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Thursday, February 26, 2026

ABP Exclusive | Afghan Taliban Leader Brands Pakistan A ‘Mercenary State’ After Deadly Border Escalation

Afghanistan launched a blistering attack on Pakistan’s military, describing it as a “mercenary in every war” and accusing it of targeting Afghan civilians to mask its own failures as cross-border tensions escalate in the region.  In an exclusive interview with ABP News, Qari Saeed Khoshti, Director at the Ministry of Culture of the Islamic Emirates of Afghanistan, alleged that Pakistan’s army has “never won a single conflict” and routinely suffers setbacks against India. He claimed that Islamabad is now directing its firepower at Afghan civilians in an attempt to divert attention from its military shortcomings. His remarks come after Afghan forces reportedly carried out overnight attacks on multiple Pakistani military posts, killing more than 55 Pakistani soldiers. Khoshti described the strikes as a direct response to what he called a Pakistani airstrike on Afghan civilians on 22 February. “This retaliation will continue until full justice is achieved,” he told ABP News. <h2>Cross-Border Raids and Prisoners Captured</h2> According to Khoshti, Afghan forces launched coordinated operations against several Pakistani military positions at 8 pm local time. By midnight, he claimed, between 18 and 20 checkpoints had been destroyed. He further alleged that Pakistani soldiers, faced with the assault, abandoned their posts and fled. Afghan troops, he said, crossed the Durand Line, which he referred to as a “fabricated boundary”, and took several Pakistani soldiers into custody. The Durand Line has long been a flashpoint between the two neighbours, fuelling decades of mistrust and sporadic violence. <h2>Civilian Casualties and Airstrike Allegations</h2> Khoshti accused Pakistan of conducting repeated airstrikes inside Afghanistan since September, claiming that 88 Afghan civilians have been killed during that period. “If Pakistan has a problem with us, it should fight our military. Targeting civilians is not bravery,” he said. He argued that Pakistan’s history of military setbacks, particularly in conflicts with India, explains what he characterised as its preference for striking “defenceless people rather than confronting armed forces”. “A country established in the name of Islam only attacks other Muslim nations,” he added. <h2>Criticism of Pakistan’s Military Leadership</h2> Khoshti also levelled personal criticism at Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir. He alleged that Munir is acting under the influence of the United States and Western powers, describing the ongoing hostilities as a “mercenary war” against Afghanistan. He further claimed that Munir previously used military action to secure passage of the 27th constitutional amendment and is now backing Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) to destabilise the region and consolidate power. In a fresh allegation, Khoshti asserted that Pakistani military officials have established a joint command structure with Lashkar-e-Taiba and ISKP to create instability in Afghanistan and India. He said the Afghan government has repeatedly provided evidence that Pakistan shelters militant groups, but Islamabad continues to deny responsibility. <h2>Rejecting Claims of Militant Infiltration</h2> Responding to Pakistani claims that Afghanistan harbours Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) fighters who infiltrate across the border, Khoshti dismissed the accusations as baseless. “The claim of infiltration is far from reality,” he said. “There is a border fence between Afghanistan and Pakistan, so how is it possible for BLA or TTP fighters to infiltrate Pakistan and go deep into Islamabad or Rawalpindi to carry out attacks?” He accused Pakistan of shifting blame onto Afghanistan to conceal its own security failures. <h2>Internal Unrest and Regional Fallout</h2> Khoshti maintained that violence in Pakistan’s Pashtun and Baloch regions stems from internal policy failures rather than external interference. He described Pakistan’s domestic approach as a “mercenary war” against its own Pashtun and Baloch populations, arguing that such policies fuel resistance movements including TTP and BLA. In his closing remarks, the senior official insisted that Pakistan must take responsibility for terrorism within its borders instead of blaming Afghanistan.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/pakistan-afghanistan-clash-afghan-taliban-leader-brands-pakistan-a-mercenary-state-1829009

Pakistan-Afghanistan Tensions: Pak Strikes Kabul, Kandahar; Taliban Claim 55 Pak Troops Killed

Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan flared dramatically this week after cross-border airstrikes and ground assaults triggered one of the most intense confrontations in recent months. Afghanistan’s Taliban-led administration claimed that at least 55 Pakistani troops were killed in retaliatory operations along the disputed Durand Line, following Pakistani air raids on multiple Afghan cities. Residents of Kabul reported hearing loud explosions and aircraft activity before dawn on Friday, underscoring the sudden deterioration in ties between the two nuclear-armed neighbours, as per reports on AFP. The flare-up came shortly after Taliban officials asserted that their forces had taken control of several Pakistani military outposts near the frontier. Islamabad, however, rejected the casualty figures put forward by Kabul. <h3>Kabul Accuses, Islamabad Counters</h3> Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid alleged that Pakistani aircraft struck Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktia, though he maintained that no civilians were killed in those strikes. Afghanistan’s Ministry of National Defence said its counter-operations began on February 26 during Ramadan, describing them as retaliation for earlier incursions into Afghan territory, reported India Today. According to the ministry, Afghan forces targeted Pakistani military positions in provinces lining the Durand Line, including Paktika, Paktia, Khost, Nangarhar, Kunar, and Nuristan. Officials claimed two bases and 19 outposts were destroyed, and that military hardware was seized. Pakistan firmly disputed those claims. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar stated that only two Pakistani soldiers were killed, while 36 Afghan fighters lost their lives in the clashes. <h3>Pakistan Launches ‘Ghazab Lil Haq’ Operation</h3> Pakistan Defense Minister declared 'open war' with Afghanistan's Taliban. Islamabad responded with a military campaign dubbed “Ghazab Lil Haq,” focusing on Taliban positions across border districts such as Chitral, Khyber, Mohmand, Kurram, and Bajaur. Pakistani officials said 133 Taliban fighters were killed, over 200 injured, and numerous posts dismantled or captured during the operation. Fighting reportedly subsided around midnight after Pakistani commanders declared that their objectives had been met. Afghan authorities acknowledged eight of their fighters were killed and 11 wounded. They also reported that 13 civilians—including women and children—were injured in a missile strike that hit a refugee camp in Nangarhar. <h3>Torkham Tensions & Migrant Crackdown</h3> Hostilities also extended to the Torkham crossing, a key trade artery between the two countries. Skirmishes there forced evacuations of refugee settlements on the Afghan side and relocations of residents in adjacent Pakistani areas. The escalation unfolds against the backdrop of Pakistan’s intensified campaign against undocumented Afghan migrants, launched in late 2023. The renewed violence risks deepening instability along one of South Asia’s most volatile frontiers, raising concerns about broader regional fallout if diplomatic channels fail to contain the crisis.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/pakistan-launches-war-against-afghanistan-strikes-kabul-kandahar-taliban-claim-55-dead-toll-1829001

‘Heavy Attacks’ Launched: Afghanistan Responds To Pakistani Airstrikes

Afghan authorities said they were carrying out strikes against Pakistani positions in response to Pakistani airstrikes conducted days earlier, according to the Associated Press. Wahidullah Mohammadi, spokesman for the military in eastern Afghanistan, said the action was taken following airstrikes in Afghan territory. "To retaliate for the air strikes by Pakistan in Nangarhar and Paktia... the border forces... in the eastern zone started heavy attacks on Pakistani outposts," Mohammadi said. <h2>Pakistan Says 70 Militants Killed, Afghanistan Disputes Claim</h2> On Sunday, Pakistan’s military said it carried out strikes along the Afghan border, claiming that at least 70 militants were killed. Afghanistan rejected the assertion, saying the attacks killed dozens of civilians, including women and children. The Afghan Defence Ministry said “various civilian areas” in eastern Afghanistan were hit, including a religious madrassa and multiple homes, and described the strikes as a violation of Afghanistan’s airspace and sovereignty. <h2>Border Exchange Of Fire Widens Across Districts</h2> There was no immediate word on casualties from the latest exchange, and Pakistan’s military did not issue an immediate response. However, Pakistani local authorities and two senior security officials said forces stationed along the Afghan border in the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province were responding to “unprovoked fire” by targeting Afghan positions from where artillery shelling had originated. Officials said the exchange of fire began in the Khyber district before spreading to at least four other districts along the border. <h2>Durand Line Remains A Disputed Boundary</h2> The 2,611-kilometre (1,622-mile) border between Afghanistan and Pakistan, known as the Durand Line, has not been formally recognised by Afghanistan, contributing to long-standing tensions between the two countries. <h2>Months Of Rising Tensions And Failed Peace Efforts</h2> Tensions between the neighbours have remained high for months. In October, deadly border clashes killed dozens of soldiers, civilians and suspected militants, following explosions in Kabul that Afghan officials blamed on Pakistan. Islamabad had then carried out strikes inside Afghanistan targeting what it described as militant hideouts. Although a Qatari-mediated ceasefire has largely held, sporadic cross-border firing has continued. Several rounds of peace talks in November did not result in a formal agreement.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/heavy-attacks-launched-by-afghanistan-on-pakistan-as-retaliation-post-airstrikes-1828984

