Deadly Islamabad bombing sharpens focus on cross-border attacks in Pakistan
Analysts warn mosque attack in Pakistan could inflame sectarian fault lines in an already volatile security landscape.
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Blast kills seven people at hotel restaurant in Afghanistan’s capital Kabul
Explosion occurs in downtown Shahr-e-Naw neighbourhood, thought to be one of the most secure areas of Kabul.
At least 17 dead as heavy rains trigger flash floods in Afghanistan
Dead include five members of a family in the Kabkan district in the province of Herat.
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Afghan men enthusiastically cheer during the final match of Afghanistan's annual buzkashi tournament on the outskirts of Kabul. This traditional equestrian sport features skilled riders competing to score points using a fake goat carcass. [AP Photo]
Competitors from the Sar-e-Pul and Badakhshan teams enter the field for the buzkashi tournament match. [AP Photo]
Taliban authorities attend the final match of Afghanistan's annual buzkashi tournament, a traditional equestrian sport. [AP Photo]
Buzkashi, Afghanistan's national sport played for centuries on the northern steppe, stands at the heart of Afghan identity. Over generations, it has transformed from a rugged rural pastime into a professional sporting phenomenon. [AP Photo]
Traditionally, buzkashi was played using a goat's headless carcass. [AP Photo]
Today, a 30kg (66lb) leather sack typically replaces the traditional carcass as riders attempt to extract it from a cluster of horses before depositing it in a "circle of justice". This circle is drawn on the ground, and competitors must complete a full-speed lap around the arena with rivals in close pursuit before reaching it. [AP Photo]
Riders from the Sar-e-Pul and Badakhshan provinces face off in the championship match. [AP Photo]
Spectators gathered to witness the thrilling final. [AP Photo]
Buzkashi, a centuries-old national sport, flourishes in Afghanistan and neighbouring Central Asian countries. Afghan teams and their sponsors regularly recruit riders and source horses from these adjacent nations to secure competitive edges. [AP Photo]
According to many Afghans, decades of war, foreign invasions, and civil conflict have deeply fractured the unity of their diverse, multiethnic society. They maintain that organised sporting competitions, particularly buzkashi, can play a vital role in rebuilding and strengthening national cohesion. [AP Photo]
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Tajikistan-Taliban border clashes: What’s behind them, why it affects China
Attacks by unknown assailants entering Tajik territory appear to target Chinese businesses and workers.
Five people killed in firefight on Tajik-Afghan border, Tajikistan says
The incident is the third of its kind in recent weeks in which Tajik border guards and civilians have been killed.
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Girls in Afghanistan are banned from schools and sport beyond the age of 12 but IOC member has hope for Taliban talks.
Attack kills six Pakistani soldiers, raises tension with Afghanistan
It comes as tension simmers along the border, threatening shaky truce between Islamabad and Kabul.
