Daily Evacuation Brief | November 10, 2023
LAST 24 HOURS
PAKISTAN WITHDRAWS DIPLOMATIC SUPPORT OF TALIBAN REGIME – Many expected Islamabad to take a harder line with Kabul over the universally recognized threats it has faced from TTP sheltering in Afghanistan. However, few thought things would sour between the two neighbors so rapidly. The acting PM made it clear that Pakistan would no longer provide any special privileges to the Taliban regime. Since the shameful coalition withdrawal from the country, Pakistan has often acted as the principal advocate for the Taliban regime in both regional forums and on the international stage. It now seems that this support is at an end and most international observers say the Taliban have only themselves to blame for continuing to promote the fictional talking points about TTP groups not operating from Afghan territory. The Taliban again dismissed Pakistan’s claims and called the security problems a ‘domestic’ issue for Islamabad to solve. With neither side willing to compromise, the situation could result in a full diplomatic and/or economic break, leading to a deeper security crisis for both nations. A source in Islamabad said that plans were being drawn up to potentially evacuate Pakistan’s diplomatic facilities in Afghanistan and that a minimal staffing list was being prepared that will be reviewed by the caretaker PM after his return from a regional meeting.
BLASTS/GUNFIRE REPORTED IN MAZAR-I-SHARIF – Few details are available but residents in the capital of Balkh Province have reported at least three large explosions and significant gunfire overnight. At this point, it is not clear what may have transpired in the city and at-risk Afghans should avoid going out until the situation becomes clearer.
PAKISTAN TO EXTEND AFGHAN REGISTRATION CARDS FOR 6 MONTHS – The caretaker regime in Islamabad announced it would authorize a six-month extension for Afghan refugees who hold current proof of residency cards. The news was welcomed by many but seemed to be in conflict with announcements made by Provincial leaders who stated that the residency cards would not be honored as a valid document. At this point, there appears to be a disconnect between Islamabad and the Provinces over who is authorized to stay in the country and who will be deported. Many of those who returned to Afghanistan reputedly had valid proof of residency cards in their possession and were loaded onto trucks anyway.
NEXT 24 HOURS
POSSIBLE SECURITY SITUATION IN BALKH PROVINCE – Reports of large explosions and gunfire arrived just before publication and signals a potential clash in Mazar-i-Sharif. It is unclear what has transpired but we urge those living in the city to stay indoors until the situation becomes clearer.
REGIONAL ROUNDUP
IRAN
Yesterday, Tehran said it would not stop supporting Hamas after a request by G7 Foreign Ministers was made. Iran’s Foreign Minister said it would continue to support efforts to halt Israeli attacks in Gaza.
Police in Spain are investigating the shooting of a Spanish politician over ties to the Iranian opposition in exile. While no link to Iran has yet materialized, Spanish authorities signaled they were looking into the possibility.
The US conducted air strikes against several Iranian-backed militia bases in Syria and the militants responded by launching further attacks against US forces stationed in the region.
PAKISTAN
Pakistani citizens will have to wait for passports as the country announced it did not have enough of the specialized material to produce new documents.
The IMF team is in the middle of conducting a review of the government’s finances and is expected to announce their findings early next week.
Heavy rains are expected in many parts of the country and flooding in low-lying areas is being planned for.
SPOTLIGHT OPINION
Impact Of Pakistan’s Decision To Deport Illegal Afghan Immigrants On Regional Stability
By Abdul Mussawer Safi - EurAsia Review
The cultural, religious, and political ties between Afghanistan and Pakistan have a long and complicated history. The First Anglo-Afghan War (1839–1842), the Third Anglo-Afghan War (1919), the Durand Line dispute (1893–present), and the Afghan Civil War (1978–2001) are just a few of the many wars and conflicts that have broken out between the two countries.
AFGHAN NEWS
Khalil Rahman Haqqani Visits Refugees from Iran in Nimroz
By TOLO News
The acting Minister of Refugees and Repatriation, who traveled to Nimroz to investigate the situation of refugees returning from Iran, criticized the…
Half of Afghanistan's population currently lives below poverty line: World Bank's top economists
By ANI
The World Bank’s top economists have said that half of Afghanistan’s population currently lives below the poverty line, TOLO News…
Over 50,000 Refugees Returned Through Spin Boldak in 9 Days
By TOLO News
After the beginning of the process of forced deportation of Afghan refugees from Pakistan in the last nine days, more than 50 thousand immigrants have entered the…
REGIONAL NEWS
Pakistan to 'send back registered refugees' after deporting illegal migrants
By Geo News
As a crackdown on illegal foreigners continues in Pakistan, the government plans to send back registered migrants as well after…
Pakistan shifts stance on Afghan Taliban
By Kamran Yousuf - The Express Tribune
In a major policy shift, Pakistan has decided not to advocate the Afghan Taliban’s case at the international level or extend any other…
Iran, Tajikistan leaders call for inclusive government in Afghanistan
By AMU TV
In a meeting in Dushanbe, the presidents of Tajikistan and Iran emphasized the need for an inclusive government in Afghanistan, representing all ethnic groups…
INTERNATIONAL NEWS RELATING TO AFGHANISTAN
WFP ‘prepares’ to support one million returning Afghan refugees
By Ariana News
The head of the World Food Program (WFP) Cindy McCain says that the organization is preparing to support one million Afghans who are expected to return…
US special envoy calls for probe into Kabul blast amid rising concerns over ‘targeted attacks’
By AMU TV
West expressed concern over a series of deadly attacks on Hazaras in the past month and emphasized the need for thorough investigations into…
THE DAILY WTF
US denies terrorists used weapons left behind in Afghanistan
By The Pakistan Observer
“...There was no equipment left behind by American forces during the withdrawal from Afghanistan,” Patel said during a…
Afghani to the Dollar: $1 – 73.50 AFN (as of 10 NOV 2023)