Daily Evacuation Brief | March 15, 2023
Daily Evacuation Brief | March 15, 2023
LAST 24 HOURS
Door-to-door searches continued in Kabul, focusing on police districts 4 (Taimaskan area) and 17.
Pakistani police attempted to arrest former Prime Minister Imran Khan for failing to appear in court on Monday over corruption charges, leading to major violent protests across the country. Thousands of protestors have thronged around Khan’s home in Lahore, preventing police from reaching the former prime minister. Police are attempting to push back crowds using tear gas and water cannons, and protestors are responding by throwing rocks. Major crowds have also formed in Karachi, Peshawar, Islamabad, and other major cities.
Reports are circulating that Ismail Khan aka the Lion of Herat, a famous Tajik warlord who helped defend Herat during the Taliban offensive, has reportedly recruited 2,500 soldiers from the Herat area. It is believed that he will lead resistance efforts in western Afghanistan once the fighting season begins in the spring.
NEXT 24 HOURS
As protests continue across Pakistan, at-risk Afghans should avoid all areas where demonstrations are ongoing due to unrest and concentrated police presence. Protests are expected to continue and may become more violent over time, especially if former Prime Minister Khan is arrested. If medical attention is needed, note that an emergency has been declared for hospitals in Lahore and Punjab, which may impact care. Continue to monitor the situation in the longer term, since Pakistan’s leadership may delay upcoming elections using the ongoing violence as an excuse. This will inevitably lead to more violence and protests.
SPOTLIGHT ANALYSIS
Will the Taliban Regime Dislodge TTP From Af-Pak Border Areas?
By Abdul Basit — The Diplomat
The Taliban may not be willing to crack down beyond a point, as that could provide the group’s arch-foe, the ISKP, with a propaganda boost…
AFGHAN NEWS
Fresh $40m humanitarian cash aid reaches Kabul: DAB
By Sohrab Sawrwai — Pajhwok News
Da Afghanistan Bank (DAB) says a fresh cash package amounting to $40 million arrived on Tuesday as part of the global fraternity’s…
Defense Ministry: Force Consists of Over 100,000 Troops
By Fatima Adib — TOLO News
The Islamic Emirate's Ministry of Defense said that its forces have reached between 100,000 and 150,000 troops. The ministry's spokesman, Enayatullah Khwarazmi, said that facilities…
Male Tailors Claim Restrictions on Making Clothes for Women
By TOLO News
Several male tailors in Charikar, the capital of Parwan province, said that they had received verbal orders from officials of the department of virtue and vice prohibiting them from making clothing for women…
REGIONAL NEWS
Imran Khan: Clashes as Pakistan police try to arrest opposition leader
By Caroline Davies & Robert Greenall — BBC News
Supporters of Pakistan's main opposition leader Imran Khan have clashed with police outside his home as officers try to arrest him. Police fired tear gas shells to disperse the supporters…
INTERNATIONAL NEWS RELATING TO AFGHANISTAN
UNHCR launches new appeal for Afghan refugees and hosts, urging partners to stay the course
By UNHCR
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and humanitarian partners have launched a response plan to support 7.9 million people: 5.2 million Afghans —including refugees— as well as 2.7 million of…
Iran, Bahrain Reportedly Discussing Resumption of Ties
By Mehr News
The Russian news agency 'Sputnik' reported on Monday evening, quoting informed sources, that important talks are currently underway between Iran and Bahrain in order to normalize…
LIGHT AT THE END OF THE EMAIL
By Harriet Johnston — Daily Mail
Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai paid subtle tribute to an Afghan Queen who advocated for women's rights in the country at the Oscars last night...
Afghani to the Dollar: $1 – 88.00 AFN (as of 15 MAR 2023)