LAST 24 HOURS
GERMANY ANNOUNCES IT WILL RESUME EVACUATIONS NEXT WEEK – The German Foreign Ministry announced that it would begin accepting Afghan refugees again beginning next week. Flights are expected to start departing on 26 JUN. The German program paused at the end of March after several accusations arose that the program was being abused and some involved in the application portion of the program were profiting from Afghans. The program is expected to reach a maximum of 1,000 people monthly within weeks of relaunching. Those Afghans who have been accepted into the program and who are waiting in Pakistan and Iran will be prioritized for now.
CHINA OPENS A ‘SUPER OBSERVATION STATION FOR CLIMATE AND THE ENVIRONMENT’ ON TAJIKISTAN/AFGHANISTAN BORDER – China announced it had officially opened the observation station near Shahrtuz, Tajikistan yesterday. The observation post is part of a series of climate research monitoring stations funded by Lanzhou University which is also listed as one of at least 68 academic institutions that habitually work with China’s defense industry. Few believe the observation post is solely devoted to studying climate and its proximity to the border suggests it may have an intelligence or military role.
UNHCR AND UNODC ANNOUNCE PLANS TO ESTABLISH WOMEN’S SERVICE CENTER IN KABUL – The project is intended to support women-run businesses and will seek to provide training programs and support for female entrepreneurs. The center appears to have at least nominal support from the Taliban but sources say that Kandahar was taken by surprise over the announcement and may have something to say about its future.
MINISTER OF THE INTERIOR AGAIN DISMISSES PRESENCE OF ISIS-K IN AFGHANISTAN – Sirajuddin Haqqani stated that the terror group was no longer active in Afghanistan, but did admit the group may still have some ideological support in ‘remote areas’.
PAKISTAN/AFGHANISTAN BORDER CROSSINGS PERMITTED DURING EID – Unconfirmed reports suggest that Afghan travelers will be permitted to cross the border with only Tazkeras today from 0700hrs local until 2100hrs local. This information has not been confirmed so, potential travelers should call ahead to determine if the window of opportunity is legitimate. However, both countries have allowed similar free movement during holiday periods in the past.
NEXT 24 HOURS
NO THREATS REPORTED
REGIONAL ROUNDUP
IRAN
The US, UK, and France have demanded that the United Nations probe Russia’s possible evasion of sanctions by using Iranian drones.
Information has begun to leak out about the Iranian/US nuclear deal has many worried that the deal will be unenforceable and difficult to verify. The primary concern centers on rumors that the deal may be a ‘verbal agreement’ and based on an ‘unwritten understanding’.
Military officials announced they had opened the first strategic UAV base on Friday which is expected to give the country an edge in any potential conflict. The location of the new base was not revealed but some analysts say it is located near the Southern border.
PAKISTAN
Chinese Premier, Li Qiang, said in his meeting with Prime Minister Sharif that his country is ready to strengthen ties and plans to move ahead with the Belt and Road Initiative as well as support the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor projects in the works.
The Punjab government submitted a report called for by the Supreme Court that detailed the actions taken after the 9 May riots. The report may figure prominently in the Supreme Court’s decisions over the plan to try civilians in military courts for their roles in the riots.
The Prime Minister has called on citizens to pray for the approval of the IMIF deal during the upcoming Eid holiday.
SPOTLIGHT OPINION
What To Do About The Taliban’s Continued War Crimes
By Brian Castner - Inkstick
In August 2022, in the province of Panjshir, just north of Kabul, the Taliban conducted a series of mass arrests of civilians. That part of Afghanistan consists of extremely high bare mountains and lush river valleys, tight rocky canyons, and shepherds guiding cattle. The villages lie along the valley floor, and the mountains are a traditional place of refuge.
AFGHAN NEWS
Taliban reinforces ban on female aid workers operating
By TVP World
Taliban authorities in Afghanistan’s Kandahar province ordered female aid workers this week to stop work on a…
Afghanistan: Shopkeepers say sales low on eve of Eid
By ANI
On the eve of Eid al-Adha, shopkeepers in Afghanistan lamented their dire financial state and low sales, TOLO News…
EU Allocates 12 Million Euros to Aid Partners in Afghanistan
By Bibi Amina Hakimi - TOLO News
The European Union has allocated 12 million euros to its partners the Aga Khan Foundation, the Danish Refugee Council and the Rehabilitation Association and…
REGIONAL NEWS
Iran criticizes seizure of Afghan foreign assets
By The Tehran Times
The seizure of Afghanistan's foreign assets and unilateral sanctions have significantly exacerbated the current situation, posing substantial external obstacles to…
At Least 13 Afghan Nationals Released from Karachi Prisons
By Nizamuddin Rezahi - Khaama Press
The Afghan Consulate on Thursday, June 22, in a news release said that these detainees were released from District Malir Jail and Karachi…
INTERNATIONAL NEWS RELATING TO AFGHANISTAN
Philippine Senate Probes Afghan Refugee Deal
By Mong Palatino - The Diplomat
If the formal request of the United States government is granted, at least 50,000 Afghans fleeing from Taliban rule will soon arrive in the…
US, India urge IEA to form inclusive government in Afghanistan
By Ariana News
US President Joe Biden and India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the importance of the formation of an inclusive political structure in Afghanistan and…
THE DAILY WTF
Afghan Journalist Commits Suicide in Pakistan After His Application Rejected
By Fidel Rahmati - Khaama Press
The Journalist, Saim, waited years for his case to process as he had a P1 referral case to the US and waited almost…
Afghani to the Dollar: $1 – 85.83 AFN (as of 24 JUN 2023)