greater engagement with the international community. The comments from Hibatullah Akhundzada marked the first public reaction from the Taliban since the Trump administration moved to bar citizens from 12 countries, including Afghanistan, from entering the US. Trump's executive order largely applies to Afghans hoping to resettle in the US permanently, as well as those hoping to go to America temporarily, including for university studies. Since returning to power in Afghanistan in 2021, the Taliban have imposed harsh measures, banned women from public places and education for women and girls beyond the sixth grade. And though they have so far failed to gain recognition as the country's official government, the Taliban have diplomatic relations with several countries, including China and Russia. Akhundzada released his message on the Islamic holiday of Eid al-Adha, also known as the "Feast of Sacrifice," from the southern city of Kandahar, where he has set up base but is rarely seen in public. In a 45-minute audio recording shared by Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid on X, Akhundzada denounced the Trump administration for imposing "restrictions on people." "Citizens from 12 countries are barred from entering their land — and Afghans are not allowed either," he said. "Why? Because they claim the Afghan government has no control over its people and that people are leaving the country. So, oppressor! Is this what you call friendship with humanity?" He blamed the US for the deaths of Palestinian women and children in Gaza, linking this allegation to the travel ban. "You are committing acts that are beyond tolerance," he added. The Trump administration says the measure is meant to protect US citizens from "aliens who intend to commit terrorist attacks, threaten our national security, espouse hateful ideology, or otherwise exploit the immigration laws for malevolent purposes." It argues that Afghanistan lacks a competent central authority for issuing passports or civil documents and lacks appropriate screening and vetting measures. It also says Afghans who visit the US have a high visa overstay rate. Trump also suspended a core refugee program in January, all but ending support for Afghans who had allied with the US and leaving tens of thousands of them stranded. Also on Saturday, the Taliban prime minister said that all Afghans who fled the country after the collapse of the former Western-backed government are free to return home, promising they would be safe. "Afghans who have left the country should return to their homeland," Mohammad Hassan Akhund said. "Nobody will harm them." "Come back to your ancestral land and live in an atmosphere of peace," the Taliban prime minister said in a message on X and instructed officials to ensure returning refugees were given shelter and support. He also used the occasion to criticize the media for making what he said were "false judgements" about Afghanistan's Taliban rulers and their policies. "We must not allow the torch of the Islamic system to be extinguished," he said. "The media should avoid false judgments and should not minimize the accomplishments of the system. While challenges exist, we must remain vigilant." The Taliban swept into the capital of Kabul and seized most of Afghanistan in a blitz in mid-August 2021 as the US and NATO forces were in the last weeks of their pullout from the country after 20 years of war. The offensive prompted a mass exodus, with tens of thousands of Afghans thronging the airport in chaotic scenes, hoping for a flight out on the US military airlift. People also fled across the border, to neighboring Iran and Pakistan. Among those escaping the new Taliban rulers were also former government officials, journalists, activists, those who had helped the US during its campaign against the Taliban. Separately, Afghans in neighboring Pakistan who are awaiting resettlement are also dealing with a deportation drive by the Islamabad government to get them out of the country. Almost a million have left Pakistan since October 2023 to avoid arrest and expulsion. (AP)
Yomiuri Shimbun
3 days ago
- Politics
- Yomiuri Shimbun
The Taliban Leader Slams Trump's Travel Ban on Afghans and Calls the US an ‘Oppressor'
