this is bbc news: i'm lucy grey. our top stories. pakistan's spy chief visits kabul— what does it mean for the taliban's, yet to be, announced government? meanwhile, the taliban claims its fighters are closing in on the last organised group defying them in the panjshir valley. here in the uk, labour opposition calls for clarity on vaccines for children to avoid "further disruption" to their education. some fish stocks are bouncing back after years of over—fishing, but the future of other species is still on the line.

hello and welcome to bbc news. the head of pakistan's spy agency has visited afghanistan amid continued uncertainty about how the taliban proposes to rule the country. general faiz hameed is thought to be advising the military which is continuing its efforts to oust the resistance in the panjshir valley. the taliban have insisted all factions will be included in the new government, though it's not yet clear how that will work. our south asia correspondent danjohnson reports. the taliban says kabul is being cleaned and decorated ahead of a new government and cabinet being announced. many afghans see their freedoms being erased under a new taliban regime. for three weeks, bank queues have grown while afghans have wondered what taliban rule will bring. they are still waiting and still hoping. translation: our demand from the islamic emirate i is to activate the schools and for students and to provide jobs for the people.

we want them to prevent armed robberies and to reduce killings. translation: security is good all over the country. _ people are happy, but the lack of work and the non—announcement of the government is worrying people. everyone's confused and people don't know what the future of the homeland will be because everyone's confused. the head of pakistani intelligence is in kabul, possibly playing a part in shaping the new power structure. his presence will be enough to convince some of pakistan's influence over the taliban. he says he's working for peace and stability. north of kabul, they are still fighting. the taliban has pushed deeper into the panjshir valley, a traditional bedrock of opposition. there have been many injuries on both sides, but the resistance has denied taliban claims of victory and says there will be no surrender. in kabul, these women are refusing to surrender their rights. protesting is a brave move in uncertain times. reports taliban used tasers against them may be

a hint of what they face in the new old afghanistan. dan johnson, bbc news. our correspondent secunder kermani is in the afghan capital kabul, and has the latest on that visit by the pakistani intelligence chief. turning first to this visit of the head of the pakistani intelligence services, the isi, certainly pakistan has been requesting to help with the evacuation of remaining foreign nationals and those afghans who are eligible to leave the country that haven't yet been able to do so. so, that is likely to have formed part of his discussions with the taliban, but pakistan also has a long history with the taliban. it's often been accused of secretly supporting their insurgency. pakistan has always denied that, but it acknowledges having some leverage. so, there's a lot of speculation that this visit is really about discussions about the creation of a new government here in afghanistan. it's been nearly three weeks since the taliban took over kabul. they're still yet to establish one.

some suggest that's because of internal rivalries within the group. whatever the cause, is prolonging this period of deep uncertainty about the future that many afghans are facing. turning to the situation in panjshir. it's the one place yet to be fully captured by the taliban. we've got conflicting reports coming out from there, but the taliban seem to be saying they made some advances. fighters call themselves the resistance are yet to be defeated. they've issued a statement warning of a potential humanitarian crisis developing in the region. the iranian president, ebrahim raisi, has said that the events in afghanistan prove that america has a disruptive influence around the world. speaking in an interview with iranian state television, he said the us has interfered with the basic human rights of afghans. the afghanistan issue shows

that america's presence does not provide security in any part of the world at all. but it is disruptive for the security around the world. afghanistan clearly showed that when the neas two decades, the american presence has caused a lot of riots of the afghan people to be ignored. what has happened is against human rights and this can be seen by all. the solution for afghanistan is that a government must be established by the vote and will of the people. the islamic republic of iran has always pursued peace and harmony in afghanistan and the ending of bloodshed in afghanistan after the will of the afghan people terrain. afghanistan after the will of the afghan people to reign. rodger shanahan is a research fellow at the lowy institute and also a former army officer who served in afghanistan. hejoins me now from sydney. let's start with the intelligence chief, the pakistani intelligence chief visiting. what do you make of

the visit? would you think he is trying to achieve? i the visit? would you think he is trying to achieve?- is trying to achieve? i think everyone — is trying to achieve? i think everyone is _ is trying to achieve? i think everyone is trying - is trying to achieve? i think everyone is trying to - is trying to achieve? i think everyone is trying to make | is trying to achieve? i think- everyone is trying to make sure that they are adjusting to the new realities and afghanistan and their national interests are looked after. we do not know the substance of his exchanges with the taliban, but certainly having some recommendations on future government future relationships between pakistan and the new taliban government. it is such an important, strategic and economic partnerfor an important, strategic and economic partner for pakistan to try to have these conduits for talks and to gain as much influence as possible in the early stages. we influence as possible in the early stages.— influence as possible in the early stages. we are hearing the report — early stages. we are hearing the report talking _ early stages. we are hearing the report talking about - early stages. we are hearing the report talking about howj the report talking about how they say they have some leverage over the taliban. is it important for them to be

