LAST 24 HOURS
MULLAH ABDUL KABIR APPOINTED AS NEW PRIME MINISTER – Sources say that Mawlawi Abdul Kabir was appointed Prime Minister by Hibatullah Akhundzada after a prolonged absence by the previous Prime Minister, Hassan Akhund. Akhund arrived in Kandahar over a month ago and never left. Taliban officials say the former PM became ill and Kabir was ordered to assume the post. Initially, it was said to be a temporary appointment but late reporting suggests it has now been made permanent. A source in Kabul said the appointment was seen as another ‘chess move’ by Kandahar against Kabul as Kabir is a reputed sycophant of the Supreme Leader.
PAKISTAN TO TRY VIOLENT PROTESTERS IN MILITARY TRIBUNALS – The announcement has triggered a backlash from human rights groups in Pakistan. Some are calling the move a gimmick by the regime to show support for the military after the riots last week. The military courts are not subject to the same standards of evidence as their civilian counterparts and are considered a practical means of serving justice in times of duress. A source in Rawalpindi said that military leaders had initially demanded that those involved in attacks on military bases be tried in this manner. However, Islamabad ordered that all ‘violent’ offenders be handled by the Army.
SOCIAL MEDIA SITES BLOCKED IN PARTS OF PAKISTAN AGAIN – Possibly in an attempt to limit PTI party followers from coordinating demonstrations, the PTA announced that it was restricting access to websites in the interest of the public good.
PTI PARTY LEADERS RELEASED FROM PRISON, ARRESTED IMMEDIATELY AFTER LEAVING PRISON – Dr. Shireen Mazari and Senator Falak Naz Chitrali walked out of Adiata Jail and were swarmed by Islamabad Police who arrested the two and took them to an undisclosed location. Both were arrested over charges of inciting their followers to riot and it is believed the recent arrest may involve charges of terrorism.
NEXT 24 HOURS
KHAN MAKES FRESH CALL FOR PROTESTS – The former PM took to Twitter and called on followers in his party to launch new protests on Tuesday. Khan missed the early portions of his court hearing on Tuesday and has been ordered back into court today for further hearings in the Al-Qadir Trust corruption case. He promised to host a rally on Thursday where he says he will lay out a new plan of action. However, he has also been ordered to appear in front of the NAB in Rawalpindi on Thursday. Many are expecting him to be arrested again and a new round of protests that could be met with significantly stiffer resistance by Police and Military forces will ensue. We have no definitive information about an impending arrest but feel duty-bound to continue warning at-risk Afghans in Pakistan to remain situationally aware and ready to take shelter should crowds begin to gather.
REGIONAL ROUNDUP
IRAN
Russian regulators pulled a film about a serial killer in Iran after it had been airing for a week. Many believe the move was made to mollify Tehran.
US authorities announced that five criminal cases had been launched to prosecute people and companies that may have delivered technology to Russia, Iran, and China.
Azerbaijan arrested nine citizens who are suspected of working for Iranian intelligence services.
PAKISTAN
A senior PTI party leader, Mahmood Moulvi, announced on Tuesday that he was leaving the party over a difference of opinion with the leadership. Ultimately, he said he could not fault the Pakistani Army and felt the PTI messaging was unpatriotic.
A bill was quietly passed in Parliament that would criminalize those found in contempt of parliament. Many observers believe the bill is aimed at the Supreme Court.
A police officer in Swat fired on a school bus transporting teachers and students, killing an 8-year-old girl and wounding five others. The motive for the incident is under investigation.
SPOTLIGHT ANALYSIS
Afghanistan’s Crisis Requires a Coherent, Coordinated International Response
By William Byrd - USIP
Over the past year, especially in recent months, the Taliban have made several missteps. The consequences are not a threat to their power in the short run but will damage their ability to govern as well as, potentially, their longer-term cohesion. Unfortunately, these missteps will harm the Afghan people much more, both directly and through their adverse impact on humanitarian aid.
AFGHAN NEWS
2 Children Killed in Drone Strike in Afghanistan’s Khost
By Fidel Rahmati - Khaama Press
A house in the Bahramkhel village of Ismailkhel and Mandozai district of Khost province was the target of a drone strike on Tuesday early…
Questions raised over extended absence of Taliban’s chief minister
By Abdul Mutalib Feraji - AMU TV
Taliban’s chief minister Mullah Hassan Akhund has reportedly been absent from his Kabul office at the presidential palace, known as ARG, for over…
Women Without Male Breadwinners Work As Street Vendors in Herat
By Naseer Ahmadi Salehi - TOLO News
Dozens of older women sell clothes and other items on the street as they are faced with economic challenges from losing family members in…
REGIONAL NEWS
Iran ups pressure on Taliban to resolve long-running water dispute
By Anadolu Agency
Iran has over the years accused Afghanistan of restricting the flow of water from the river by constructing dams over it, a charge that…
Officials at Afghan Embassy in India May Leave Country, Says Activist
By Banafsha Binesh - TOLO News
Officials of the Afghan embassy in India, who have been publicly accused of corruption, may leave the country, said Shams Qarizada, a…
INTERNATIONAL NEWS RELATING TO AFGHANISTAN
UNICEF to Launch Community-Based Education Classes for Female Students in Bamyan
By Nizamuddin Rezahi - Khaama Press
This community-based education program is initiated by UNICEF and the financial support of the Asian Bank, the World Bank in South Asia and…
‘Hard choices’ in Afghanistan’s humanitarian crisis: rights watchdog
By Ariana News
The ongoing crisis in Afghanistan has thrust upon the United Nations two vital but seemingly incompatible responsibilities in Afghanistan: keeping aid…
THE DAILY WTF
Hanafi calls on investors abroad to return and invest in Afghanistan
By Ariana News
Speaking at the end of five-day international expo of domestic products in Kabul, Hanafi said the policy of the Islamic Emirate is to…
‘How is that General Amnesty program working out for former soldiers?’ TAD Staff
Afghani to the Dollar: $1 – 87.27 AFN (as of 17 MAY 2023)