Daily Evacuation Brief | March 16, 2023
Discover more from The Afghan Digest
LAST 24 HOURS
2,400+ AFGHAN REFUGEES STUCK IN UAE — Human Rights Watch reported that the United Arab Emirates has detained between 2,400-2,700 Afghans within the humanitarian city in Abu Dhabi, a processing center that was a frequent destination for Afghan evacuees. Many asylum seekers have been held without processing for 15 months in what HRW describes as “cramped, miserable conditions”. Read more HERE.
IMRAN KHAN WARRANT PAUSED — A Pakistani court suspended the operation to arrest former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan due to the protests’ impact on a highly important upcoming international cricket match near Khan’s home. Although protests have largely dispersed for now and Khan has re-emerged from his home, the operation will resume on March 19th once the foreign cricket players depart.
AFG STILL COUNTRY MOST IMPACTED BY TERRORISM — The Institute for Economics & Peace published a report on global terrorist deaths in 2022. Since the Taliban now control the government and are not included in terrorist attack counts, terror-related deaths in Afghanistan dropped 58% and terror attacks dropped 75%. However, Afghanistan is still considered the country in the world most impacted by terrorism. Notably, Pakistan’s terror-related death toll rose from 292 to 643 over the last year.
NEXT 24 HOURS
REPORTED ISIS-K ATTACK — A leaked communique from the Taliban’s Ministry of Interior reported that ISIS-K is planning suicide attacks in Kabul targeting government employees collecting their salaries. Although the attacks are not planned for a specific date, they appear to be imminent.
KHAN PROTESTS TO RESUME SOON — Pakistani protests regarding former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s arrest warrant should remain calmed until March 19th, when the warrant is reinstated.
SPOTLIGHT ANALYSIS
The international community is getting Afghanistan wrong, again
By Alexander Matheou — The New Humanitarian
As we progress into 2023, it has become apparent that no one has a clear strategy for Afghanistan. Reticent international interest aside, even humanitarian agencies can’t agree…
REGIONAL ROUNDUP
IRAN
Iranian authorities claim to have arrested 110 individuals in relation to the poisonings of up to 1,000 school girls since November 2022.
PAKISTAN
As described above, the operation to arrest Imran Khan has been paused until March 19.
Multiple reports have been received regarding a drone targeting the house of an important TTP commander in Zanghara Khadrakhel, South Waziristan. A photo showing the bodies of two young children killed in the purported drone attack is circulating social media. However, an anonymous senior Pakistani official has said the attack was artillery and mortar fire targeting the commander’s house, not a drone.
UZBEKISTAN
Uzbekistan’s parliament officially approved a bill amending the Uzbek constitution to permit President Shavkat Mirziyoev to run for a third presidential term, further entrenching his regime. The new constitution also includes a clause establishing Uzbekistan as "a social state", almost tripling the state's obligations to citizens.
AFGHAN NEWS
Market Established for Businesswomen in Mazar-e- Sharif
By Mohammad Amin Pacha — TOLO News
Local Officials in Balkh said that a market has been opened just for businesswomen. Municipality officials in Mazar-e- Sharif said that this market has nearly 200 shops and all…
REGIONAL NEWS
Pakistan court orders halting of operation to arrest Imran Khan
By Abid Hussain — al Jazeera
A court in the Pakistani city of Lahore has ordered the immediate halt of a two-day operation to arrest former Prime Minister Imran Khan until Thursday morning. Security forces first…
Nearly 5,000 Afghans return from Iran in 2 days
By Ahmad Shah Erfanyar — Pajhwok News
As many as 4,986 Afghan refugees have returned from Iran in the past two days, the Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation (MoRR)...
Volatile political situation in Pakistan delaying IMF deal: report
By Press Trust of India
The current volatile political situation in Pakistan has become a factor in delaying a much-needed deal with the Washington-based IMF that may stabilise the cash-strapped…
INTERNATIONAL NEWS RELATING TO AFGHANISTAN
UAE: 2,400 Arbitrarily Detained Afghans Stuck in Limbo
By Human Rights Watch
Authorities in the United Arab Emirates have arbitrarily detained between 2,400 and 2,700 Afghans for over 15 months in the “Emirates Humanitarian City,” a humanitarian logistics hub…
Saudi Investment in Iran Could Happen Quickly After Agreement: Minister
By Rachna Uppal and Aziz Al Yaakoubi — Reuters
Saudi Arabia's Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan said on Wednesday that Saudi investments into Iran could happen "very quickly" following an agreement to restore diplomatic…
Afghani to the Dollar: $1 – 88.00 AFN (as of 16 MAR 2023)