The Associated Press A Taliban fighter stands guard near the Shah-Do Shamshira Mosque as people attend the Eid al-Adha prayer in Kabul, Afghanistan, Saturday, June 7, 2025. The top Taliban leader on Saturday slammed President Donald Trump's travel ban on Afghans, calling the United States an oppressor, as Afghanistan's rulers seek greater engagement with the international community. The comments from Hibatullah Akhundzada marked the first public reaction from the Taliban since the Trump administration this week moved to bar citizens from 12 countries, including Afghanistan, from entering the U.S. Trump's executive order largely applies to Afghans hoping to resettle in the U.S. permanently, as well as those hoping to go to America temporarily, including for university studies. Since returning to power in Afghanistan in 2021, the Taliban have imposed harsh measures, banned women from public places and education for women and girls beyond the sixth grade. And though they have so far failed to gain recognition as the country's official government, the Taliban have diplomatic relations with several countries, including China and Russia. A message from the leader Akhundzada released his message on the Islamic holiday of Eid al-Adha, also known as the 'Feast of Sacrifice,' from the southern city of Kandahar, where he has set up base but is rarely seen in public. In a 45-minute audio recording shared by Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid on X, Akhundzada denounced the Trump administration for imposing 'restrictions on people.' 'Citizens from 12 countries are barred from entering their land — and Afghans are not allowed either,' he said. 'Why? Because they claim the Afghan government has no control over its people and that people are leaving the country. So, oppressor! Is this what you call friendship with humanity?' He blamed the U.S. for the deaths of Palestinian women and children in Gaza, linking this allegation to the travel ban. 'You are committing acts that are beyond tolerance,' he added. The Trump administration says the measure is meant to protect U.S. citizens from 'aliens who intend to commit terrorist attacks, threaten our national security, espouse hateful ideology, or otherwise exploit the immigration laws for malevolent purposes.' It argues that Afghanistan lacks a competent central authority for issuing passports or civil documents and lacks appropriate screening and vetting measures. It also says Afghans who visit the U.S. have a high visa overstay rate. Trump also suspended a core refugee program in January, all but ending support for Afghans who had allied with the U.S. and leaving tens of thousands of them stranded. The Taliban offer amnesty Also on Saturday, the Taliban prime minister said that all Afghans who fled the country after the collapse of the former Western-backed government are free to return home, promising they would be safe. 'Afghans who have left the country should return to their homeland,' Mohammad Hassan Akhund said. 'Nobody will harm them.' 'Come back to your ancestral land and live in an atmosphere of peace,' the Taliban prime minister said in a message on X and instructed officials to ensure returning refugees were given shelter and support. He also used the occasion to criticize the media for making what he said were 'false judgements' about Afghanistan's Taliban rulers and their policies. 'We must not allow the torch of the Islamic system to be extinguished,' he said. 'The media should avoid false judgments and should not minimize the accomplishments of the system. While challenges exist, we must remain vigilant.' The return of the Taliban rule The Taliban swept into the capital of Kabul and seized most of Afghanistan in a blitz in mid-August 2021 as the U.S. and NATO forces were in the last weeks of their pullout from the country after 20 years of war. The offensive prompted a mass exodus, with tens of thousands of Afghans thronging the airport in chaotic scenes, hoping for a flight out on the U.S. military airlift. People also fled across the border, to neighboring Iran and Pakistan. Among those escaping the new Taliban rulers were also former government officials, journalists, activists, those who had helped the U.S. during its campaign against the Taliban. Separately, Afghans in neighboring Pakistan who are awaiting resettlement are also dealing with a deportation drive by the Islamabad government to get them out of the country. Almost a million have left Pakistan since October 2023 to avoid arrest and expulsion.
