Latest news with #HabibGhofran
The Advertiser
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Advertiser
Taliban to drop flowers from helicopters on anniversary
The Taliban will shower Kabul with flowers from helicopters to mark the fourth anniversary of their return to power in Afghanistan, an official says. The Taliban seized control of the country on August 15, 2021, weeks before the United States and the NATO military alliance withdrew their forces after a costly two-decade war. Defence Ministry helicopters will perform "beautiful aerial displays" above the Afghan capital on Friday to "shower the city" with colourful flowers, according to a note from Habib Ghofran, the spokesman for the Information and Culture Ministry. There will be sports performances from Afghan athletes from the afternoon until the early evening, Ghofran said. The planned celebrations come as Afghanistan struggles with a massive influx of refugees from neighbouring countries, a faltering economy and cuts in foreign funding, especially from the US. Almost 10 million people face acute food insecurity and one in three children is stunted. Black and white Taliban flags were displayed across Kabul on Thursday. Ahsan Ullah Khan, from northern Sar-e-Pul province, encouraged the Afghan diaspora to return so they could see how peaceful the country was and how happy people were. But Kabul resident Zafar Momand said Afghans needed more than peace. "Along with peace we need employment and education opportunities. If these problems are solved then Afghanistan is the best country to live in," Momand said. "Women are also an important part of society. They should also have education and work opportunities." Females are barred from education beyond the sixth year, many jobs and most public spaces. It was not immediately clear if women would be present at or permitted to attend the anniversary festivities. UNESCO director-genera Audrey Azoulay said on Thursday that Afghanistan stood out as the only country in the world where secondary and higher education was strictly forbidden for girls and women. "Nearly 2.2 million of them are now barred from attending school beyond primary level due to this regressive decision," Azoulay said. "This exclusion of women from public life has disastrous consequences for the country's long-term development, where half the population already lives below the poverty line." Last year's takeover anniversary celebrations were held at Bagram Airfield, once the centre of the US war to unseat the Taliban and hunt down the al-Qaeda perpetrators of the 9/11 attacks. The Taliban will shower Kabul with flowers from helicopters to mark the fourth anniversary of their return to power in Afghanistan, an official says. The Taliban seized control of the country on August 15, 2021, weeks before the United States and the NATO military alliance withdrew their forces after a costly two-decade war. Defence Ministry helicopters will perform "beautiful aerial displays" above the Afghan capital on Friday to "shower the city" with colourful flowers, according to a note from Habib Ghofran, the spokesman for the Information and Culture Ministry. There will be sports performances from Afghan athletes from the afternoon until the early evening, Ghofran said. The planned celebrations come as Afghanistan struggles with a massive influx of refugees from neighbouring countries, a faltering economy and cuts in foreign funding, especially from the US. Almost 10 million people face acute food insecurity and one in three children is stunted. Black and white Taliban flags were displayed across Kabul on Thursday. Ahsan Ullah Khan, from northern Sar-e-Pul province, encouraged the Afghan diaspora to return so they could see how peaceful the country was and how happy people were. But Kabul resident Zafar Momand said Afghans needed more than peace. "Along with peace we need employment and education opportunities. If these problems are solved then Afghanistan is the best country to live in," Momand said. "Women are also an important part of society. They should also have education and work opportunities." Females are barred from education beyond the sixth year, many jobs and most public spaces. It was not immediately clear if women would be present at or permitted to attend the anniversary festivities. UNESCO director-genera Audrey Azoulay said on Thursday that Afghanistan stood out as the only country in the world where secondary and higher education was strictly forbidden for girls and women. "Nearly 2.2 million of them are now barred from attending school beyond primary level due to this regressive decision," Azoulay said. "This exclusion of women from public life has disastrous consequences for the country's long-term development, where half the population already lives below the poverty line." Last year's takeover anniversary celebrations were held at Bagram Airfield, once the centre of the US war