Daily Evacuation Brief | June 7, 2023
LAST 24 HOURS
PAKISTAN SECURITY OPERATIONS NET SEVERAL AFGHAN REFUGEES – Pakistan’s police and military forces began detaining and interviewing Afghan refugees in and around Islamabad as early as Sunday night. It is not clear what is driving the policy but some pointed to an interaction between an Afghan living in exile in France and the former Pakistani Army Chief of Staff as a possible impetus. Regardless of the motive, the actions have been reported in F7, F10, and F17 on Tuesday and there are also indications that Afghan refugees have been stopped and harassed at road checkpoints entering Islamabad. Many unconfirmed reports suggest that arrests have been made in some of these cases and we have confirmed reports of interviews and the sequestering of travel documents for some at-risk Afghans. The situation is confusing and we are waiting on additional information.
ISIS-K SUICIDE BOMB ATTACK KILLS DEPUTY GOVERNOR OF BADAKHSHAN – ISIS-K has claimed credit for a suicide bomb attack in Fayzabad that resulted in the death of Molvi Nisar Ahmad Ahmadi, the Provincial Deputy Governor. In addition, 6 bystanders were reportedly injured in the attack. The official was on his way to work when another vehicle loaded with a bomb rammed his car and detonated the device.
A TROPICAL CYCLONE IS FORMING OFF PAKISTAN AND COULD REACH COAST EVENTUALLY – The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) is closely following a storm system in the Southeast Arabian Sea that is moving North/Northwest pattern. No advisories have been issued for coastal Pakistan yet but the PMD has requested that all relevant emergency managers continue to monitor the storm system.
RETIREES IN AFGHANISTAN VEXED OVER PAYMENT OF SALARIES – The recent Taliban budget has provisions for retirees in it but payment is continuing to be withheld until a review of Sharia compliance can be made by the Dar Al-Ifta. Payments of retirement benefits were suspended when the Taliban took power and the issue has instigated several protests by retirees in Afghanistan over the past 20 months. There are concerns that the Dar Al-Ifta will rule that any pensions awarded for personnel working on projects that were supported by the coalition forces may be nullified.
POISONING CASE DRAWS NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL IRE – As predicted, an uproar over the poisoning cases of students/teachers in Sar-e Pol Province has erupted. The European Union is calling for exhaustive investigations and international human rights organizations have added their voice to the call. The OIC is reportedly preparing a similar call and many regional and international States have roundly condemned the poisonings. It is not clear what investigation the Taliban have mounted at this point in time.
NEXT 24 HOURS
TALIBAN TO STRIKE SEVERAL ISIS-K HIDEOUTS IN RESPONSE TO ASSASSINATION OF BADAKHSHAN DEPUTY GOVERNOR – Note - some operations may already be underway. The Taliban are planning to initiate multiple operations targeting ISIS-K in different Provinces soon. Several hideouts have been identified with assistance from regional ‘partners’ and several in both Kunar, Balkh, and Badakhshan seem to have made the list. At-risk Afghans may see increased patrolling and are encouraged to avoid any large concentrations of Taliban personnel/vehicles as these may indicate that a clash is about to commence. The operations may last for several days.
ALERTS
REGIONAL ROUNDUP
IRAN
Iran officially opened its embassy in Riyadh yesterday as both countries continue the process of normalizing relations. The embassy had remained closed for 7 years.
Students across the country say that officials have begun to enforce strict dress codes on campuses in recent weeks.
The US announced new sanctions on Iranian and Chinese entities that are thought to be involved in various missile programs.
PAKISTAN
In a legal blow to former PM Imran Khan, the registrar for the Supreme Court rejected a petition to rule the military tribunals for suspected PTI party members as unconstitutional. Khan may resubmit the petition after clarifying several points.
Bushra Bibi, the wife of former PM Imran Khan filed a petition to dismiss all cases against her. She has stated her concerns about arbitrary arrests over the many pending cases.
In a move that seems to be popular with Pakistanis, the Government announced it would pay all employees before the Eid ul Adha holiday this month.
SPOTLIGHT GENDER
By Imogen Howse - The National
According to a report by Amnesty International, there’s been a “sharp increase” in the number of women arrested or detained for appearing outside without a male escort - or with a man who the Taliban decides does not qualify as a ‘mahram’. These women are then charged with ‘zina’, meaning trying to engage in sex outside marriage.
AFGHAN NEWS
Car Bomb Kills Taliban Provincial Deputy Governor in Northern Afghanistan
By Ayaz Gul - VOA
Taliban authorities in Afghanistan said Tuesday that a car bomb blast had killed at least two people, including the deputy governor of the northeastern Badakhshan…
Unknown Gunmen Kill Local Singer ‘Muslim Nuristani’ and His Brother
By Nizamuddin Rezahi - Khaama Press
According to provincial officials, Mr. Nuristani continued to live a normal life in his village after the Taliban seized power in…
Reports of Poisoned Female Students in Sar-e-Pul Spark Reactions
By Fatima Adib - TOLO News
UNICEF said it is counting on the “de facto authorities to investigate this incident thoroughly, to do everything possible to keep girls and…
REGIONAL NEWS
Pakistan Turns to Barter Trade With Russia, Iran and Afghanistan
By Umair Jamal - The Diplomat
Pakistan has approved barter trade with Iran, Afghanistan, and Russia to stabilize its economy and reduce the…
Pakistan’s embattled Imran Khan faces blackout on local media
By Ariana News
Coverage of Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Imran Khan has disappeared from all mainstream news channels in the country after the media regulator asked…
INTERNATIONAL NEWS RELATING TO AFGHANISTAN
Lavrov stresses need for inclusive government in Afghanistan
By AMU TV
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Tuesday that Afghanistan needs an inclusive government in order to resolve ongoing challenges and counter threats of…
Recognition of IEA would be decided by UNSC permanent members: Pakistan envoy
By Ariana News
Recognition of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) would be a decision that five permanent members of the UN Security Council would make, Asif Ali Durrani, Pakistan’s new special envoy...
THE DAILY WTF
Working for Country’s Economic Development is Responsibility of All: Khairkhah
By Bakhtar News Agency
Acting Information and Culture Minister, Mullah Khairullah Khairkhah, at the opening ceremony of the Snow Pharma pharmaceutical factory in…
‘All except women apparently’ TAD Staff
Afghani to the Dollar: $1 – 86.59 AFN (as of 7 JUN 2023)