Wednesday, February 25, 2026

National Hindu Conference hosted by VHP to prioritise South Africa’s challenges

Johannesburg, Feb 25 (PTI): The National Hindu Conference to be hosted by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad South Africa in Pretoria on Saturday will discuss ways of addressing the various challenges facing the country. The conference will bring together spiritual leaders, academics, professionals, youth representatives and community organisations from across South Africa under the theme: “The National Reset – A Vision for a Progressive South Africa”. The conference follows the success of the inaugural national gathering held in 2024, which united dozens of Hindu organisations in a shared call for greater cohesion, advocacy and representation. This year’s event aims to move beyond dialogue into structured action, outlining practical steps for community development and national contribution. According to VHP South Africa Secretary-General Pravesh Hurdeen, the theme reflects both “urgency and optimism”. “South Africa is at a crossroads. Communities across the country are grappling with economic uncertainty, youth unemployment, social fragmentation and mental health challenges. The concept of a ‘National Reset’ calls on us to draw from the timeless wisdom of Sanatana Dharma while actively contributing to solutions in the present,” Hurdeen said. The conference programme will include plenary sessions, panel discussions and breakout workshops focusing on cultural identity, ethical leadership, social wellness and civic participation. The organisers have indicated that discussions will explore how Hindu philosophical principles and spiritual values such as “dharma (duty), seva (selfless service) and ahimsa (non-violence) can inform ethical governance, community upliftment and interfaith harmony”. The conference comes at a time when the government of national unity led by President Cyril Ramaphosa is facing many challenges, including revelations over the past few months that corruption is rampant among senior officials in government and the police services. The country is also facing huge water shortages due to decades of infrastructure not being maintained. In addition to spiritual and cultural discussions, the conference will address practical concerns such as representation in public institutions, the promotion of holistic health practices like yoga and Ayurveda, and strategies to strengthen collaboration between Hindu organisations and broader civil society. The event will conclude with a strategic framework aimed at strengthening unity among Hindu bodies and enhancing coordinated engagement with national development initiatives. PTI FH GSP GSP(This story is published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. No editing has been done in the headline or the body by ABP Live.)

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/national-hindu-conference-hosted-by-vhp-to-prioritise-south-africa-s-challenges-1828806

PM Modi Receives Knesset’s Highest Honour, First Indian PM To Be Awarded

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred the “Speaker of the Knesset Medal” by Israel’s Parliament on Wednesday, becoming the first Indian prime minister to receive the legislature’s highest honour. The medal was awarded in recognition of his exceptional contribution to strengthening strategic ties between India and Israel. He is the first recipient of the medal, the highest honour conferred by the Knesset. <h2>Among Few Leaders Honoured By Israel And Palestine</h2> Modi is among the few global leaders to have received top civilian honours from both Israel and Palestine. In 2018, he was conferred the Grand Collar of the State of Palestine, the highest Palestinian award granted to foreign dignitaries. <h2>Netanyahu’s Warm Welcome</h2> Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed Modi ahead of his address to the Knesset, describing him as “a great friend of Israel, a great champion of the Indian-Israeli alliance, a great leader on the world stage.” “I have to tell you, Narendra, my dear friend, I am deeply, deeply moved by your visit here today. I've never been more moved than by your visit here with us, a great friend of Israel, a great champion of the Indian-Israeli alliance, a great leader on the world stage. Welcome to Jerusalem, my dear friend, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and your distinguished delegation,” he said. He added: “I would almost venture to say, more than a friend, a brother. Now, when you were last here, we, the two of us, were on the Mediterranean coast, and I said, why don't we take off our shoes and go into the water?... We didn't walk on water, but we did perform miracles since then. Because what we have done is we've doubled our trade, tripled our cooperation, quadrupled our understanding.” <h2>Expanding Strategic Partnership</h2> The honour highlights the growing partnership between India and Israel across defence, cybersecurity, agriculture, water management and innovation. Bilateral ties have expanded significantly over the past decade through high-level political exchanges, rising trade and collaboration in emerging technologies. Modi’s engagement with Israeli leaders and lawmakers during the visit underscored a shared emphasis on security cooperation, investment and people-to-people ties. Observers view the award as symbolic of the steady elevation of India–Israel relations into a broad-based strategic partnership marked by converging regional and global interests.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/pm-modi-awarded-speaker-of-the-knesset-medal-israel-tel-aviv-israel-palestine-1828796

Tuesday, February 24, 2026

US Moves Toward Tougher H-1B, Green Card Wage Norms After Review Clearance: What It Means For Indians

