Friday, 16 October 2026 | 24 Mizan 1405
Daily News
Friday, 16 October 2026 | 24 Mizan 1405
Afghanistan: Humanitarian Crisis, People’s Rights and Social Developments
Hunger and Malnutrition Worsen: Nearly 19 Million Afghans Face Acute Hunger
The Associated Press reported today that hunger and malnutrition are becoming increasingly serious in Afghanistan. According to the World Food Programme’s representative in Afghanistan, nearly 19 million people—approximately 40% of the country’s population—are expected to face acute hunger in the coming months.
It is also projected that around 5.3 million women and children will require treatment for acute malnutrition next year. Declining international assistance, rising food prices, widespread poverty and the return of millions of migrants have been identified as factors worsening the crisis. The World Food Programme says its available funding for Afghanistan has fallen sharply, leaving many vulnerable women and children without assistance.
Editorial Perspective: The hunger facing millions of people cannot be treated merely as a natural disaster or an administrative problem. When families cannot afford sufficient food and medical facilities turn away patients because of inadequate resources, the crisis is inseparable from economic structures, poverty and social inequality. Humanitarian assistance must reach those in need without discrimination or political exploitation.
Source: Associated Press, 16 October 2026.
UNAMA Reports Hundreds of Arbitrary Arrests and Cases of Ill-Treatment in Afghanistan
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), in its latest human rights report, stated that at least 443 cases of arbitrary arrest and detention by officials of the Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice were recorded between July and September 2026. The report also documents 97 cases of ill-treatment involving women and men.
According to UNAMA, the documented cases concerned issues including women’s clothing regulations, men’s beards and hairstyles, attendance at congregational prayers, and the playing or listening to music. The report also refers to restrictions on the media, actions affecting some institutions associated with Afghanistan’s Shia community, and civilian casualties in border incidents.
UNAMA emphasised that the published figures are based on documented cases and do not necessarily represent the full extent of human rights violations in the country.
Editorial Perspective: Security and social justice cannot be achieved through arbitrary arrests, ill-treatment and restrictions on individual freedoms. Fundamental rights, freedom of expression, and the right to fair and lawful procedures must be guaranteed for everyone.
Source: Amu TV — UNAMA report: https://amu.tv/254472/ — 15 October 2026.
Zabihullah Mujahid Criticises UNAMA’s Human Rights Report
Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Taliban authorities, criticised UNAMA’s latest report, describing it as presenting a negative image of Afghanistan. He stated that the arrests mentioned in the report had been carried out in accordance with the laws and regulations in force.
Mujahid also accused UNAMA of overlooking what he described as the achievements of government institutions. UNAMA, meanwhile, maintains that its report is based on cases documented by its human rights section.
Editorial Perspective: Disagreements between international organisations and the authorities must be addressed through transparent examination of evidence and clear accountability. More important than verbal disputes is the actual situation of the people and their ability to access justice, freedom and fundamental rights.
Source: Pajhwok — Mujahid responds to UNAMA report: https://pajhwok.com/2026/10/15/mujahid-says-unama-report-presents-negative-image-of-afghanistan/ — 15 October 2026.
Sweden Contributes $1.2 Million to Afghanistan’s Humanitarian Fund
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has announced that Sweden has allocated 10 million Swedish kronor, equivalent to approximately $1.2 million, to Afghanistan’s Humanitarian Fund.
The contribution comes at a time when millions of Afghans are facing poverty, food insecurity, health problems and shortages of basic necessities.
Editorial Perspective: Emergency assistance can address some urgent needs, but Afghanistan’s prolonged crisis requires broader measures, including the creation of employment opportunities, stronger public services, and equitable access to resources and the necessities of life.
Source: Pajhwok — Sweden contributes to Afghanistan’s Humanitarian Fund: https://pajhwok.com/2026/10/15/sweden-contributes-1-2m-to-afghanistan-humanitarian-fund/ — 15 October 2026.
