LAST 24 HOURS
PAK/AFGHAN BORDER REOPENS – A standoff over visa/passport requirements imposed by Pakistan on Afghan drivers which had forced traffic to halt at both Torkham and Spin Boldak crossings, has been solved. At least it has been solved for the next two weeks. Officials from both countries met after Torkham closed the other day and hammered out the agreement while also saying a permanent solution was being worked on. The new agreement marks the 3rd deferment for Pakistan’s new rule and while Taliban officials seemed hopeful that a permanent compromise would be reached, sources in Islamabad were far less optimistic.
PAKISTAN’S SUPREME COURT ACCEPTS AFGHAN DEPORTATION PLEA – Yesterday, the Supreme Court announced it would rule on a constitutional petition that seeks a restraining order against the deportation of Afghan citizens. The lead counsel for the petition, Umer Gilani, has asked for an early hearing for the case. The original petition that was filed in early November was held up by the Registrar’s Office over ‘legal issues’ and those issues are expected to be addressed by the Justices at the hearing. The petition is based on complaints that many of those facing deportation are protected under the 1951 Citizenship Act. Legal observers say that any positive ruling that may come out of a hearing would likely not impact the majority of those facing deportation as it applies only to those who can claim ‘birthright citizenship’.
POWER OUTAGES POSSIBLE STARTING TODAY – The National Power Company (DABS) announced that a 50% reduction in electricity imported from Uzbekistan would begin today for 13 Provinces and Kabul. DABS said the reductions would be temporary and were implemented for badly needed repairs of the transmission lines in Uzbekistan. The reduction is scheduled to begin at 0800hrs local time in Kabul and it was not clear when the repairs would be completed.
WOMEN’S FASHION SHOPS CLOSED IN HERAT CITY – Taliban security forces reportedly arrived in force at the central market in Herat City with orders to close all women’s fashion shops. Sources told Hasht-E Subh reporters that the shops were being closed because males were employed to work on women’s clothing.
TALIBAN ‘LEADERSHIP’ WRAPS UP TWO-DAY CONFERENCE IN KANDAHAR – A cabinet session, presided over by Hibatullah Akhundzada concluded yesterday in Kandahar and a brief statement outlined the topics discussed. Those present focused on the repatriation of migrants, diplomatic relations, import/export matters, and the state of current monetary policies. Women’s issues and updates to the supposed ‘draft constitution’ were not mentioned.
NEXT 24 HOURS
NO THREATS REPORTED
REGIONAL ROUNDUP
IRAN
Iran’s Foreign Minister said that the conflict in Gaza would spread across the Middle East if Israel’s ceasefire with Hamas was not extended.
Security forces reputedly cracked down on those seeking to commemorate the anniversary of the Bloody Friday violence in 2022. Delayed reporting from the crackdown indicated that protestors were assaulted and abused on 29 September and 20 October 2023.
The Spanish politician who was shot in Madrid earlier this month, Alejo Vidal-Quadras said Iran was behind the assassination attempt. While no proof was provided in his statement, he has visibly supported the opposition to Tehran for years.
PAKISTAN
Pakistan has formally applied to join the BRICS alliance and said it hoped to see its application approved in 2024. India may oppose the bid.
Several bomb blasts were reported in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa yesterday that killed at least 7 people (both soldiers and civilians alike).
The Islamabad High Court ruled that the ‘jail trial’ of former Prime Minister Khan was illegal. It is not clear what will happen next as the embattled former PM faces nearly 150 charges stemming from multiple cases.
SPOTLIGHT CULTURE
Pakistan’s Kalash people are afraid for their future after Taliban attack
By Farhat Javed - BBC
"It was 04:00 in the morning when we saw men coming down the mountain with turbans on their head, backpacks, weapons and belts of bullets around their bodies," says a Kalashi shepherd, Michael (not his real name).
AFGHAN NEWS
Young activist Bahara Karimi in Taliban custody for over a month
By AMU TV
Bahara Karimi, a 22-year-old student and activist, is in Taliban custody for more than a month after her arrest from her home in Kabul on October 17, as confirmed by…
Cultural Event Held to Mark Intl Day of Islamic Art
By TOLO News
The Ministry of Information and Culture held a cultural gathering and an exhibition of Islamic art work in Kabul on the occasion of the…
Afghanistan: 50% reduction expected in imported electricity from Uzbekistan for vital repairs
By Siyar Sirat - AMU TV
Afghanistan’s power distributor company, DABS, has announced a planned 50% reduction in imported electricity from Uzbekistan for approximately eight hours, starting at 8 a.m. local time on…
REGIONAL NEWS
Putin, Rahmon set to discuss Afghanistan and regional Security in Moscow talks
By Siyar Sirat - AMU TV
Russian President Vladimir Putin welcomed Tajik counterpart Emomali Rahmon to the Kremlin on Tuesday for talks, with both leaders highlighting that…
Thousands of Afghanistan-bound containers remain stranded at Karachi port
By Fidel Rahmati - Khaama Press
Afghan traders are facing delays as Pakistani officials have not yet allowed the release of goods stranded at the Karachi seaport, according to officials from the…
INTERNATIONAL NEWS RELATING TO AFGHANISTAN
UN agency urges Pakistan to halt expelling Afghans during winter
By The New Arab
The UN refugee agency on Wednesday urged Pakistan to halt deportation of undocumented Afghan refugees during the harsh winter season, as police continued to…
Taliban’s rejection of UN recommendations risks Afghanistan’s isolation, warns Faiq
By Bais Hayat - AMU TV
In an interview with Amu, Faiq emphasized that the evaluation of the United Nations special coordinator and its roadmap represents the only viable solution to…
THE DAILY WTF
U.S. bombs left in Afghanistan are ending up in the hands of Mexican cartels
By Yami Virgin - CBS Austin
Although many of the explosives seen in Mexico are homemade, the number of those coming from Afghanistan has also…
Afghani to the Dollar: $1 – 69.00 AFN (as of 23 NOV 2023)