Latest news with #KhaamaPress
Times of Oman
19 hours ago
- Politics
- Times of Oman
Rights groups raise alarm over rise in executions of Afghan migrants in Iran
Kabul: Human rights groups have expressed serious concern over the growing number of executions of Afghan migrants in Iran, warning of rising injustice and lack of fair trials, Khaama Press reported. According to Iranian human rights organisations, at least 85 prisoners have been executed in Iranian prisons in the month following the Israel-Iran ceasefire. The Hengaw Human Rights Organisation reported that six of those executed were Afghan citizens, though their identities and charges were not disclosed. The rest included 15 Lur prisoners, 12 Turks, 12 Kurds, and six Baluch. Six individuals were also executed on charges of "spying for Israel," though it remains unclear whether any of them were Afghan nationals. Hengaw and other human rights groups say executions of Afghan citizens in Iran have sharply increased in recent years. In the first six months of 2025 alone, at least 40 Afghan nationals were executed, while 73 were executed in 2024, Khaama Press noted. Iran's broad application of the death penalty, including against Afghan migrants, has drawn sharp criticism from international human rights groups. They describe Tehran as one of the world's leading enforcers of capital punishment, Khaama Press reported. While many of these executions are reportedly tied to drug trafficking or political charges, rights monitors continue to raise alarms about opaque judicial processes. Trials often lack transparency and basic legal safeguards, raising serious concerns about due process for vulnerable individuals, including Afghan migrants, according to Khaama Press. Amid these concerns, Iran's Foreign Ministry said President Masoud Pezeshkian's recent comment about visiting Kabul was a personal gesture, not an official diplomatic plan, according to Khaama Press. Addressing a press conference in Tehran on Monday, Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei stated, "There are no official plans for President Masoud Pezeshkian to visit Afghanistan at this time." He added that the president's recent comment expressing willingness to visit Kabul was "a personal expression of goodwill," not part of any scheduled visit. According to Khaama Press, the clarification follows remarks made by Pezeshkian to Foreign Ministry officials on Sunday, where he said he was "ready to travel to Kabul" to open a new chapter in bilateral relations. The Iranian Embassy in Kabul also shared Pezeshkian's statement on its official X (formerly Twitter) account, prompting speculation about whether Tehran may be considering a shift toward formal engagement with the Taliban-led administration. Khaama Press further reported that Baghaei addressed these speculations, stating, "Tehran has not made any decision on the matter yet," in reference to potential recognition of the Taliban government. He also said Iran respects Russia's recent move to recognize the Taliban regime but clarified that Iran has taken no similar step so far. Diplomatic observers cited by Khaama Press believe the clarification signals Iran's cautious approach as it seeks to balance potential outreach to Afghanistan with regional sensitivities and broader international expectations. Analysts noted that any future visit by Pezeshkian, if officially planned, would carry significant diplomatic weight, influencing Afghanistan's standing and Iran's strategic posture in the region.
Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Afghanistan to deploy 2000 workers to Qatar amid rising unemployment
Afghanistan's Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs has announced the planned deployment of 2,000 Afghan workers to Qatar, offering legal employment opportunities amid growing unemployment and an influx of returning refugees, Khaama Press reported. As the program rolls out, Afghan authorities say it could ease some of the burden on the domestic labor market.(AP) According to a statement issued by the Taliban-run ministry on Wednesday, July 23, and posted on its official X account, "Qatar has allocated an additional 1,300 job opportunities for Afghan workers," bringing the total to 2,000 laborers set to be deployed in the upcoming phases. Khaama Press reported that the initiative marks the beginning of a broader program aimed at facilitating the legal deployment of Afghan workers abroad. The ministry noted that the number of job opportunities is expected to rise significantly in the future. Coordination has already taken place between Kabul and Qatari officials to implement the labor deployment in stages. Khaama Press cited the ministry as saying that registration centers and application criteria will be announced soon for Afghan citizens interested in applying. Afghanistan is currently grappling with a deepening humanitarian crisis, including widespread poverty, food insecurity, and the collapse of public services. The crisis has been compounded by the large-scale return of Afghan refugees from neighboring countries, especially Pakistan and Iran, where many had sought work and shelter. With limited employment prospects at home, thousands of returnees and local residents are struggling to support their families. Khaama Press highlighted that the lack of formal work programs has left many Afghans in economic distress, exacerbating the country's instability. As the program rolls out, Afghan authorities say it could ease some of the burden on the domestic labor market, while also offering hope to job seekers seeking legal and safe employment abroad, Khaama Press added. Yet even as Afghanistan looks outward for employment solutions, its global mobility remains severely limited. Afghanistan's passport has been ranked the least powerful in the world in 2025, offering visa-free access to just 26 countries, reflecting the country's deepening global isolation, as reported by Khaama Press. According to the Henley Passport Index for 2025, Afghanistan was ranked 106th, at the bottom of the global list, making it the most restricted passport worldwide. The annual index, based on exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), ranks passports according to the number of destinations their holders can enter without a visa. Khaama Press reported that Afghanistan's travel freedom continues to shrink. In 2024, the country ranked 104th. The two-rank drop in 2025 highlights a further erosion in the country's global mobility, leaving Afghan citizens increasingly cut off from the rest of the world. Meanwhile, Singapore topped the Henley Index in 2025, with its citizens enjoying visa-free access to 195 countries. Japan followed with access to 193 destinations. Finland, France, Germany, Italy, South Korea, and Spain jointly secured third place, with visa-free access to 192 countries. By contrast, Afghan passport holders can travel without a visa to only 26 countries, including Sri Lanka, Somalia, Kenya, Cambodia, and Bangladesh, Khaama Press noted. The drastic gap underscores the limited options available to Afghan citizens for international movement. Despite the Taliban's control over the country, Afghan passports continue to be printed with the emblem of the former government, Khaama Press reported. The report also highlighted how this, combined with severe political instability and economic collapse, has worsened migration trends, even as acquiring a passport has become increasingly difficult for ordinary citizens. Khaama Press further stated that the consistent decline in the power of Afghanistan's passport mirrors the nation's worsening diplomatic and economic standing. The limited global access not only restricts individual movement but also reflects broader issues of international exclusion and lack of recognition. Experts note that unless Afghanistan addresses its core challenges, including governance issues, economic recovery, and efforts to gain international legitimacy, the passport is likely to remain at the bottom of global rankings for the foreseeable future.