to unseat the Taliban and hunt down the al-Qaeda perpetrators of the 9/11 attacks. The Taliban will shower Kabul with flowers from helicopters to mark the fourth anniversary of their return to power in Afghanistan, an official says. The Taliban seized control of the country on August 15, 2021, weeks before the United States and the NATO military alliance withdrew their forces after a costly two-decade war. Defence Ministry helicopters will perform "beautiful aerial displays" above the Afghan capital on Friday to "shower the city" with colourful flowers, according to a note from Habib Ghofran, the spokesman for the Information and Culture Ministry. There will be sports performances from Afghan athletes from the afternoon until the early evening, Ghofran said. The planned celebrations come as Afghanistan struggles with a massive influx of refugees from neighbouring countries, a faltering economy and cuts in foreign funding, especially from the US. Almost 10 million people face acute food insecurity and one in three children is stunted. Black and white Taliban flags were displayed across Kabul on Thursday. Ahsan Ullah Khan, from northern Sar-e-Pul province, encouraged the Afghan diaspora to return so they could see how peaceful the country was and how happy people were. But Kabul resident Zafar Momand said Afghans needed more than peace. "Along with peace we need employment and education opportunities. If these problems are solved then Afghanistan is the best country to live in," Momand said. "Women are also an important part of society. They should also have education and work opportunities." Females are barred from education beyond the sixth year, many jobs and most public spaces. It was not immediately clear if women would be present at or permitted to attend the anniversary festivities. UNESCO director-genera Audrey Azoulay said on Thursday that Afghanistan stood out as the only country in the world where secondary and higher education was strictly forbidden for girls and women. "Nearly 2.2 million of them are now barred from attending school beyond primary level due to this regressive decision," Azoulay said. "This exclusion of women from public life has disastrous consequences for the country's long-term development, where half the population already lives below the poverty line." Last year's takeover anniversary celebrations were held at Bagram Airfield, once the centre of the US war to unseat the Taliban and hunt down the al-Qaeda perpetrators of the 9/11 attacks. The Taliban will shower Kabul with flowers from helicopters to mark the fourth anniversary of their return to power in Afghanistan, an official says. The Taliban seized control of the country on August 15, 2021, weeks before the United States and the NATO military alliance withdrew their forces after a costly two-decade war. Defence Ministry helicopters will perform "beautiful aerial displays" above the Afghan capital on Friday to "shower the city" with colourful flowers, according to a note from Habib Ghofran, the spokesman for the Information and Culture Ministry. There will be sports performances from Afghan athletes from the afternoon until the early evening, Ghofran said. The planned celebrations come as Afghanistan struggles with a massive influx of refugees from neighbouring countries, a faltering economy and cuts in foreign funding, especially from the US. Almost 10 million people face acute food insecurity and one in three children is stunted. Black and white Taliban flags were displayed across Kabul on Thursday. Ahsan Ullah Khan, from northern Sar-e-Pul province, encouraged the Afghan diaspora to return so they could see how peaceful the country was and how happy people were. But Kabul resident Zafar Momand said Afghans needed more than peace. "Along with peace we need employment and education opportunities. If these problems are solved then Afghanistan is the best country to live in," Momand said. "Women are also an important part of society. They should also have education and work opportunities." Females are barred from education beyond the sixth year, many jobs and most public spaces. It was not immediately clear if women would be present at or permitted to attend the anniversary festivities. UNESCO director-genera Audrey Azoulay said on Thursday that Afghanistan stood out as the only country in the world where secondary and higher education was strictly forbidden for girls and women. "Nearly 2.2 million of them are now barred from attending school beyond primary level due to this regressive decision," Azoulay said. "This exclusion of women from public life has disastrous consequences for the country's long-term development, where half the population already lives below the poverty line." Last year's takeover anniversary celebrations were held at Bagram Airfield, once the centre of the US war to unseat the Taliban and hunt down the al-Qaeda perpetrators of the 9/11 attacks.