Los Angeles Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- Los Angeles Times
Taliban leader slams Trump's travel ban on Afghans, calls U.S. an ‘oppressor'
The top Taliban leader on Saturday slammed President Trump's travel ban on Afghans, calling the United States an oppressor, as Afghanistan's rulers seek greater engagement with the international community. The comments from Hibatullah Akhundzada marked the first public reaction from the Taliban since the Trump administration in recent days moved to bar citizens from 12 countries, including Afghanistan, from entering the U.S. Trump's executive order largely applies to Afghans hoping to resettle in the U.S. permanently, as well as those hoping to go to America temporarily, including for university studies. Since returning to power in Afghanistan in 2021, the Taliban have imposed harsh measures, including banning women from public places and education for women and girls beyond the sixth grade. Although they have so far failed to gain recognition as the country's official government, the Taliban have diplomatic relations with several countries, including China and Russia. Akhundzada released his message on the Islamic holiday of Eid al-Adha, also known as the 'Feast of Sacrifice,' from the southern city of Kandahar, where he has set up base but is rarely seen in public. In a 45-minute audio recording shared by Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid on X, Akhundzada denounced the Trump administration for imposing 'restrictions on people.' 'Citizens from 12 countries are barred from entering their land — and Afghans are not allowed either,' he said. 'Why? Because they claim the Afghan government has no control over its people and that people are leaving the country. So, oppressor! Is this what you call friendship with humanity?' He blamed the U.S. for the deaths of Palestinian women and children in Gaza, linking this allegation to the travel ban. 'You are committing acts that are beyond tolerance,' he added. The Trump administration says the measure is meant to protect U.S. citizens from 'aliens who intend to commit terrorist attacks, threaten our national security, espouse hateful ideology, or otherwise exploit the immigration laws for malevolent purposes.' It argues that Afghanistan lacks a competent central authority for issuing passports or civil documents and lacks appropriate screening and vetting measures. It also says Afghans who visit the U.S. have a high visa overstay rate. Trump also suspended a core refugee program in January, all but ending support for Afghans who had allied with the U.S. and leaving tens of thousands of them stranded. Also on Saturday, the Taliban prime minister said that all Afghans who fled the country after the collapse of the former Western-backed government are free to return home, promising they would be safe. 'Afghans who have left the country should return to their homeland,' Mohammad Hassan Akhund said. 'Nobody will harm them.' 'Come back to your ancestral land and live in an atmosphere of peace,' the Taliban prime minister said in a message on X, instructing officials to ensure returning refugees were given shelter and support. He also used the occasion to criticize the media for making what he said were 'false judgments' about Afghanistan's Taliban rulers and their policies. 'We must not allow the torch of the Islamic system to be extinguished,' he said. 'The media should avoid false judgments and should not minimize the accomplishments of the system. While challenges exist, we must remain vigilant.' The Taliban swept into the capital of Kabul and seized most of Afghanistan in a blitz in mid-August 2021 as the U.S. and NATO forces were in the last weeks of their pullout from the country after 20 years of war. The offensive prompted a mass exodus, with tens of thousands of Afghans thronging the airport in chaotic scenes, hoping for a flight out on the U.S. military airlift. People also fled across the border, to neighboring Iran and Pakistan. Among those escaping the new Taliban rulers were former government officials, journalists, activists and those who had helped the U.S. during its campaign against the Taliban. Separately, Afghans in neighboring Pakistan who are awaiting resettlement are also dealing with a deportation drive by the Islamabad government to get them out of the country. Almost a million have left Pakistan since October 2023 to avoid arrest and expulsion. Press writes for the Associated Press.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Eid Al Adha 2025: Dubai airport welcomes Eid travellers with special passport stamps
A traveller shows the 'Eid in Dubai' stamp on his passport. Photo: Passengers arriving in Dubai during the Eid Al Adha holidays are being welcomed with a specially designed passport stamp that reads 'Eid in Dubai', part of a festive initiative by Dubai's General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). The commemorative stamp, introduced at Dubai Airports and the Hatta border crossing, was designed by Brand Dubai, the creative arm of the Government of Dubai Media Office. Images shared by the Dubai Media Office show the stamp placed prominently in arriving passengers' passports, symbolising a warm, cultural welcome as they enter the country during one of the most important festivals in Islam. — DXBMediaOffice (@DXBMediaOffice) The GDRFA confirmed that immigration officers have been stamping passports with the unique design since the start of the holiday weekend. The initiative aligns with broader efforts to offer a meaningful and memorable entry experience for travellers. Celebrating Eid Al Adha 2025 Eid Al Adha, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice, began in the UAE on Friday, June 6, following the Day of Arafah. Residents are enjoying a four-day weekend from Thursday, June 5 to Sunday, June 8. Commemorating Prophet Ibrahim's devotion, the festival is observed with special prayers and traditional animal sacrifices. