LAST 24 HOURS
PAKISTAN BEGINS ENFORCING PASSPORT/VISA RULES AT BORDER CROSSINGS – Several reports came from Torkham gate stating that the border had been closed to commercial traffic after Pakistani border security officials began demanding that drivers produce both a passport and a visa to enter the country. The Taliban border officials reportedly responded in kind and began demanding that Pakistani truck drivers produce similar documentation. After a short standoff, it appears that commercial truck traffic was halted on both sides. The issue of the new documentation requirements was said to have been discussed with Pakistan’s envoy during his recent visit but, as of now, Pakistan appears to be intent on enforcing the rules. Photos of an official bulletin placed on the gates of the Angoor Adda crossing site said that the new passport/visa rules will begin to be enforced at that crossing on 1 February. The bulletin says that the requirements will also apply to non-commercial traffic as well. We are waiting for an update from the Spin Boldak/Chaman crossing. Based on previous incidents, it is likely that officials from both sides will meet today to discuss the impasse.
ACADEMICS REPORTEDLY ARRESTED IN TAKHAR – Unconfirmed reports have arrived that say 15 individuals affiliated with Takhar University were arrested by Taliban officials yesterday. Some of those detained are said to be University faculty and others are thought to be students (or, former students). No further information was available.
SUPREME LEADER ORDERS INVESTIGATION INTO LAND APPROPRIATION IN BALKH PROVINCE – Hebatullah Akhundzadeh, the figurehead of the Taliban regime, has appointed Maulvi Mohammad Qasim as the head of a commission that will look into reports of possible corruption surrounding the confiscation and reallocation of significant parcels of land in the Northern Province. The commission reportedly commenced its investigation yesterday in Mazar-i-Sharif. A source in Kandahar said that many Taliban officials would be nervous about the commission’s objective as some had received deeds to the land improperly and several had invested personal funds to build on the properties. Many of these ‘commissions’ have formed over the previous two years but those found culpable of fraud and corruption are seldom held to account.
DUAL PAKISTANI COUNTER-TERRORISM OPERATIONS BEAR FRUIT IN KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA – Simultaneous operations were launched in the Mir Ali region of North Waziristan and the Kulachi region of Dera Ismail Khan District. Each operation resulted in the deaths of 2 suspected terrorists (4 total killed). The 2 terrorists killed in the North Waziristan operation included a wanted TTP Commander (Tabassum aka Qadarman) and a known associate (Sajid aka Sarkandi). The identities of the 2 terrorists killed in the Dera Ismail Khan operation have not been disclosed.
NEXT 24 HOURS
PAKISTAN BORDER SITUATION UNCLEAR – Conflicting information concerning the status of multiple crossing points has led to significant confusion about who is authorized to cross the international border. At-risk Afghans intending to travel to Pakistan are advised to call ahead and/or check with local media sources before heading to the border.
SPOTLIGHT OPINION
Expelling Afghan refugees won't boost Pakistan's security
By Salman Rafi Sheikh - Nikkei Asia
The current round of expulsions has left hundreds of thousands of Afghans in serious jeopardy in their homeland, where they have been forced to live in camps that often lack adequate shelter or supplies of food for the harsh winter. Most were forced to leave behind most of their possessions, even money, in Pakistan, even though some families have been in the country for generations and the children have never been in Afghanistan before.
AFGHAN NEWS
Ex-Afghan intelligence chief claims ISIS-K members remain active
By AMU TV
Zia Siraj, former head of Afghanistan’s intelligence, contradicted Taliban claims by stating that key members of ISIS-K, the Khorasan branch of Daesh, including their leader Sanaullah, are…
Karzai stresses National Consensus for Afghanistan peace and stability
By Fidel Rahmati - Khaama Press
Hamid Karzai, former President of Afghanistan, said during a meeting with Roza Otunbayeva, the United Nations Special Representative in…
Kabul residents frustrated over slow passport distribution
By AMU TV
Kabul residents expressed their frustration with the sluggish passport distribution process, citing a lack of organization in the offline application…
REGIONAL NEWS
Torkham Crossing Closed to Transit By Pakistan
By TOLO News
Local officials of Nangarhar said that Pakistani border guards demanded passports and visas from Afghan drivers, which is why the…
INTERNATIONAL NEWS RELATING TO AFGHANISTAN
Islamic Emirate: Efforts Continue to Attract Foreign Investment in 2024
By Habib Rahman Qooyash - TOLO News
The Islamic Emirate officials said that large companies from various countries, including Türkiye, Russia, Iran, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, are going to invest in…
THE DAILY WTF
Women’s healthcare access crisis under Taliban-ruled Afghanistan
By Fidel Rahmati - Khaama Press
A non-profit media organization led by women called “PassBlue” has reported on the lack of access for women to healthcare and its impact on increasing maternal mortality, stating that…
Afghani to the Dollar: $1 – 71.07 AFN (as of 14 JAN 2024)