Young Women in Herat Use Traditional Arts to Create Economic Opportunities
Pajhwok has reported that 15 young women in Herat are learning artistic skills at a local gallery, including miniature painting, calligraphy, illumination and painting on ceramics. The initiative may help develop their artistic abilities and create opportunities to earn an income.
At a time when women in Afghanistan face extensive restrictions on education, employment and social participation, local initiatives that preserve skills and expand women’s economic activities are particularly important.
Editorial Perspective: Women’s abilities and creativity cannot be eliminated through political and social restrictions. A society that excludes half of its human resources from education and participation in public life also restricts its own opportunities for economic and cultural progress.
Source: Pajhwok — Report on young women in Herat and ceramic art: https://pajhwok.com/ — 15 October 2026.
Communist and Labour Movements, and Popular Struggles
Communist Party of Mexico Supports Healthcare Workers’ Struggle
The Communist Party of Mexico issued a statement on 15 October expressing support for protests by healthcare workers. Their demands include higher wages, improved working conditions, adequate supplies of medicines and medical equipment, increased staffing, and protection of pension rights.
The protesting workers argue that proposed wage and benefit increases do not adequately address economic pressures and workplace difficulties. The Communist Party of Mexico has called for broader solidarity among workers and for healthcare workers’ demands to be linked with the struggles of other sections of the working class.
Editorial Perspective: Healthcare workers serve the essential needs of society. Decent wages, safe working environments and adequate resources are inseparable from the public’s right to quality healthcare. Solidarity among workers in different sectors can strengthen the collective voice of social demands.
Source: International Communist Press — Communist Party of Mexico rallies behind healthcare workers: https://www.icp.org.tr/news/communist-party-mexico-rallies-healthcare-workers — 15 October 2026.
Portuguese Communist Party Condemns Privatisation of TAP Airlines
On 15 October, the Portuguese Communist Party issued a statement condemning the government’s decision to select Germany’s Lufthansa Group in the process of partially privatising TAP, Portugal’s national airline.
The party warned that the transfer of part of the company into private ownership could weaken the country’s economic sovereignty. It called for public mobilisation to oppose the continuation of the process.
Editorial Perspective: The privatisation of strategic public assets raises fundamental questions about the protection of the public interest, workers’ job security and economic accountability. Such decisions must be assessed according to their actual consequences for working people and society as a whole.
Source: International Communist Press — Portuguese Communist Party’s position on TAP privatisation: https://icp.org.tr/news — 15 October 2026.
Mexican Communist Party Calls for Greater Unity Across Labour Struggles
Following its statement on healthcare workers’ protests, the Communist Party of Mexico has called for stronger solidarity among healthcare workers, teachers and other sections of the working class. The party maintains that demands concerning wages, pension rights and working conditions should not remain isolated struggles.
Editorial Perspective: The experience of labour struggles demonstrates that conscious organisation and solidarity among different sections of the workforce can strengthen the defence of economic and social rights.
Source: International Communist Press — Report on the Mexican healthcare workers’ struggle: https://www.icp.org.tr/news/communist-party-mexico-rallies-healthcare-workers — 15 October 2026.
The World: Rivalry Between Powers, War and the Economy
Trump Speaks of Talks with Russia and China on Nuclear Disarmament
Statements reported today indicate that US President Donald Trump said Washington was holding discussions with Russia and China on nuclear disarmament. He expressed interest in advancing the issue and referred to his contacts with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The statements come as the New START treaty, an important framework for limiting strategic nuclear weapons between the United States and Russia, has reached its end. Any new agreement would require fresh decisions and negotiations.
Editorial Perspective: A genuine reduction in the risk of nuclear war requires clear commitments, verifiable agreements and practical measures by nuclear-armed powers. Political statements matter when they lead to actual reductions in weapons, greater transparency and lasting guarantees for people’s security.
Source: Reuters — Trump says he is talking to Russia and China about denuclearisation: https://www.reuters.com/world/china/trump-says-he-is-talking-russia-china-about-denuclearization-2026-10-16/ — 16 October 2026.