The United States is a step closer to revising wage norms linked to H-1B visas and employment-based Green Cards — a development that could reshape prospects for thousands of Indian professionals. A draft regulation from the United States Department of Labor has cleared review at the Office of Management and Budget, the final administrative checkpoint before it is released for public feedback. Although the proposed language has not yet been made public, immigration experts anticipate tighter prevailing wage standards that may raise the financial bar for employers sponsoring foreign workers. <h3>Why Prevailing Wage Benchmarks Are Crucial</h3> Prevailing wages determine the minimum salary U.S. companies must offer foreign professionals based on role and geographic location. Any recalibration in how these wages are computed could increase compensation thresholds across industries. Higher wage floors would directly affect H-1B filings and the PERM labor certification process — a mandatory step in most employment-based Green Card applications. Employers may be required to budget significantly more for sponsorship, potentially influencing hiring strategies and workforce planning, reported Times Now. The numbers underscore the potential scale of impact. In fiscal year 2024, Indian nationals accounted for roughly 71% of all approved H-1B petitions — around 280,000 approvals — according to government data. Chinese applicants followed far behind at approximately 12%. <h3>Proposal Still In Regulatory Pipeline</h3> The measure has not yet become law. Once formally published, it will enter a public comment phase, allowing businesses, advocacy groups, and individuals to submit feedback. Only after reviewing those submissions can the Department of Labor finalize or revise the regulation, reported Financial Express. Until then, uncertainty remains. Companies and applicants alike are closely monitoring developments to assess potential compliance costs and long-term implications. <h3>Ripple Effects For Indian Talent</h3> Indian professionals, who form the backbone of the H-1B program, may feel the impact most acutely. Employers have already grown cautious amid evolving visa policies and mounting compliance expenses. A separate proposal seeking to impose a $100,000 fee on select H-1B beneficiaries remains entangled in court proceedings, further complicating planning for companies. Green Card aspirants are equally attentive. Adjustments to prevailing wage formulas would directly influence PERM applications, particularly in EB-2 and EB-3 categories. In high-cost metropolitan areas, elevated salary requirements could make sponsorship considerably more expensive. Processing timelines add another layer of challenge. Expanded scrutiny in visa processing, including increased social-media vetting at U.S. consulates in India, has slowed adjudications. At the same time, highly skilled applicants continue exploring faster alternatives such as EB-1A petitions.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/us-tougher-h-1b-green-card-wage-norms-after-review-clearance-what-it-means-for-indians-1828639

India, Israel to upgrade relations to “special strategic partnership” during PM Modi's visit

Jerusalem, Feb 24 (PTI): India and Israel's relations will be upgraded to a “special strategic partnership” during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit, marking a “significant leap ahead” similar to Jerusalem's ties with countries such as the US and Germany, sources said here Tuesday. Modi will undertake a two-day visit to Israel beginning Wednesday to shore up bilateral defence and trade cooperation. It will be Modi's second visit to Israel in nine years. The India-Israel relationship was elevated to the level of strategic partnership during Modi's first visit to that country in July 2017. The upgraded “special strategic partnership” agreement will allow for a further developed stage of ties that will lead to joint development of advanced defence systems and an understanding to stand by each other in times of need. “The two countries have been reliable partners over the years and it has been proven in hours of crises. This is only being formally recognised during PM Modi’s visit”, sources told PTI. Modi will be received by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara at the airport and the two leaders hold a one-to-one meeting there after a brief reception. Following that, Modi will head for the city. In Jerusalem, the Prime Minister would be meeting people from the Indian community and then go to the Knesset (Israeli parliament) to address the lawmakers, a rare honour extended to chosen world leaders. On Wednesday evening, Modi will attend an exhibition where Israel would showcase its technological advancement with top Israeli executives in attendance. Netanyahu is scheduled to host a private dinner for Modi on Wednesday night. The Indian leader would pay his respects to the victims of Holocaust at Yad Vashem on Thursday morning before meeting the Israeli President Isaac Herzog. Several MoUs are to be signed between the two countries with a much publicised one in the field of Defence cooperation. “As part of the agreement, a secrecy mechanism will be established that will open several new categories so far unavailable,” sources told PTI. Local media has reported that important understandings are being established in areas such as air defence systems, along with the integration of India into the laser-based air defence system (Or Eitan). Israel and India will also sign a series of memorandums of understanding for cooperation with an emphasis on disruptive technologies such as AI, quantum and cyber. In New Delhi, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, “This visit will reaffirm the deep and long-standing strategic partnership between the two countries and will present an opportunity to review the common challenges as well as realign efforts towards achieving their shared vision for a robust partnership between two resilient democracies.” There has been an upswing in the India-Israel ties in the last few years, including in the areas of defence, scientific research, cybersecurity and innovation. The defence cooperation has emerged as an important pillar of the partnership between the two sides with Israel supplying a plethora of military platforms and weapon systems to India. PTI HM NPK NPK(This story is published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. No editing has been done in the headline or the body by ABP Live.)

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/india-israel-to-upgrade-relations-to-special-strategic-partnership-during-pm-modi-s-visit-1828634