seen to have that in terms of relations with the west? yes, certainly- _ relations with the west? yes, certainly. pakistan, _ relations with the west? yes, certainly. pakistan, through l certainly. pakistan, through soliciting deep suspicion about the role that pakistan, and the isi, have had in afghanistan and the way that they are playing both sides and over the years. i think it's important for islamabad to transition themselves as a conduit between western interests and the interests of the taliban so they can be an honest broker and moved with the more senior people that they can have their in these talks and that is why we are seeing the chief year so early in the piece. seeing the chief year so early in the piece-— seeing the chief year so early in the piece. would expect the new government _ in the piece. would expect the new government to _ in the piece. would expect the new government to look - in the piece. would expect the new government to look like i in the piece. would expect the l new government to look like and we are hearing reports of the delays to the formation because of rival factions. what you expected to be like? i of rival factions. what you expected to be like? i think that's going _

expected to be like? i think that's going to _ expected to be like? i think that's going to be _ expected to be like? i think that's going to be two - expected to be like? i think. that's going to be two phases to it. there appears to be moved towards the government that will be completely taliban dominated and a move later on to have some kind of grand council where they talk about the nature of the future constitution and perhaps elections down the track. in the short term, will probably be seeing more counsel between him and the executives overseas to make sure that the legislation is in accordance with islamic principles and executive of the ministries will be dominated, if not entirely then, very significantly by the taliban at the moment. will be an interim government and we do not know the full shape is going to be for some months, i would say stop but what would you say about that government in which its recognition internationally? it is too early for the international community to recognise it because it will not be elected.

it is the taliban, ii because it will not be elected. it is the taliban, 11 different view of human rights, particularly women's rights than the west has. i think, so there won't be any real hope of early recognition from the west, but there will probably like to be some small humanitarian systems allowed, given the economic circumstances in afghanistan. so, early connections, but certainly nothing significant, i think between the west and this interim government, certainly. let s get some of the day s other news lebanon says syria has agreed to help it import electricity, to help ease power shortages now crippling many areas of life. the project was discussed in damascus in the first high—level talks between the two governments for years. it would involve using egyptian gas to generate electricity injordan, which would then be sent lebanon via syria. the iranian president has said

he's ready to return to talks on iran's nuclear programme, but will not negotiate under western pressure. speaking on state television, ebrahim raisi said he wanted talks to result in the lifting of the sanctions that have hit the iranian economy hard. thousands of people have again demonstrated in france against the government's covid policies. they denounced the new "health pass" system they see as unfairly restricting the rights of the unvaccinated. the pass means anyone wishing to enter a restaurant, theatre, cinema, long—distance train, or large shopping centre must show proof of vaccination or a negative test. here in the uk, the opposition labour party says it believes there's a strong case to vaccinate healthy children against covid, to prevent any further disruption to their education. ministers have asked the uk's four chief medical officers to consider the broader implications, after government vaccine advisers recommended against the measure for all 12—to15—yearolds. our health correspondent, jim reed, reports. in the united states, they've been vaccinating

children for months now. france and germany, too, have been pressing ahead. in this country, though, there is still uncertainty. government advisers have said the medical benefit alone does not justify jabbing all those between 12 and 15 years old. it's left parents waiting for ministers to make a final decision. if it's going to free up our world and our country more, to give us freedom and protect our children and things in schools, then absolutely, i've got no objection whatsoever. we don't know that much about it, so ijust think at the moment, anybody above that age, 16 onwards, that's their choice, they can make that choice, but a child of that age can't make a choice. around 3 million 12 to 15—year—olds live in the uk and around iia,000 of those are already eligible for the jab because they live with an adult with a weakened immune system. another 350,000 also qualify because they have an underlying health condition. the criteria for that has just been widened to include problems like heart disease,

epilepsy, and asthma that is poorly controlled. jean's son scott lives with asthma and she doesn't know yet if he will qualify for the jab under the new rules. to me, i think we should have the choice because, as i say, it's the only area of society right now where we come together and there are hundreds of unvaccinated. so, it would be amazing for us, and it isn'tjust the health aspect, but the mental health, as well, because scott is anxious about being in school and being in large numbers. but government advisers were only told to look quite narrowly at the possible health benefits and rare side effects in children. ministers have now asked this man, the chief medical officer for england, chris whitty, and his counterparts in the other nations of the uk, to report back on the wider implications on children's lives, including education. we're not the medical scientists.