Perth Now
3 days ago
- Politics
- Perth Now
Taliban to drop flowers from helicopters on anniversary
The Taliban will shower Kabul with flowers from helicopters to mark the fourth anniversary of their return to power in Afghanistan, an official says. The Taliban seized control of the country on August 15, 2021, weeks before the United States and the NATO military alliance withdrew their forces after a costly two-decade war. Defence Ministry helicopters will perform "beautiful aerial displays" above the Afghan capital on Friday to "shower the city" with colourful flowers, according to a note from Habib Ghofran, the spokesman for the Information and Culture Ministry. There will be sports performances from Afghan athletes from the afternoon until the early evening, Ghofran said. The planned celebrations come as Afghanistan struggles with a massive influx of refugees from neighbouring countries, a faltering economy and cuts in foreign funding, especially from the US. Almost 10 million people face acute food insecurity and one in three children is stunted. Black and white Taliban flags were displayed across Kabul on Thursday. Ahsan Ullah Khan, from northern Sar-e-Pul province, encouraged the Afghan diaspora to return so they could see how peaceful the country was and how happy people were. But Kabul resident Zafar Momand said Afghans needed more than peace. "Along with peace we need employment and education opportunities. If these problems are solved then Afghanistan is the best country to live in," Momand said. "Women are also an important part of society. They should also have education and work opportunities." Females are barred from education beyond the sixth year, many jobs and most public spaces. It was not immediately clear if women would be present at or permitted to attend the anniversary festivities. UNESCO director-genera Audrey Azoulay said on Thursday that Afghanistan stood out as the only country in the world where secondary and higher education was strictly forbidden for girls and women. "Nearly 2.2 million of them are now barred from attending school beyond primary level due to this regressive decision," Azoulay said. "This exclusion of women from public life has disastrous consequences for the country's long-term development, where half the population already lives below the poverty line." Last year's takeover anniversary celebrations were held at Bagram Airfield, once the centre of the US war to unseat the Taliban and hunt down the al-Qaeda perpetrators of the 9/11 attacks. Women were barred from that event, including female journalists from the Associated Press and Agence France-Presse.
Toronto Sun
4 days ago
- Politics
- Toronto Sun
The Taliban will shower Kabul with flowers from helicopters for their takeover anniversary
Published Aug 14, 2025 • 2 minute read A man waves Taliban flags for sale amid traffic ahead of celebrations marking the fourth anniversary of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan and the start of Taliban rule in Kabul, Afghanistan, Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025. Photo by Siddiqullah Alizai / AP Photo ISLAMABAD (AP) — The Taliban will shower Kabul with flowers from helicopters to mark the fourth anniversary of their return to power in Afghanistan, an official said Thursday. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account The Taliban seized control of the country on Aug. 15, 2021, weeks before the U.S. and NATO withdrew their forces after a costly, two-decade war. Defence Ministry helicopters will perform 'beautiful aerial displays' above the Afghan capital on Friday to 'shower the city' with colorful flowers, according to a note from Habib Ghofran, the spokesperson for the Information and Culture Ministry. There will be sports performances from Afghan athletes from the afternoon until the early evening, said Ghofran. The planned celebrations come as Afghanistan struggles with a massive influx of refugees from neighbouring countries, a faltering economy and cuts in foreign funding, especially from the U.S. Almost 10 million people face acute food insecurity and one in three children is stunted. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Black and white Taliban flags were displayed across Kabul on Thursday. Ahsan Ullah Khan, from northern Sar-e-Pul province, encouraged the Afghan diaspora to return so they could see how peaceful the country was and how happy people were. But Kabul resident, Zafar Momand, said Afghans needed more than peace. 'Along with peace we need employment and education opportunities. If these problems are solved then Afghanistan is the best country to live in,' Momand said. 'Women are also an important part of society. They should also have education and work opportunities.' Females are barred from education beyond sixth grade, many jobs and most public spaces. It was not immediately clear if women would be present at or permitted to attend the anniversary festivities. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The director-general of UNESCO, Audrey Azoulay, said Thursday that Afghanistan stood out as the only country in the world where secondary and higher education was strictly forbidden for girls and women. 'Nearly 2.2 million of them are now barred from attending school beyond primary level due to this regressive decision,' said Azoulay. 'This exclusion of women from public life has disastrous consequences for the country's long-term development, where half the population already lives below the poverty line.' Last year's takeover anniversary celebrations were held at Bagram Airfield, once the center of America's war to unseat the Taliban and hunt down the al-Qaida perpetrators of the 9/11 attacks. Women were barred from that event, including female journalists from The Associated Press and Agence France-Presse. Sunshine Girls Sunshine Girls World Columnists Toronto & GTA
