VOA Afghan

Kabul residents queue up for hours to collect water

UN warns city’s groundwater could deplete by 2030

Women's rights activists at UN call for inclusion in negotiations with Taliban

A threat to girls' rights in Afghanistan is a threat to girls everywhere, said Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai

In Afghanistan, media students still keen to learn despite Taliban restrictions

Under the Taliban, the news media in Afghanistan are among the least free in the world, but a new generation of journalists is still keen to learn the skills of the trade. Even women, who are barred from attending university in Afghanistan, are finding ways to study.

Analysts: Completed Afghanistan-China road not yet ready for trade

Taliban officials in the northeastern province of Badakhshan announced the completion of a road connecting Afghanistan to China this year. But experts doubt the road will become a trading route because it needs more work, and China still has security concerns. VOA’s Afghan Service has the story.

Aid groups: Afghanistan at risk of becoming 'forgotten crisis'

Afghan women and girls will suffer 'for years to come' without increase in diplomatic engagement and funding, statement says

Kabul’s Chinatown: A marketplace for Chinese products

Kabul Chinatown is filled with Chinese-made products but very few Chinese faces. VOA’s Afghan service has more on what can be found in Kabul’s Chinatown. The story is narrated by Bezhan Hamdard. Contributors: Roshan Noorzai, Noshaba Ashna

Regional Governments Seen Struggling to Control IS-Khorasan

Experts say last week’s Moscow attack shows the terror group’s ability to reach beyond South-Central Asia

Taliban Arrest Poet, Magazine Editor, Family Members Say

The move is seen as part of current crackdown on freedom of expression, independent media

In Afghanistan, Provincial Radio Stations Face Economic Woes

In Afghanistan’s northern Faryab province, radio stations are trying to keep broadcasting amid a dire economic situation. From Maymana, Afghanistan, VOA’s Afghan Service has the story.

Afghans Returning from Pakistan Need Shelter, Jobs

Hundreds of thousands of Afghans deported from Pakistan are living in makeshift camps near the border. These families say that they need shelter and jobs as the winter is approaching. VOA Afghan Service has the story, narrated by Elizabeth Cherneff.

Herat Earthquake Patients Treated for Injuries, Trauma

Health officials and aid agencies in Afghanistan’s western province of Herat have set up medical tents to treat earthquake victims. The U.N. says recent earthquakes in the province killed more than 1,300 people and injured over 2,000 people. VOA Afghanistan has the story, narrated by Bezhan Hamdard.

Taliban Deny Claims They Are Trying to Join Hamas on the Battlefield

A fake social media post forced the Islamist group to deny it wants to deploy its forces to fight in the war

Appointment of Ambassador Signals China's Ambition in Afghanistan, Experts Say

Zhao Xing is the first ambassador from any country to be appointed to Afghanistan since the Taliban took over in 2021

An Afghan Woman Seamstress Inspires Employment Amid Challenges

In Afghanistan's western province of Herat, a woman has established a successful sewing workshop, employing eight other female workers. VOA Afghan Service brings us her story, narrated by Bezhan Hamdard.

Young Afghans Flee Abroad for Better Future

Hundreds make the perilous journey to Iran, hoping to reach Europe

From Journalist to Taxi Driver, Reporter’s Life Changes Under Taliban Rule

With the Taliban maintaining their hold on power and media jobs becoming more scarce, some reporters in Afghanistan are turning to other work, such as taxi driving, to support their families. For VOA’s Afghan service, Bezhan Hamdard has the story.

Taliban Release 2 Afghan Activists Amid Growing Concern Over 'Arbitrary Arrests'

The two were released after being detained separately for more two months by the Taliban

Those Undermining Taliban 'Deserve Death,' Says Taliban Minister

'No Information on Whereabouts' of Afghan Ex-Official Detained by Taliban, Says Family Member

The Taliban's representative did not respond to VOA's request for comment about the alleged disappearance

Rights Groups Decry Taliban Shuttering of Human Rights Commission 

Taliban authorities call dissolution of AIHRC, along with several other government departments, a budgetary necessity