Pakistan’s airstrikes and mass deportations do little to control the TTP, but strengthen a Taliban regime that thrives in conflict and can feed off popular Afghan and Pashtun resentment
As the Taliban enforces more severe moral policing and hijab standards in Herat and other provinces, women in Afghanistan speak of escalating public terror and coercion
With a narrow focus on security and a desire to perpetuate Afghanistan’s dependence on Pakistan, Islamabad has failed to recognise the Taliban’s new regional ambitions and geopolitical strategy
The sports journalist discusses the lazy marketing of ICC Women’s World Cup, pay disparities between men and women cricketers and the change to the game in recent years
This week in Himal
Sanjoy Hazarika writes about the unifying legacy of Assamese musical icon Zubeen Garg, bringing together Hindus and Muslims, and the rich and poor across India in
The editor of Zan Times describes the racism underlining Iran’s maltreatment of Afghan refugees during deportation and the crisis they face back in Afghanistan
This week in Himal
This week, Zahra Nader writes about the escalating deportations of Afghan refugees in Iran, with Afghans navigating growing hostility, systemic neglect and violence while being forcibly
Nearly a million Afghan refugees have been deported from Iran in 2025 – many after brutal detention and abuse – to face uncertainty and a humanitarian crisis in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan
