Cultural Canvas

Kabul Serena Hotel with its landscaped garden and walkway, captured in 2013.

Kabul Serena Hotel Ceases Operations, Transferred to Taliban Government

The Kabul Serena Hotel , one of the Afghanistan’s few luxury hotels, has ceased operations after nearly two decades, with its management transferred to the Taliban government’s Ministry of Finance. According to an official statement, …More

A pile of musical instruments, including speakers and guitars, engulfed in flames in an open field under the Taliban's orders to eliminate music in Afghanistan.

Afghan Musicians Silenced: The Struggle for Survival Under Taliban Rule

1 month ago Walma Zala

By Walma Zala, Arts & Culture Correspondent More than two years after the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021, Afghanistan’s music scene remains stifled under a total ban. Musicians, singers, and music lovers across …More

A photo of the stage at the Pashto Music Institute launch event in Malmö, Sweden, featuring traditional Pashto instruments (rubab and tabla) placed on a red carpet, a decorative vase on a table, and a colorful abstract painting in the background. A presentation screen displays the event's welcome message and details in Pashto and English.

Pashto Music Institute Launches in Malmö, Sweden, Heralding a New Era of Musical Heritage Preservation

1 month ago Walma Zala

By Walma Zala, Arts & Culture Correspondent MALMÖ, Sweden — December 27, 2024 In a momentous gathering dedicated to safeguarding cultural identity, the Pashto Music Institute (PMI) marked its soft launch on Friday in Malmö, …More

Rashid Khan sits in a foldable chair by a peaceful lake, gazing into the horizon as the golden hues of sunset paint the sky, surrounded by lush greenery and the gentle ripples of water.

Rashid Khan Becomes Leading Wicket-Taker in T20 Cricket, Setting Historic Record

3 days ago

Afghanistan’s star cricketer Rashid Khan has become the leading wicket-taker in Twenty20 (T20) cricket, surpassing former West Indies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo. With 632 wickets to his name, Rashid now holds the record for the most …More

A group of Afghan women and children sit inside a truck with metal bars at the Torkham border crossing, returning from Pakistan to Afghanistan on October 31, 2023. Some women cover their faces with scarves, while others wear traditional clothing, reflecting the uncertainty of their journey.

Afghan Refugees Face Deportation Amid Crackdowns in Pakistan and Iran

3 days ago

Afghan refugees in Pakistan and Iran are facing increasing pressure as authorities in both countries intensify deportation efforts, raising concerns among humanitarian organizations and rights advocates. Deportation Measures in Pakistan The United Nations High Commissioner …More

Zabihullah Mujahid, dressed in traditional Afghan attire, speaking during an interview with a decorative background featuring cultural elements.

Rifts Deepen Within Taliban Leadership Amid Internal Struggles

5 days ago

Reports of internal discord within the Taliban leadership are growing as high-ranking officials express discontent over key policy decisions, particularly the ban on girls’ education. While Taliban spokespersons continue to deny these claims, mounting evidence …More

Pakistan Urges Western Nations to Resettle Afghan Refugees by March Deadline

5 days ago

Pakistan has called on the United States and other Western nations to expedite the resettlement of Afghan refugees who have already been accepted or are awaiting approval. Officials have warned that if these individuals are …More

Children dressed in traditional Afghan attire scatter rose petals to celebrate the ICC Champions Trophy during its December 2024 countrywide tour.

Afghan Cricket Fans Struggle to Obtain Pakistani Visas for Champions Trophy

6 days ago

Cricket enthusiasts in Afghanistan and Afghan exiles abroad are facing difficulties obtaining Pakistani visas to attend the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy, set to begin on February 19 in Pakistan. Many Afghan fans, eager to support …More

A United Nations flag waves in front of the UNAMA Administration building in Kabul, Afghanistan, under a clear blue sky.

UNAMA Contractor Wounded in Shooting at Kabul Office

6 days ago

KABUL – The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has reported that a Taliban member opened fire at one of its offices in Kabul, injuring an international security contractor. UNAMA’s press office confirmed to …More

A hazy street in Kabul, Afghanistan, showing people walking and cycling through thick air pollution, highlighting severe environmental conditions.

Kabul Air Pollution Crisis: Climate Change, Fuel Quality, and Traffic Worsen Air Quality

1 week ago

KABUL, Afghanistan – Officials from the Taliban-led National Environmental Protection Agency (NEPA) have pinpointed climate change, groundwater contamination, shrinking green spaces, unpaved roads, and the widespread use of low-quality fuel as significant factors contributing to …More

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Afghanistan News, Politics, Culture, and Sports – Insights, Analysis & Updates

Cultural Canvas

Kabul Serena Hotel Ceases Operations, Transferred to Taliban Government

Afghan Musicians Silenced: The Struggle for Survival Under Taliban Rule

Pashto Music Institute Launches in Malmö, Sweden, Heralding a New Era of Musical Heritage Preservation