Daily Evacuation Brief | November 13, 2023
LAST 24 HOURS
PAKISTANI AUTHORITIES CRACKING DOWN ON AREAS AROUND DETENTION CENTER – Multiple reports concerning cases of Pakistani police and/or military personnel stopping individuals near the makeshift detention centers and seizing their phones and electronics to delete photos/videos have turned up in the past four days. While there has been no official policy regarding those interested in documenting the treatment of Afghans, it appears that some leaders have decided not to risk any possibility of scandal. Similarly, bystanders who film/photograph incidents of arrests of Afghan nationals on the streets have also had their phones taken and evidence removed.
TURKEY TIGHTENING BORDER SECURITY WITH IRAN TO COUNTER MIGRANTS – Turkey said it planned to implement several new programs to ensure its security along the border it shares with Iran. The measures are meant to counter illegal migration rather than any military or terrorism-related threats. Additional security forces have been deployed and a new system of reporting is being set up to more rapidly react to cases of illegal entry/human trafficking.
OBSERVERS AT THE AFGHAN/PAKISTAN BORDER SAY DEPORTATIONS SEEM TO HAVE SLOWED SIGNIFICANTLY – Journalists and activists who have been monitoring the deportation operation say that the numbers of Afghans who have crossed the border through Spin Boldak and Torkham have fallen off significantly over the past two days. Others who have been monitoring the detention holding facilities in major cities say there has been a similar effect with Afghans who are being brought in for processing. Several things could account for the declines but many are hoping that Islamabad may be rethinking its decision.
NEXT 24 HOURS
NO THREATS REPORTED
REGIONAL ROUNDUP
IRAN
US warplanes again struck several Iran-backed militia encampments in Eastern Syria yesterday in response to increased aggression against US forces stationed in the region.
More families of fallen protestors have reported being pressured by the security forces to cancel any public/private memorial ceremonies for their loved ones.
Police and intelligence agents raided more Baha’i facilities over the past week and at least 20 have been taken into custody. Religious NGOs say that another 32 members of the faith were arrested throughout the month of October.
PAKISTAN
Released surveillance footage of a suspected TTP attempted incursion by approximately 70-80 militants has been circulated on social media with pro-Pakistan bloggers claiming the Pakistan military successfully interdicted the force.
Technology students participated in the massive IT test administered by the Saylani Welfare International Trust on Sunday. Many are hoping to do well on the test in order to move into lucrative IT jobs.
Police in Sindh have heightened the security posture in the city in preparation for the upcoming Hindu Diwali celebrations. No specific threat was mentioned by the Chief of Police when he announced the plans.
SPOTLIGHT PERSPECTIVE
By Pamela Say - Orato
On August 15, 2021, the Taliban overthrew Kabul and turned my life into chaos. I worked hard for years to become a female judge in Afghanistan and on the day the Taliban took over, it marked the end of my life as I knew it. At that time, about 270 Afghani women served as judges in the courts. Now, only 49 of us remain in our homeland. The rest have been resettled in other countries, and 21 await news of relocation in Pakistan.
AFGHAN NEWS
IRC's Dent: Afghanistan Cannot Afford to Absorb Refugees
By TOLO News
Nancy Dent, the vice president of Asia at the International Rescue Committee, said that Afghanistan is still facing an economic crisis and is unable to…
Afghan Deportees from Pakistan Struggle with Cold Weather in Kabul
By TOLO News
The Afghans who were deported from Pakistan following Islamabad’s deadline for undocumented refugees, said that they are struggling with cold…
Family of slain journalist Ilyas Daee demands justice three years after Helmand explosion
By AMU TV
On this day three years ago, journalist Ilyas Daee, affiliated with Radio Azadi, fell victim to an explosion in Helmand, prompting his grieving family to seek justice as the perpetrators…
Afghan Currency Rises Against US Dollar
By Naweed Samadi - TOLO News
The spokesman for the money-exchange union said that the rise was caused due to the ban on thr use of foreign currencies, particularly…
REGIONAL NEWS
Pakistan says it is extending stay of Afghan refugees till the end of 2023
By Mukul Sharma - WION News
Pakistan extended the legal residence of nearly 1.4 million Afghan refugees until the end of 2023 but said it would not stop deporting the Afghans it says are…
Iran Distributes Smart Cards for Foreign Nationals and Immigrants
By Hasht-E Subh
As the Tasnim News Agency reported on Saturday, November 11th, the National Immigration Department of Iran has confirmed its engagement with…
INTERNATIONAL NEWS RELATING TO AFGHANISTAN
Activists Condemn Australia for Prosecuting Afghan War Crimes Whistleblower
By Ayaz Gul - VOA
Civil society groups are calling on Australia to halt the prosecution of a man who leaked classified documents detailing allegations of Australian special forces committing war…
Afghanistan pavilion showcases heritage and history
By The Gulf Times
The Afghanistan pavilion at the International Horticultural Expo 2023 Doha showcases products and crafts that…
THE DAILY WTF
Moscow claims US wanted to export Afghan heroin to Russia
By Ariana News
The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) has contributed more to the fight against drugs in Afghanistan in the past year than did a…
‘Somebody tell Putin that poor old Dmitry is off his meds again.’ TAD Staff
Afghani to the Dollar: $1 – 73.49 AFN (as of 13 NOV 2023)