LAST 24 HOURS
PAKISTAN SAYS IT KILLED AN ISIS COMMANDER DURING RECENT ENGAGEMENT ALONG BORDER – The incident took place on Wednesday in the Bajur District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province. Initial reports claimed the fight occurred between TTP militants and Pakistan’s Army. However, subsequent reports now indicate that ISIS Commander, Shafi Ullah, and two other unidentified militants were killed in the engagement. A cache of weapons and ammunition was discovered in the house where the men were staying. Pakistan has been enjoying significant success in its counter-terror operations over the course of 2022.
UN ENVOY FOR AFGHANISTAN ADDRESSES TALIBAN CLAIMS OF ‘INTERFERENCE’ IN DOMESTIC AGENDA – Deputy Special Representative for Afghanistan, Markus Potzel, told TOLO News that the question of human rights has nothing to do with the Taliban’s agenda and reminded the IEA leaders that Afghanistan was a signatory of the original 1948 declaration. Mr. Potzel’s comments sought to dismiss talking points that have been bandied about by the Taliban since coming to power.
GERMAN GOVERNMENT INSTITUTES STRICTER SECURITY CHECKS AFTER EXTREMISTS WERE DISCOVERED TO HAVE APPLIED – Germany froze its program in March after discovering that 10 applications had been submitted on behalf of individuals suspected of radical affiliations. Germany has brought in over twenty new case workers to assist with screening applications and a new security interview will be added to the process.
TALIBAN SENIOR LEADER SAYS SHARIA IS THE ONLY WAY AHEAD FOR THE COUNTRY – In prerecorded remarks, Hibatullah Akhundzada addressed Afghans and committed to adhering to Sharia law and to shrug off any external pressure to veer from the course. Several other Taliban leaders also spoke to the citizenry and many chose to externalize the problems facing the country while highlighting the ‘progress’ they have made.
NEXT 24 HOURS
NO THREATS REPORTED
REGIONAL ROUNDUP
IRAN
Iran filed a case at the International Court of Justice against Canada over the practice of awarding civil damages against Iran for terrorist acts. Iran’s position is that such rulings violate its sovereignty.
The US Secretary of State reiterated again that no deal is currently possible with Iran at this time and went on to caution Iran from any escalation of tensions.
As many Iranian women have largely ignored the headscarves rules, a new law is being debated that would impose heavier fines and could restrict women’s access to their bank accounts as well as confiscate vehicles.
PAKISTAN
Pakistan announced it intends to increase cooperation with the European Union to fight human trafficking and will seek to reapply for the Pakistan-EU Joint Readmission Agreement. The move is being hailed across Europe and in Pakistan.
Lawmakers in the National Assembly passed a bill that could allow the exiled former Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif, to return and run for office.
Citizens are bracing for an increase in fuel prices that is expected to take effect on 1 July.
SPOTLIGHT ECONOMY
Muted Eid Celebrations In Afghanistan As Economic Crisis Worsens
By RFE
As Muslims around the world prepare to celebrate Eid al-Adha, many Afghanis are struggling to afford basic necessities amid a deepening economic crisis and Western sanctions.
AFGHAN NEWS
Taliban leader expresses frustration over lack of recognition
By AMU TV
In an audio message attributed to Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada, he voiced his dissatisfaction with the world’s reluctance to recognize their…
Amnesty International Calls on Afghan Authorities to Release ‘Matiullah Wesa’
By Nizamuddin Rezahi - Khaama Press
Amnesty International called on Afghanistan’s de facto authorities to release Afghan educationist, Matiuallah Wesa, the founder of ‘Pen Path’ and supporter of girl’s…
Afghans Celebrate First Day of Eid Amid Increased Security
By TOLO News
The Afghans celebrated the first day of the Eid al-Adha amid increased security, however economic hardship remains a desperate challenge as…
REGIONAL NEWS
Pakistani army kill ISIS militant amid clashes with Taliban
By Robert Tollast - The National News
It comes as five security forces were killed in clashes with Tehreek-ei-Taliban-e-Pakistan the local branch of the movement that has waged an…
Issuing Visa Process for Afghan Nationals Not Transparent, Says Pakistani MPs
By Nizamuddin Rezahi - Khaama Press
According to official reports, the committee members demanded the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Interior find the defaults and get rid of…
INTERNATIONAL NEWS RELATING TO AFGHANISTAN
Panama: In deadly Darién Gap, pregnant women and disabled people are increasingly vulnerable
By Doctors Without Borders
More than 127,000 migrants crossed the Darién Gap between January and April 2023, five times more than in the same period in…
High Court denies Afghan interpreter permission to enter UK after he 'put lives at risk'
By Nicky Harley & Tariq Tahir - The National News
While working for the US, he had released sensitive information and threatened to kill coalition…
THE DAILY WTF
Baradar says ‘foreigners’ encourage people to leave Afghanistan
By AMU TV
Taliban’s deputy chief minister Abdul Ghani Baradar in an address on Eid on Wednesday said that “foreigners are spreading rumors about the country’s economic problems while…
“Women - disappeared from society. Youth - no economic opportunity. Ethnic/Religious Minorities - no say in the government. Take a hard look at yourself Baradar.” TAD Staff
Afghani to the Dollar: $1 – 86.08 AFN (as of 29 JUN 2023)