LAST 24 HOURS
TORKHAM STALEMATE CONTINUES – Islamabad released more information about the confrontation that occurred with Taliban border forces last Wednesday. Pakistani authorities released photos of the Taliban security post that was being constructed when hostilities began. The location of the structure was deemed to be within the demarcation zone and Islamabad claims this is a violation of law. Pakistan has since made additional demands for Kabul to once again control the TTP factions operating from within Afghanistan and has begun arresting Afghan refugees in some cities to underscore their intent. Trade between the two countries has been disrupted due to the closure and a protest against the standoff was reported in Nangarhar yesterday.
PRESS FREEDOMS CURTAILED – The Taliban Deputy Prime Minister, Abdul Salam Hanafi warned international press freedom organizations to stop interfering in domestic affairs. He said press freedoms in Afghanistan are subordinate to the Taliban’s framework of governance and must adhere to Sharia law.
9/11 ANNIVERSARY MARKED IN US AND ELSEWHERE – As leaders marked the anniversary of the September 11 attacks, many were quick to say that al-Qaeda is no longer a threat to the United States and has virtually ceased to exist. While it is factual to say that no recent operations can be attributed to the terror network. Long-time observers are more cautious and say the terror group will be difficult to ever fully eradicate and that premature announcements of its demise are risky and can be dangerous. The network’s brand name is one of the most globally recognized and it remains one of the most successful terror organizations throughout all of contemporary history. The network developed complex methods of financing terror operations that are thought to be in place today and due to its success with the 9/11 attacks, it can count on donors that other groups would not normally have access to. It is probably safe to say that current assessments about al-Qaeda’s limited capabilities are correct but prognostications that it will never pose a threat in the future could come back to haunt officials who are currently saying the curtain has fallen.
NEXT 24 HOURS
PAKISTAN DETENTIONS OF AFGHANS TO CONTINUE – Recent reporting indicates that as many as 220 Afghan refugees have been detained across Pakistan. Many are said to have proper identification and were residing in the country legally. The biggest roundups appear to have taken place in Karachi. The impasse with the Taliban over the TTP and other longstanding security issues may continue for some time and it is likely that further arrests of refugees will continue. It is not yet clear whether Islamabad intends to begin large-scale deportation operations and there have not been indications that a plan is in place to do so at this time. However, we recommend that at-risk Afghans in Pakistan continue to maintain a low profile and avoid drawing attention to themselves if at all possible. They are advised to remain in contact with those groups providing support and advise them of any and all changes to conditions on the ground (increased house searches, new security checkpoints, new roving patrols, etc.).
RUMORED BAN ON FOREIGN WIRE TRANSFERS INTO PAKISTAN MAY BE COMING – At least three managers of international wire transfer kiosks in Pakistan have informed Afghan refugees that future transfers that originate from Western countries may not be approved after 1 October. We are attempting to gain clarification from the two main transfer providers (Moneygram and Western Union) if the rumors are true. Neither company has yet confirmed or denied the rumors. Regardless, those who routinely transfer funds to Afghan refugees in Pakistan would be wise to consider alternatives should such a ban be put in place. Again, this information has yet to be confirmed.
REGIONAL ROUNDUP
IRAN
The US Secretary of State signed waivers that remove US sanctions on trapped Iranian funds that will clear the path to release $6 billion in ransom money to free 5 US citizens being held in Iranian prisons.
The Intelligence Minister announced on Sunday that the regime had located and defused at least 400 explosive devices over the past several months. Observers say it is just another bombastic claim from a regime that lacks any semblance of credibility.
The US House of Representatives will hold the first hearings on Iran since 2020 this week in Washington DC.
PAKISTAN
The new campaign against smuggling operations the government has launched has netted impressive gains in the past 72 hours. At least 12 major seizures of smuggled commodities have been reported in multiple Provinces and Cities.
A crackdown on the theft of electricity is producing results as inspections of power transmission infrastructure have uncovered hundreds of illegal connections.
Rumors that some provisions are being made by the government to reimburse Pakistani businesses for losses they may incur due to the continued closure of the Torkham border crossing are making the rounds in Islamabad.
SPOTLIGHT INSIGHT
The Daily Hustle: Crossing the Durand Line to visit family in Pakistan
By Ali Mohammad Sabawoon & Roxanna Shapour - AAN
The story of Afghan families is often one of loved ones separated by long distances and national borders. Every year, many Afghans who have family living in neighbouring countries make the hours and sometimes days-long journey overland from Afghanistan, braving long bus rides, hours waiting to cross borders and the demands for payment by border guards all to spend some precious time with their families. In the latest instalment of The Daily Hustle, our series of individual accounts about an aspect of daily life in Afghanistan, AAN’s Ali Mohammad Sabawoon recounts his family’s overland journey from Kabul to Quetta to visit his mother and siblings.
AFGHAN NEWS
Protest Held in Nangarhar Over Closing of Torkham Crossing
By Mohammad Amin Pacha - TOLO News
Dozens of people held a demonstration around Torkham area in Nangarhar province to protest the closing of the crossing by…
The Unseen Emir of the Taliban
By Obaidullah Baheer - London School of Economics
n the 2+ years of the establishment of the ‘Emirate’ and Taliban rule in Afghanistan, the Emir himself has been remarkably…
Billions of Dollars Injected Into Afghanistan After 9/11 Attack
By Bibi Amina Hakimi - TOLO News
Following the 9/11 attack that led to the 20- year US-led military mission in Afghanistan, billions of dollars were injected into the war-torn country but…
REGIONAL NEWS
Pakistan says border dispute hinges on IEA forces violating their sovereignty
By Ariana News
Pakistan’s ministry of foreign affairs said Monday that Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) forces had been constructing structures inside…
Pakistan police start rounding up undocumented refugees from Afghanistan
By AMU TV
Pakistani police have once again started rounding up refugees from Afghanistan, six days after border clashes broke out between border forces on both sides of…
INTERNATIONAL NEWS RELATING TO AFGHANISTAN
Taliban soldiers killed people before his eyes, now this Afghani college student dreams again
By Mariela Laksman - Orato
Suraj Samim, 23, fled Kabul after the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan and now studies international relations in…
Support Grows As Hunger Strike By Afghan Activists In Germany Enters Second Week
By RFE
A hunger strike by a group of Afghan rights activists to protest the anti-female policies of the ruling Taliban has entered its second week as they seek…
THE DAILY WTF
Blinken defends chaotic troop withdrawal from Afghanistan
By AMU TV
Speaking with Jake Tapper of CNN’s State of the Union, Blinken said: “So we did the right thing.”
‘We believe we know who’s cocaine was found in the White House now.’ TAD Staff
Afghani to the Dollar: $1 – 80.21 AFN (as of 12 SEP 2023)