we don't want to enter into that territory but we do think the question of disruption in schools and the measures that we can take to avoid that disruption, they should be front and centre for the government at the moment. a source told the bbc that the government believes there is a strong case for extending the vaccine roll—out to that younger age group. ultimately, it will be ministers in the four nations who will have to decide, as more secondary school pupils return after their summer break. jim reed, bbc news. the headlines on bbc news. the taliban and afghan opposition fighters are battling for the control of the panjshir valley. both sides are claiming to have the upper hand, without producing any convincing evidence. in the uk the opposition labour party says there's a "strong case" for offering all 12 to 15 year olds covid vaccinations — to avoid "further disruption" to their education.

many people in the uk and around the world are heading back to the office — including the american first lady. starting next week, jill biden will go back to teaching in person at the northern virginia community college. commuting by presidential motorcade, dr biden is the first first lady to combine that role with a job outside the presidency. joining me now is jada yuan — she covers national politics and the office of the first lady for the washington post. good to talk to you. it is very different from most, i suppose but is she going to have security personnel in the classroom with her, do you know? �* , ., , classroom with her, do you know? �* , . , ., , know? but she had when she was second lady. _ know? but she had when she was second lady, last _ know? but she had when she was second lady, last semester, - know? but she had when she was second lady, last semester, her. second lady, last semester, her first semester as first lady, she talked remotely and then for eight years, she also had the samejob in for eight years, she also had the same job in the community couege the same job in the community college and a secret service

detail. joe biden had some rules for the secret service and she would not let them into the classroom and she asked them to dress up like students where they would carry their equipment in their backpacks. wejust of the equipment in their backpacks. we just of the big difference is going to be the size of the detail and the stricter measures, a with the students have to be vetted? ,, . , with the students have to be vetted? ,, ., , ., vetted? she has never revealed that and they're _ vetted? she has never revealed that and they're very _ that and they're very tight—lipped about security measures basically because they have been compromising security. the students will probably have to be vetted as reporters are but we travel with the first lady of the president or anyone else, we all put through some sort of check i don't know what that check i don't know what that

check is. but the question is, will her classroom be cased before she goes and there? we do not know yet. she starts net next week. she is the first to combine that _ next week. she is the first to combine that role _ next week. she is the first to combine that role and - next week. she is the first to combine that role and her i next week. she is the first to | combine that role and herjob and keeping her career going, what are the demands of the first lady of that role? can it be worked around? will they work or schedule around your teaching?— work or schedule around your teaching? they did it already. when she _ teaching? they did it already. when she was _ teaching? they did it already. when she was promoted - teaching? they did it already. - when she was promoted teaching, she was working for eight hours a day on tuesdays and thursdays. so, when she travelled, she would either not travelled, she would either not travel on a tuesday or thursday or, i was on a trip with her in new mexico and arizona and we waited around in the entire secret service until around 2pm

when she finished teaching on the east coast. so, they will figure it out. she greets her papers on air force one, underneath the presidential area and i don't see that changing at all —— grades. aha, changing at all —— grades. a lot of controversy about wearing masks and schools there been some altercations between parents and teachers who disagree about it. she has very much been seen to be wearing a mask a lot in fact, she is known for that to expect her classroom to be following suit? they have to. it's regulation in virginia and is a state run school, so it is mandatory. i think it will be that much of a problem. it is a fairly liberal area and her students, it's a community college, which is a little different from regular college. herstudents

little different from regular college. her students might be 28, 42, they are veterans, immigrants, refugees who are just trying to learn english composition from their teacher, doctor biden. my guess is she's not going to run the problems. but it could be an issue. there are going to be angry parents. now to the us where, twenty—six years after being wrongly convicted of murder, dontae sharpe walked free from prison in north carolina. but proving his innocence was only the first step on a long road to rebuilding his life — and holding the criminaljustice system to account. i did a life sentence for a crime i didn't commit. i was accused of killing a white man and a drug deal gone bad.

i did 26 years and i was exonerated in 2019. cheering you finally get vindicated. you've been it and saying it. it was real, but it didn't seem real. you, 0 god, have spoken this day! i

people think that when you get exonerated, the fight is over, just beginning. it'sjust beginning. when i first got out, i couldn't get a job. the felony was stopping me from getting a job. it was in control of my life. for some reason, hasn't pardon me. he hasn't pardoned me. it would make everything a lot easier. ray cooper became the governor

of north carolina after a serving for more than 30 years as attorney general when some form or fashion and now as governor, he has the ability to decide the future of dontae's life. there's some actual other states that have automatic parties after you get exonerated. north carolina's not one of them. i'm not begging or pleading for it, i'mjust... putting this whole system on notice that i'm going to keep talking.