Hans India
5 days ago
- Climate
- Hans India
Afghanistan: Three people killed, houses damaged after flash floods in Khost, Paktia
Kabul: As many as three people were killed and homes and farmland suffered severe damage on Thursday after flash floods in Afghanistan's Khost and Paktia provinces. According to local sources, three people died and there was financial loss after the recent floods in several parts of Khost and Paktia, Afghan news agency Khaama Press reported. Local officials said that the floods have impacted Wazi area of Paktia and Nadershah Kot, Zazi Maidan, and Sabari districts in Khost . Several houses were destroyed, farmland were washed away and walls were demolished, leaving residents without shelter and agricultural resources. Three people were killed in Nadershah Kot district while they were gathering firewood near the floodwaters, the news agency reported, citing eyewitness reports. Besides human casualties, local communities that rely heavily on farming and natural resources for their livelihood have suffered significant losses. These floods come just week after flood struck the same region, demonstrating a worrying pattern of recurrent natural disaster in these regions. The floods in these areas showcase the vulnerability of rural communities in eastern Afghanistan, where inadequate infrastructure and limited disaster preparedness increase the damage caused by natural calamities. Urgent steps, including improved flood management systems and support from national and international organisations is needed to help people recover and reduce the effect of future floods. Earlier in June, five people and several houses and infrastructure were severely damaged across several provinces due to floods in Afghanistan. According to a spokesperson from the Taliban-controlled National Disaster Management Authority on June 29, five people were killed and eight others were injured due to floods that occurred in 10 provinces. Kabul, Parwan, Logar, Maidan Wardak, Khost, Paktia, Paktika, Zabul, Nangarhar, and Laghman were particularly impacted in flooding. Spokesperson Mohammad Yousuf Hamad said that one house was completely destroyed, while 162 others were partially damaged. Furthermore, 171 wells, irrigation systems, 11 mosques, 27 water supply networks, dams, channels, 27 small bridges, and 41 kilometers of paved roads were damaged due to flooding. Nearly 100 livestock were lost, and approximately 2,000 jeribs of farmland were destroyed in the flooding.
