LAST 24 HOURS
TERROR ATTACK TARGETS CHINESE WORKERS NEAR GWADAR PORT IN PAKISTAN – The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) reputedly launched a terror attack against a convoy that was transporting over 20 Chinese nationals (engineers) yesterday in Balochistan. The BLA unit that orchestrated the attack is said to be the Majeed Brigade. There are discrepancies about the number of people killed in the incident but both journalists and the government say that no Chinese nationals were killed. At least 2 of the terrorists were killed and at least 1 Pakistani soldier is said to have died from wounds suffered in the exchange of gunfire. There are also disputed reports that some of the terrorists were captured by police. The Chinese embassy released a statement immediately after the attack and reportedly requested a meeting with both the Foreign Minister and the Minister of the Interior.
TALIBAN RAMPING UP PROPAGANDA MESSAGING AS 2-YEAR ANNIVERSARY APPROACHES – As the anniversary of the withdrawal approaches, the different ministries across the Taliban government have begun broadcasting curated messages that are clearly intended to paint a very serene picture of life under their rule. The majority of the propaganda appears to be aimed at audiences abroad and many of the claims being bandied about are questionable at best.
PAKISTAN PASHTUN MARCH ON ISLAMABAD SCHEDULED FOR 18 AUGUST – The Pashtun Tahafuz Movement is organizing a march on the Supreme Court in Islamabad that is scheduled to take place at 1500hrs local time on 18 August. The organizers hope to advocate for peace, gain the release of Pashtuns who are serving prison sentences, and highlight other issues the community says it is facing. There is the potential for ethnic violence and the government may attempt to stop/divert the march with force.
NEXT 24 HOURS
INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATIONS IN PAKISTAN COULD INVITE BOTH POLITICAL AND TERRORISM VIOLENCE – While no direct threat has been received, it is likely that many groups intend to disrupt celebrations. While a massive police presence has been reported in major cities, they face the daunting task of policing multiple gatherings. At-risk Afghans residing in Pakistan are encouraged to avoid these celebrations in order to avoid any risk of collateral injury.
REGIONAL ROUNDUP
IRAN
4 people were killed when 2 armed men attacked the shrine of Shah Cheragh in Fars Province. This is the second attack on the Shiite shrine in less than a year. 1 of the shooters was arrested while the other got away. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack.
Election organizers say that almost 50,000 candidates had so far registered to run in the upcoming elections.
Parliament was in session on Sunday to debate the new hijab law that has been proposed. The assembly voted to send the contentious bill to a special commission for revision. It is thought the regime wants the new law approved before the anniversary of Mahsa Amini’s death on 16 September.
PAKISTAN
Police and other security forces announced they had finalized the security plan for the upcoming Independence Day celebrations today. In anticipation of potential terrorist attacks, a massive police presence is on the streets in cities across the country.
A man (Kazim Khan) was arrested yesterday for killing and burying his spouse, a US national, in a cemetery in Lahore. An investigation was underway.
The interim Prime Minister, Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar announced he would resign his Senate seat and cut his ties to the Balochistan Awami Party to remain neutral while he serves as the caretaker leader of Pakistan’s government.
SPOTLIGHT ANALYSIS
‘The Taliban Turned All My Ambitions Into Dust’
By Lynn O’Donnell - Foreign Policy
Two years ago, on Aug. 15, 2021, the Taliban stormed into Kabul, capping 20 years of terrorist-led insurgency to reestablish an extreme theocratic regime. Almost overnight, the country was thrown into reverse as laws, institutions, freedoms, and rights—underwritten with the financial and military support of the United States and its allies since 2001—were eradicated.
AFGHAN NEWS
Afghanistan's caretaker govt declares August 15 victory day
By CGTN
"Tuesday, Asad 24, 1402 (August 15 according to the Persian Calendar) is the victory day of the Jihad (holy war) of the people of Afghanistan under the leadership of…
Afghanistan hit by fuel price hike
By Ariana News
Following the increase in the price of fuel on local markets, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MoIC) said Saturday this is a knock-on effect of…
After two years of Taliban rule, uncertainty clouds women's education in Afghanistan
By LiveMint
Afghanistan’s universities are ready to readmit female students, but the ruling Taliban's leader has the ultimate say on when that might…
REGIONAL NEWS
Iranian delegation finds water levels in Helmand River have dropped considerably: IEA
By Ariana News
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan announced Sunday that the Iranian technical delegation that visited the Deh Rawood hydrometric station found the level of water to…
No casualties reported in attack on Chinese convoy in Gwadar, says Chinese Embassy
By Sarfraz - Pakistan Observer
On August 13th, a convoy carrying Chinese citizens was attacked near the port of Gwadar in Balochistan…
INTERNATIONAL NEWS RELATING TO AFGHANISTAN
Young Afghans Flee Abroad for Better Future
By Bezhan Hamdard - VOA
Hundreds of young Afghans are choosing to make the treacherous journey to Iran, hoping to reach…
Warning of more Channel deaths unless urgent action taken after six Afghans killed
By Tariq Tahir - The National News
After six Afghan refugees died, MPs from across the political spectrum joined with campaigners in urging ministers to act to tackle boat…
THE DAILY WTF
Islamic Emirate’s Relations With World Are 'Improving': Deputy PM
By Naveed Samadi - TOLO News
The Deputy Prime Minister, Mawlawi Abdul Kabir, said that the Islamic Emirate’s relations with the international community are…
“Apparently, nearly universal condemnation by virtually every democratic nation is considered improvement.” TAD Staff
Afghani to the Dollar: $1 – 84.12 AFN (as of 14 AUG 2023)