Intra-Group Discontent and Rising Ethnic and Linguistic Bias Within Taliban Ranks. Zubair Kohbandi, a resident of Kohband district in Kapisa province and formerly affiliated with a Taliban commander known as “Khorasani,” says that after being sidelined by the Taliban, his name was recorded in the Ministry of Interior archive of the group as a “rebel.”
Shocking Allegations of Child Laborers Abused and Sexually Exploited in Taliban Detention Centers. Several child laborers in Kabul have claimed that after being detained by the Taliban, they faced mistreatment, violence, and sexual abuse while held in prisons and facilities known as Darul-Hifaz. According to the children, the detentions were often justified under the pretext
Tragic Death of Four Young Students in Daikundi. Four young students died in Nili city, the capital of Daikundi province, due to carbon monoxide poisoning from charcoal. The incident occurred on (24 January 2026). The victims were aged between 16 and 19. They were students of educational courses preparing for the Kankor university entrance exam.
Strong Criticism by Naqibullah Faiq of Anwar-ul-Haq Ahadi’s Remarks and the Dismissal of University Professors in Faryab. Naqibullah Faiq, a political activist and analyst, strongly criticized recent remarks by Anwar-ul-Haq Ahadi and discriminatory actions in government and universities. He warned that ethnocentric policies are becoming institutionalized. He said non-Pashtuns are gradually being excluded from government
Increase in Arbitrary Taliban Arrests: Teenagers and Youth at Risk. Local sources report the death of a 19-year-old man named Fardin in Parwan province after his detention by the Taliban. According to the sources, Fardin was arrested last week on charges of “opposing the system.” He was reportedly tortured during one week in Taliban custody.
Taliban Cancel Licenses of Ten Media Organizations; Journalists Center Protests. The Afghanistan Journalists Center announced that the Taliban Ministry of Information and Culture has revoked the licenses of at least ten media and journalism organizations. The center condemned the move in a statement issued on Monday, (26 January 2026). It described the decision as a
Sharp Reactions by Atmar and Nabil to Anwar-ul-Haq Ahadi’s Ethnic Rhetoric. Former Foreign Minister Mohammad Hanif Atmar and former security and political figure Rahmatullah Nabil have reacted to recent statements by Anwar-ul-Haq Ahadi. They stated that Ahadi’s claim of representing “90 percent of the Afghan people” is more a political and party slogan than reality.
Taliban Leader: If I Cannot Implement Islamic Sharia, I Will Step Down. Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada, the Taliban leader, said in a recent speech in Kandahar that if he ever feels unable to implement Islamic Sharia in Afghanistan, he will resign from his position. He described the primary responsibility of the Taliban system as the full
Rise in Targeted Killings and Abductions in Afghanistan: Taliban Unable to Ensure Public Security. Local sources in Badghis province report that a 40-year-old man was abducted and later killed in the Barah Khana area of Ab Kamari District. Initial sources say the killing was carried out by unidentified gunmen. Another source claims the man’s son
Bans on Keeping Dogs, Playing Ludo, and Women’s Movement. The Taliban Department for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice in Sholgara District of Balkh province issued a new notice announcing a series of social restrictions and prohibitions. According to the notice, activities previously considered part of daily life are now banned. These include
