The Latest: Pakistan to offer reporters in Afghanistan visas

The Latest developments on Afghanistan, where a weeklong Taliban blitz has taken large swaths of territory just weeks ahead of the final pullout of all American and NATO troops from the war-torn country:

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ISLAMABAD — Pakistan’s interior minister has announced that authorities are relaxing visa requirements for journalists working for foreign outlets in neighboring Afghanistan amid the deteriorating security situation there in the wake of the Taliban offensive.

Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed made the announcement on Twitter on Friday.

He says all journalists and media staffers who are working for international outlets and other foreign media in Afghanistan and who want to leave through Pakistan can apply for Pakistani visas.

Ahmed said his ministry will issue visas on a priority basis, without offering details. He said the decision was made by Pakistan’s government, primarily keeping in mind the safety of the journalists.

Ahmed did not elaborate but under the previous policy, a visa to enter Pakistan required a lengthy intelligence check of a reporter’s background.

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MORE ON THE CRISIS IN AFGHANISTAN:

— Taliban sweep across Afghanistan’s south; take 4 more cities

— Bitter blow: UK’s former hub in Afghanistan taken by Taliban

— US rushes in troops to speed up evacuations in Afghanistan

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HERE’S WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING:

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PARIS — The French presidency said France will continue providing visas in Kabul and is now making an “exceptional effort” to facilitate access to French territory to Afghan civilians who are being threatened by the Taliban offensive.

Friday’s statement mentioned “artists, journalists, human right activists who risk their lives because of...