Winnipeg Free Press
4 days ago
- Politics
- Winnipeg Free Press
The Taliban will shower Kabul with flowers from helicopters for their takeover anniversary
ISLAMABAD (AP) — The Taliban will shower Kabul with flowers from helicopters to mark the fourth anniversary of their return to power in Afghanistan, an official said Thursday. The Taliban seized control of the country on Aug. 15, 2021, weeks before the U.S. and NATO withdrew their forces after a costly, two-decade war. Defense Ministry helicopters will perform 'beautiful aerial displays' above the Afghan capital on Friday to 'shower the city' with colorful flowers, according to a note from Habib Ghofran, the spokesperson for the Information and Culture Ministry. There will be sports performances from Afghan athletes from the afternoon until the early evening, said Ghofran. The planned celebrations come as Afghanistan struggles with a massive influx of refugees from neighboring countries, a faltering economy and cuts in foreign funding, especially from the U.S. Almost 10 million people face acute food insecurity and one in three children is stunted. Black and white Taliban flags were displayed across Kabul on Thursday. Ahsan Ullah Khan, from northern Sar-e-Pul province, encouraged the Afghan diaspora to return so they could see how peaceful the country was and how happy people were. But Kabul resident, Zafar Momand, said Afghans needed more than peace. 'Along with peace we need employment and education opportunities. If these problems are solved then Afghanistan is the best country to live in,' Momand said. 'Women are also an important part of society. They should also have education and work opportunities.' Females are barred from education beyond sixth grade, many jobs and most public spaces. It was not immediately clear if women would be present at or permitted to attend the anniversary festivities. The director-general of UNESCO, Audrey Azoulay, said Thursday that Afghanistan stood out as the only country in the world where secondary and higher education was strictly forbidden for girls and women. 'Nearly 2.2 million of them are now barred from attending school beyond primary level due to this regressive decision,' said Azoulay. 'This exclusion of women from public life has disastrous consequences for the country's long-term development, where half the population already lives below the poverty line.' Last year's takeover anniversary celebrations were held at Bagram Airfield, once the center of America's war to unseat the Taliban and hunt down the al-Qaida perpetrators of the 9/11 attacks. Women were barred from that event, including female journalists from The Associated Press and Agence France-Presse.
4 days ago
- Politics
Taliban to shower Kabul with flowers from helicopters for their takeover anniversary
ISLAMABAD -- The Taliban will shower Kabul with flowers from helicopters to mark the fourth anniversary of their return to power in Afghanistan, an official said Thursday. The Taliban seized control of the country on August 15, 2021, weeks before the U.S. and NATO withdrew their forces after a costly, two-decade war. Defense Ministry helicopters will perform 'beautiful aerial displays' above the Afghan capital on Friday to 'shower the city' with colorful flowers, according to a note from Habib Ghofran, the spokesman for the Information and Culture Ministry. There will be sports performances from Afghan athletes from the afternoon until the early evening, said Ghofran. The festivities come as Afghanistan struggles with a massive influx of refugees from neighboring countries, a faltering economy and cuts in foreign funding, especially from the U.S. Almost 10 million people face acute food insecurity and one in three children is stunted. Black and white Taliban flags were displayed across Kabul on Thursday. Ahsan Ullah Khan, from northern Sar-e-Pul province, encouraged the Afghan diaspora to return so they could see how peaceful the country was and how happy people were. But Kabul resident, Zafar Momand, said Afghans needed more than peace. 'Along with peace we need employment and education opportunities. If these problems are solved then Afghanistan is the best country to live," Momand said. "Women are also an important part of society. They should also have education and work opportunities.' Females are barred from education beyond sixth grade, many jobs and most public spaces. It was not immediately clear if women would be present at or permitted to attend Friday's festivities. Last year's takeover anniversary celebrations were held at Bagram Airfield, once the center of America's war to unseat the Taliban and hunt down the al-Qaida perpetrators of the 9/11 attacks.