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Costco Shoppers Say This Wrinkle Cream Is "Actually Worth It" The Skincare Magazine Undo Across Dubai, the holiday is being celebrated with fireworks displays, cultural performances, and festive menus in malls and public venues. Notably, Dubai Parks and Resorts is hosting fireworks visible from Riverland Dubai, enhancing the holiday atmosphere for residents and visitors alike. Over 80,000 stamps issued According to officials, more than 80,000 travellers have already received the commemorative stamp. Visitors from countries such as India, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, the UK, and the Philippines have shared their stamped passports on social media, describing it as a joyful and surprising gesture. Many have taken photos of the stamped pages and posted them online, tagging Dubai Airports and sharing messages of appreciation. 'Arrived in Dubai and was greeted with the most beautiful Eid stamp! What a way to start the holidays,' wrote one traveller from London. A cultural welcome that resonates Brigadier General Talal Al Shanqeeti, of the GDRFA, explained the significance of the campaign, noting that it represents the values of hospitality, tolerance, and joy that the UAE seeks to offer every visitor. The stamp is part of the wider vision to celebrate culture through simple, human-centred gestures. Immigration officers have reported strong positive feedback. Some passengers have asked specifically for the stamp, while others were moved emotionally by the thoughtful welcome. What to know if you're arriving Timing matters: The stamp is available during Eid week at select immigration counters. Request it politely at immigration if it isn't offered by default. Keep the passport page as a souvenir (it doesn't impact visa status). Check availability depending on their arrival terminal, Terminals 1, 2, and 3 may vary slightly. Even airlines such as Emirates and Flydubai have reported passengers asking about the stamp while still onboard. The stamp initiative serves as a small but powerful example of how Dubai blends culture with modern hospitality. For Muslim travellers observing Eid far from home or first-time visitors to the UAE, it adds a memorable personal touch to their arrival experience, turning a routine entry process into something festive and meaningful.
The Hindu
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
A top Taliban official offers amnesty to Afghans who fled the country and urges them to return
A top Taliban official said on Saturday (JUne 7, 2025) that all Afghans who fled the country after the collapse of the former Western-backed government are free to return home, promising they would not be harmed if they come back. Taliban Prime Minister Mohammad Hassan Akhund made the amnesty offer in his message for the Islamic holiday of Id-ul-Azha, also known as the 'Feast of Sacrifice.' The offer comes days after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a sweeping travel ban on 12 countries, including Afghanistan. The measure largely bars Afghans hoping to resettle in the United States permanently as well as those hoping to go to the U.S. temporarily, such as for university study. Mr. Trump also suspended a core refugee program in January, all but ending support for Afghans who had allied with the U.S. and leaving tens of thousands of them stranded. Afghans in neighbouring Pakistan who are awaiting resettlement are also dealing with a deportation drive by the Islamabad government to get them out of the country. Almost a million have left Pakistan since October 2023 to avoid arrest and expulsion. Akhund's holiday message was posted on the social platform X. 'Afghans who have left the country should return to their homeland,' he said. 'Nobody will harm them." "Come back to your ancestral land and live in an atmosphere of peace,' he added, and instructed officials to properly manage services for returning refugees and to ensure they were given shelter and support. He also used the occasion to criticize the media for making what he said were 'false judgements' about Afghanistan's Taliban rulers and their policies. 'We must not allow the torch of the Islamic system to be extinguished,' he said. 'The media should avoid false judgments and should not minimize the accomplishments of the system. While challenges exist, we must remain vigilant.' The Taliban swept into the capital Kabul and seized most of Afghanistan in a blitz in mid-August 2021 as the U.S. and NATO forces were in the last weeks of their pullout from the country after 20 years of war. The offensive prompted a mass exodus, with tens of thousands of Afghans thronging the airport in chaotic scenes, hoping for a flight out on the U.S. military airlift. People also fled across the border, to neighboring Iran and Pakistan. Among those escaping the new Taliban rulers were also former government officials, journalists, activists, those who had helped the U.S. during its campaign against the Taliban.