Drone Attacks on Commercial Ships in the Black Sea Raise Concerns
The Associated Press reported today that drone attacks on commercial vessels in the Black Sea, near the coasts of Romania and Bulgaria, have heightened concerns about the potential expansion of the war in Ukraine and the possibility of increased confrontation involving NATO member states.
According to the report, at least seven ships have been targeted in incidents during October. Two people have been killed and another 25 reported missing. Responsibility for the attacks has not been conclusively established, and regional authorities are examining the security implications.
Editorial Perspective: The expansion of war into commercial shipping routes endangers civilian workers and economic security. Protecting commercial vessels, preventing further escalation and pursuing political means of reducing tensions must be priorities.
Source: Associated Press, 16 October 2026.
Dollar Weakens Amid Concerns over Artificial Intelligence Investments
Reuters reported today that the US dollar was heading towards its first weekly decline after five consecutive weeks of gains. Concerns about returns on large-scale investments in artificial intelligence, along with falling yields on US Treasury bonds, were cited as factors putting pressure on the dollar.
Meanwhile, the euro recovered slightly following declines in previous weeks, while the British pound also strengthened against the dollar.
Editorial Perspective: Currency fluctuations are not merely matters for financial markets. Changes in exchange rates can affect import costs, commodity prices, trade conditions and the economies of countries dependent on global markets. The consequences for low-income families and economically vulnerable countries must also be considered.
Source: Reuters — Euro gains ground as AI concerns weigh on the dollar: https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/euro-gets-much-needed-reprieve-ai-wobbles-rock-dollar-2026-10-16/ — 16 October 2026.
Trump Criticises Ukraine’s Attack on a Russian Oil Refinery
Reuters reported today that Donald Trump criticised a recent Ukrainian attack on a Russian oil refinery, saying that such attacks could affect global energy prices.
The remarks came as Russia continued missile and drone attacks against Ukrainian energy infrastructure. Reports indicate damage to electricity facilities and disruptions to services affecting sections of the population.
Editorial Perspective: War against vital infrastructure directly affects people’s everyday lives. Both sides must avoid actions that put civilian lives at risk, while effective efforts towards a ceasefire and a political settlement must be strengthened.
Source: Reuters — Trump calls Ukraine’s renewed strikes on Russian refineries a disgrace: https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/ukraines-resumption-strikes-russian-refineries-is-disgrace-trump-says-2026-10-16/ — 16 October 2026.
European Union and Gulf Cooperation Council Postpone Joint Summit
In a report dated 15 October, Reuters stated that the European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council had postponed their joint summit, which had been scheduled to take place in Riyadh on 24 October.
The decision followed security concerns arising from missile and drone attacks by the Houthis and disruption to operations at Riyadh International Airport. Both sides said a new date for the summit would be announced later.
Editorial Perspective: Escalating regional conflicts put not only people’s security but also diplomatic relations, trade and economic stability under pressure. Reducing tensions and protecting civilians must take priority over military calculations and political rivalries.
Source: Reuters — EU and Gulf states postpone summit due to Saudi Arabia security concerns: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/eu-gulf-states-postpone-summit-due-saudi-arabia-2026-10-15/ — 15 October 2026.
Editorial Analysis
Today’s and yesterday’s developments once again demonstrate that Afghanistan’s humanitarian crisis, particularly the spread of hunger and malnutrition, is directly linked to poverty, a lack of economic opportunities and declining humanitarian assistance. Human rights reports, social restrictions and the responses of the ruling authorities also underline the urgent need for accountability and respect for the people’s fundamental rights.
At the international level, healthcare workers’ struggles in Mexico, the Portuguese Communist Party’s opposition to privatisation, and debates on nuclear disarmament, the economy and war demonstrate that workers’ rights, social justice and people’s security remain fundamental issues of our time.
From a social justice perspective, news must be more than a record of events. It should clarify how decisions affect people’s lives, who benefits from them, and which groups bear the economic and human costs of a crisis.
Social awareness, workers’ solidarity and the conscious organisation of the people are essential foundations for the struggle for freedom, social justice and a more humane future.
Compiled by:: Hassanpour