LAST 24 HOURS
TALIBAN AND PAKISTANI FORCES EXCHANGE FIRE AT BORDER – Reports of a cross-border exchange of fire between both Pakistani and Taliban border elements near the Chaman Spin Boldak crossing caused a temporary closure of the border today. At least 2 people were killed and another was wounded during the incident, both of those who died were Pakistani nationals and one was said to be a child. Pakistani authorities have called on the Taliban to hand over those responsible to face justice.
TALIBAN TELL PAKISTAN THE PLAN TO EVICT AFGHANS IS UNACCEPTABLE – The Taliban roared back at Pakistan over claims that Afghan nationals in Pakistan constituted a threat to national security and pointed to the decades that Afghans have resided in Pakistan without taking part in anti-government sentiment. The Taliban’s chief spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid called the threat of deportation…unacceptable. For its part, Pakistan pointed to those militants it has either killed or captured in recent attacks along the frontiers and claimed that over 35% of them were Afghan citizens. Both sides are making preparations to deport/receive the Afghans as plans have been announced to establish refugee camps in Afghanistan and committees are being formed in Pakistan to carry out the deportations.
AFGHAN EMBASSY IN NETHERLANDS OFFERS CONSULAR SERVICES – The Taliban’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that the Afghan consulate in Amsterdam had reopened and was already assisting Afghan citizens in the Netherlands with consular functions. The consular section will be open Monday through Wednesday and Thursdays will be reserved for those Afghans who make appointments to be seen.
THE US WALKS A FINE LINE WITH BI-LATERAL RELATIONS WITH PAKISTAN OVER DEPORTATION THREATS – A State Department spokesman deflected questions over what the US was planning to do with regard to the threat of deporting Afghans from Pakistan on 1 November. At a briefing on Tuesday, the spokesman said only that “Pakistan has been an important partner when it has come to the resettlement of Afghans who are fleeing and looking to resettle.” The administration has made it clear that it would like to be free of the problem of the refugees but has also voiced a commitment to make good on promises to evacuate those with valid claims for asylum, parole, and special immigrant visas.
NEXT 24 HOURS
NO THREATS REPORTED
REGIONAL ROUNDUP
IRAN
A young girl who was beaten by the ‘Hijab Police’ is said to have slipped into a coma from her injuries.
The US announced it was sending over 1 million rounds of Iranian-produced ammunition to Ukraine. The ammo had been seized while being shipped to Yemen to support the Houthi rebels.
Iran and Saudi Arabia say they have reached an agreement to reschedule a soccer match that was canceled over a political controversy.
PAKISTAN
Some Provincial governments have begun setting up committees to oversee the planned expulsion of foreigners. Sindh Province announced the formation of a committee that will encompass civil society and the police.
Pakistan’s stock exchange continued its rally and gained 323 points yesterday. Analysts say the bullish trend is expected to continue for some weeks.
Officials said that the entire fleet of Pakistan International Airlines planes in Lahore could be grounded soon if a solution to the fuel supply problems is not found.
SPOTLIGHT REFUGEES
Can Pakistan deport 1.7 million Afghan refugees?
By Wesley Rahn
For decades, Pakistan has provided a haven for Afghan refugees escaping conflict and upheaval. Now, Afghans in Pakistan are being caught in tensions between Islamabad and Kabul over militant attacks.
AFGHAN NEWS
Camp to Be Established for Returning Refugees in Nangarhar
By Mohammad Amin Pacha - TOLO News
A delegation formed by the Islamic Emirate to manage the newly returning refugees from Pakistan, said that a new refugee camp will be established in…
Taliban commission approves $91 million in projects
By AMU TV
According to a statement from the Taliban’s deputy chief minister’s office, the projects encompass a wide range of sectors, including the long-awaited completion of…
World Food Program to provide assistance to 1.3 mn people across Afghanistan
By ANI
The World Food Program (WFP) has said it will provide critical food assistance to more than 1.3 million acutely food insecure…
REGIONAL NEWS
Child among two dead in Afghan forces' ‘unprovoked’ firing at Chaman border: ISPR
By Business Recorder Pakistan
At least two people, including a 12-year-old child, were killed, while another was injured when an Afghan sentry opened "unprovoked and…
Pakistan Announces 10% Process Fee on Items Imported From Afghanistan
By Gulalai Hakim - TOLO News
The Pakistan government on Tuesday announced a 10 percent processing fee on items imported under the “Afghan Transit Trade Agreement,” Pakistani media…
INTERNATIONAL NEWS RELATING TO AFGHANISTAN
80 States Urge Kabul to Reverse Edicts Against Women
By Shamsurrahman Khpalwak - TOLO News
Eighty countries in a joint statement delivered to the UNGA 78th meeting expressed their concern over the violation of women and girls’...
Afghan resistance leader Ahmad Massoud says ‘needs help’ from Israel
By Ali M. Latifi & Daniel Hilton - Middle East Eye
The exiled leader of Afghanistan’s main armed resistance has reportedly said he is willing to seek assistance from Israel in his group’s fight against the ruling…
THE DAILY WTF
Afghanistan Should Have the Right to Participate in International Conferences
By Bakhtar News Agency
He further stressed that humanitarian affairs should be kept separate from politics and that political differences should not hinder interaction in…
“That is not how the world works anymore Skippy.” TAD Staff
Afghani to the Dollar: $1 – 76.68 AFN (as of 5 OCT 2023)