Hindustan Times
6 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
At least 3 dead as flash floods sweep Afghanistan's Khost and Paktia
Flash floods have caused severe destruction across Afghanistan's eastern provinces of Khost and Paktia, killing three people and damaging homes, farmland, and key infrastructure, Khaama Press reported. Apart from loss of lives, the floods have had a devastating impact on the economy of the affected communities.(AFP File) According to Khaama Press, the floods swept through several districts in both provinces, disrupting lives and leaving widespread economic devastation in their wake. Local officials told Khaama Press that the Wazi district in Paktia and the Nadershah Kot, Zazi Maidan, and Sabari districts in Khost were among the hardest-hit areas, with homes and agricultural lands destroyed and retaining walls demolished. "Three individuals lost their lives in Nadershah Kot district while collecting firewood near the floodwaters," eyewitnesses told Khaama Press, highlighting the dangers posed by sudden flooding events in vulnerable rural areas. In addition to the tragic loss of life, Khaama Press reported that the floods have had a devastating impact on the economy of the affected communities, most of whom rely heavily on farming and natural resources for their livelihoods. The latest flooding comes just weeks after a similar disaster struck the same region, with Khaama Press noting a troubling trend of recurrent natural disasters in these provinces, where poor infrastructure and limited disaster preparedness exacerbate the consequences. Experts have called for urgent investment in flood management systems and greater support from national and international organisations to assist affected communities and build resilience against future calamities. The growing frequency of such disasters, coupled with limited global engagement, highlights Afghanistan's mounting vulnerabilities. Reflecting this broader isolation, Afghanistan's passport has been ranked the least powerful in the world in 2025, offering visa-free access to just 26 countries, as reported by Khaama Press. According to the Henley Passport Index for 2025, Afghanistan was ranked 106th, at the bottom of the global list, making it the most restricted passport worldwide. The annual index, based on exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), ranks passports according to the number of destinations their holders can enter without a visa. Khaama Press reported that Afghanistan's travel freedom continues to shrink. In 2024, the country ranked 104th. The two-rank drop in 2025 highlights a further erosion in the country's global mobility, leaving Afghan citizens increasingly cut off from the rest of the world. Meanwhile, Singapore topped the Henley Index in 2025, with its citizens enjoying visa-free access to 195 countries. Japan followed with access to 193 destinations. Finland, France, Germany, Italy, South Korea, and Spain jointly secured third place, with visa-free access to 192 countries. By contrast, Afghan passport holders can travel without a visa to only 26 countries, including Sri Lanka, Somalia, Kenya, Cambodia, and Bangladesh, Khaama Press noted. The drastic gap underscores the limited options available to Afghan citizens for international movement. Despite the Taliban's control over the country, Afghan passports continue to be printed with the emblem of the former government, Khaama Press reported. The report also highlighted how this, combined with severe political instability and economic collapse, has worsened migration trends, even as acquiring a passport has become increasingly difficult for ordinary citizens. Khaama Press further stated that the consistent decline in the power of Afghanistan's passport mirrors the nation's worsening diplomatic and economic standing. The limited global access not only restricts individual movement but also reflects broader issues of international exclusion and lack of recognition. Experts note that unless Afghanistan addresses its core challenges, including governance issues, economic recovery, and efforts to gain international legitimacy, the passport is likely to remain at the bottom of global rankings for the foreseeable future.
Times of Oman
22-07-2025
- Politics
- Times of Oman
Germany greenlights Taliban consular officials to support Afghan deportations
Berlin: The German government has confirmed that the Taliban will send two consular officials to Germany to assist with the deportation of Afghan nationals, particularly those convicted of serious crimes and rejected asylum seekers, Khaama Press reported. Government spokesperson Stefan Kornelius stated on Monday that an agreement had been reached to allow "two representatives of the Taliban administration" to operate in consular roles in Germany. Their presence aims to support the repatriation of deported Afghans, especially those involved in serious criminal offences, Khaama Press added. This development follows a report by the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, which revealed that Germany's acceptance of the consular officials is linked to the Taliban's cooperation in accepting deportees. Just last week, Germany deported 81 Afghan nationals, most of whom were found guilty of serious crimes, Khaama Press noted. Kornelius clarified that the arrangement does not imply diplomatic recognition of the Taliban but is part of ongoing technical-level communication between Germany and Afghanistan's de facto authorities. He emphasised that systematic deportations will continue, stating, "This process is not completed with just one flight," according to Khaama Press. A Taliban official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that discussions are ongoing but said no final agreement has been reached yet. "The matter is still under negotiation," the source told Khaama Press. The move has sparked debate within Germany, with some expressing concerns about engaging with the Taliban, while others view it as a necessary measure to manage deportations responsibly and efficiently. Adding to this, Germany's Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt has said the Afghan consulate in Berlin should be handed over to the "Taliban" to facilitate the deportation of Afghan "criminal" refugees from Germany, Tolo News reported. Speaking to a German media outlet, Dobrindt clarified that this proposal does not amount to formally recognising the "Taliban" government. He also stated that he had reached an agreement on the matter with Germany's Foreign Minister, according to Tolo News. Dobrindt explained that in the absence of a formal agreement with the Islamic Emirate, Germany is unable to deport Afghan refugees or extend their detention periods for deportation. "One of the problems I recognize and needs to be resolved is how we can properly carry out deportations. Until we have an agreement, we cannot send anyone back to Afghanistan, and I cannot extend the detention period for deportation," he said. Tolo News further reported that the Afghan consulate in Berlin is still being run by officials from the former Afghan government. Transferring control of the consulate to the Islamic Emirate would, in practice, facilitate deportation coordination even without formal diplomatic recognition In response to Germany's proposal, Tolo News reported that Abdulmutalib Haqqani, spokesperson for the Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation of the Islamic Emirate, said that the return of Afghan refugees must be voluntary and supported financially by the German government. "We accept our citizens back from Germany, but it must be voluntary, not forced. Additionally, the German government should financially support their resettlement in Afghanistan so they can remain permanently," Haqqani told Tolo News. Regarding the fate of Afghan refugees accused of crimes, Haqqani added: "Decisions will be made in accordance with Islamic Sharia law after verifying the documents." Germany has previously deported some Afghan nationals accused of criminal offences, but current legal limitations have slowed the process. Tolo News noted that Dobrindt's latest remarks come amid increasing pressure on European countries to deal with undocumented and criminal refugees.
