Gender equality

In a sobering assessment released this week, the United Nations has painted a complex portrait of Afghanistan under Taliban governance, where a dramatic increase in security incidents coincides with fragile stability, devastating cross-border violence with Pakistan, and a deepening humanitarian and human rights crisis.

The international community’s response – through statements, potential aid conditions, or sanctions – will be critical in determining whether such crackdowns face meaningful consequences.

Experts suggest the Eid address serves multiple purposes: rallying domestic support, discouraging dissent, and messaging the international community ahead of potential future talks. With Akhundzada rarely appearing publicly and operating primarily from Kandahar, his sermons remain key vehicles for policy direction.

The coming weeks will likely see intensified advocacy campaigns, potential UN discussions, and continued reporting from independent Afghan media outlets operating in exile.

This uptick from 5.1 per cent in March and 4.9 per cent in February underscores emerging pressures in the labour market, particularly in rural regions where job opportunities remain scarce.

As the sun set over Karachi’s coastline, the initial atmosphere of fear evaporated, replaced by a collective roar of triumph. The 2026 Aurat March proved that bureaucratic red tape, restrictive NOCs, and pre-emptive arrests cannot suppress grassroots resistance.

UNICEF has revealed that the country is on the brink of losing more than 25,000 female teachers and healthcare workers by the year 2030.

Ultimately, supporting the economic participation of Afghan women returnees is not just about individual survival; it is essential for the broader recovery and stability of Afghanistan’s communities.