that report was part of �*justice delayed' — a documentary which is airing on bbc news this weekend. check your local listings for details. more now on afghnaistan: at the venice film festival the afghan filmmaker, sahraa karimi, spoke of her concern for afghan filmmakers and artists under a taliban government. she appealed for what she called �*intellectual support�* in the face of a probable ban on artistic work. the taliban is trying to remove the face off of them. but no. there is cruel as before, but they're smarter about it now, because they are using modern communication technology and they will use this in any kind

of alteration of products for propaganda. in the 21st century, there is a group of people coming to your country from somewhere and telling to you that music is forbidden, everything is forbidden, female art isjust something everything is forbidden, female art is just something that should go to the corner. we do not want this. my generation does not want this. so, we ask for help for support. to be our voices. scientists have found that tuna populations are starting to recover due to strict fishing quotas. but the international union for the conservation of nature says many other marine species

are moving closer to extinction. almost forty per cent of sharks and rays are now threatened. the report estimates that thirty per cent, of one—hundred—and—forty—thousand odd species are now at risk of extinction. caroline pollock is senior programme co—ordinator for the conservation group's red list. she explained how taking conservation action can make a big difference. the news about the tuna is absolutely fantastic. it clearly demonstrates what can be done when regions, fisheries, teams work together because these are massively wide—ranging species. regions have to co—ordinate, and it's finally paying off. both species have moved into a lesser threat and category. but it doesn't actually mean that we can all go out and start fishing tuna like crazy now because there are still some concerns in certain parts of the ranges. for the atlantic bluefin, the western atlantic stock is in serious decline, but that's a smaller population.

the komodo dragon itself is native to indonesia. in actualfact, the population, although small, is mostly stable, although one part outside of the national park is declining quite severely. the main concern for the komodo dragon is climate change. as the human population feels climate change at the moment, so our species around the world. the komodo dragon, based on modelling, it could lose up to 30 percent of its habitat. caroline pollock on the latest tuna conservation survey.

you can reach me on twitter — i'm @ lucyegrey. hello. sunnier, warmer weather on the way with september likely to top august in the temperature stakes. in the month of august, the high temperature was 27.2 degrees celsius. this week, we're expecting 29, maybe even 30. it is unusual for september to outdo august when it comes to the top temperature. and the warmth gets under way in england and wales for sunday, helped by a more generous helping of sunshine than of late, but wetter for some perhaps in scotland and northern ireland. very slowly, high pressure moving away, atlantic weather fronts coming in. that will bring a bit of rain, slowly spreading east during the day. it may be welcome where it's been so dry. we are mainly dry to begin the day, some patchy mist and fog clearing. for england and wales, there will still be some areas of cloud,

but sunny spells, too. an isolated shower in central southern england can't be ruled out. some areas of sea fog around the coast of southwest england. with light winds, it'll feel warm in the sunny spells. the wind strengthening in western scotland and outbreaks of rain moving in, not reaching southern and eastern scotland until very late in the day. the rain moving into northern ireland, too, the east staying mainly dry until later on. temperatures for england and wales in the low to mid 20s in those sunny spells. so, a wet evening and scotland and northern ireland. monday, some of this rain will push on towards parts of northern england. it will be a mild start to monday. and this wet weather system will slowly fizzle out as we go on through monday. we're left with some patchy rain towards the west of northern ireland and western parts of scotland. still a fair amount of cloud here, whereas for england and wales, there'll still be sunny spells, though it could still be quite misty around some of the coasts of southwest england. and the temperatures in the sunshine in england and wales a little bit higher, reaching into the upper 20s in the warmer spots. and the warmth becomes more widespread for tuesday and wednesday.

clearer, warmer weather heading in from the southeast around that ridge of high pressure. there'll some mist and fog early on tuesday. that will clear away. still got some cloud in the far north of scotland, a few spots of rain to clear away, but by tuesday afternoon, there is a huge amount of sunshine out there and the temperatures are responding. scotland and northern ireland with lows of mid—20s, england and wales, mid to high 20s, and near30 in the hotspots. that continues into wednesday. later in the week, as the temperatures wane, a chance for rain goes up. some thunderstorms, too.

this is bbc news,

the headlines. the taliban and afghan opposition forces are battling to control the panjshir valley north of kabul. it's the last afghan province holding out against the islamist group. both sides are claiming to have the upper hand without producing conclusive evidence. here in the uk, the labour opposition party has called for clarity on covid vaccines for children to prevent further disruption to their education. labour says there's a "strong case" for offering all 12 to 15 year olds coronavirus vaccinations — but the government's scientific advisors don't support it. scientists have revealed that tuna stocks are starting to recover after being fished to the edge of extinction. however, many other plants and animals remain under huge pressure. biodiversity researchers say that nearly a third of the species they're monitoring face extinction. 0ne official warned of a major crisis soon. the doctors' union, the british medical association,

is calling on the government to take urgent action to tackle delays to the delivery of the winter flu jab.