The Week of April 28-May 4
Security and Conflict
Protests Against Poppy Destruction – On Wednesday in Argo district, Badakhshan, a number of local farmers protested against Taliban-led poppy eradication efforts. The Taliban dispersed the protest without incident. Similar protests occurred last year across various districts of Badakhshan and were met with violent repression by Taliban forces.
Cook Kills 3 Talibs in Outpost – On Tuesday, reports indicate that a cook stationed at a Taliban outpost in Sherzad, Nangarhar, opened fire on fellow Taliban members following a personal dispute. The incident left three dead and two injured. The cook was arrested. The Taliban have not commented on the matter.
Taliban Claims Arrest of 3 AFF Fighters in Mazar – On Thursday, Taliban-linked media reported that Taliban security forces arrested a three-member cell allegedly behind an attack in Mazar-e-Sharif, Balkh province, earlier this year. The group is reportedly linked to the AFF, which claimed responsibility for previous attacks in February and March 2025. However, the AFF has denied any connection to the detained individuals.
Human Rights and Civil Liberties
Young Woman Committs Suicide to Prevent Forced Marriage to Talib – On Sunday, a young woman named Abida in Darzab Neely village, Taywara district, Ghor province, ended her life to escape a forced marriage to the brother of a Taliban member, Haji Mohammad Rahmani. Despite four years of pressure, Abida and her family consistently refused the marriage, and even Taliban courts had rejected it due to lack of consent. On Sunday, armed Taliban members raided her home, imprisoned her father and brother, and attempted to take her by force, prompting her suicide. UN Special Rapporteur Richard Bennett has called for an investigation and accountability, sparking widespread condemnation and an online campaign under the slogan “I am Abida’s voice.”
Brothers of Security Official Detained in Takhar – On Monday, Taliban intelligence forces detained Haroon and Baba Jan, brothers of former security official Zia Khosrawi, in Takhar province. The arrests followed a search of the Khosrawi family compound for weapons, during which property damage was reportedly inflicted. Taliban officials have not commented on the incident.
Floggings – On Monday, one man and one woman were flogged in Sar-e Pul. On Tuesday, a man and a woman were flogged in Nangarhar, and another man and woman in Parwan. On Thursday, one person was flogged in Ghazni. On Saturday, one person was flogged in Sar-e Pul. On Sunday, one man and one woman were flogged in Kunduz, and two men in Paktia. A total of 42 people have been flogged in the past month.
Internal Politics
Taliban Cut Positions and Reduce Pay – The Taliban Prime Minister’s Office has announced the elimination of 222 positions from its organizational structure, in line with a directive from Mullah Hibatullah. The decision reflects staffing limits and benefits quotas for the 1404 fiscal year (2025). Similar cuts were announced last week in the Ministries of Education and Defense. Additionally, significant salary and benefits reductions have been implemented across all government departments. Top-grade salaries have been cut from 25,200 to 21,700 Afghanis, with similar reductions across all levels. Embassy staff salaries are now capped between $800 and $355, and additional allowances—including meals, night shifts, and education bonuses—have been reduced. No information was provided regarding compensation for high-level officials or leadership.
Reports of Dissatisfaction Following Taliban Scaleback – Following Mullah Hibatullah’s directive to reduce staffing by 20% across civil and security sectors, unverified reports suggest growing dissatisfaction among Taliban ranks, particularly among security personnel. Sources claim that top officials—including the defense, interior, and intelligence chiefs—traveled to Kandahar to express their concerns and urge Akhundzada to reconsider. The decision, driven by budget shortfalls after the decline of foreign aid, includes plans to cut 90,000 positions from the Ministry of Education. Taliban officials frame the move as part of administrative streamlining.
Deputy PM for Political Affairs Position Removed – On Wednesday, Mullah Hibatullah reportedly issued a verbal decree abolishing the position of Deputy Prime Minister for Political Affairs, resulting in the dismissal of 255 staff, including key officials. All operations of the office have been shut down, with only 45 security personnel remaining at Sepidar Palace. The palace has been reassigned to Mawlawi Abdul Kabir, the current Minister of Refugees, who continues to operate from there amid reported security concerns. Taliban officials have not publicly addressed the decision, which also included the cutting of 222 positions from the presidential office.
Cuts to Ministry of Water and Energy – The Taliban announced plans on Wednesday to cut 476 positions—12% of total staff—from the Ministry of Energy and Water as part of broader restructuring efforts during the 1404 fiscal year (2025–2026).
Statement on Anniversary of Defeat of Soviets – On Monday, during a Kabul event marking the 33rd anniversary of the Mujahideen’s victory over Soviet-backed forces, Taliban Chief of Army Staff Fasihuddin Fitrat warned that any attempt to reoccupy Afghanistan would be met with sustained resistance. He reaffirmed the Taliban's commitment to defending their rule. Taliban Minister Norullah Noori stated that Afghans have achieved the goals of jihad under Taliban leadership.
Economic Commission Decisions – Following last week’s meeting in Kandahar, the Taliban’s Economic Commission decided that Afghanistan’s livestock may be exported for six months annually. The meeting also resolved to create procedures to streamline business and investor engagement with government offices and address sectoral challenges. Although Mullah Baradar chairs the Economic Commission, all decisions must be approved directly by Mullah Hibatullah, who retains direct oversight
International Developments
Amnesty International Releases Yearly Report – Amnesty International’s 2024 annual report, released on Sunday, documents widespread human rights abuses by the Taliban in Afghanistan. Since returning to power, the Taliban have imprisoned 20,000 people—including 1,500 women—with up to 600 reportedly sentenced to death. The report warns of a potential return to stoning for adultery. Arbitrary arrests, torture, and disappearances continue to target critics, journalists, and minorities. Systematic attacks on Hazaras and Shias persist, mainly carried out by ISIS-K. Women’s rights remain severely restricted, with rising levels of gender-based violence, including rape and forced marriage. Amnesty criticizes the international community's inaction and highlights the slow progress in holding the Taliban accountable through global mechanisms. The Taliban have dismissed past reports as propaganda. The full report may be accessed Here
SIGAR Releases Quarterly Report – SIGAR released its latest Quarterly Report to Congress, highlighting the consequences of Executive Order 14169, which paused U.S. foreign aid for 90 days, disrupting key health and education projects. The report outlines persistent threats from ISIS-K, Taliban interference in humanitarian aid, and a deepening trade deficit. It notes increased restrictions on women and girls, a surge in madrassas, and stalled aid disbursements. Despite reported reductions in opium production, counternarcotics efforts face continued challenges. SIGAR also flagged questionable contractor costs due to oversight failures, underscoring the urgent need for stronger accountability and governance reforms. The full report can be found here
UNDP Report – A new UNDP report warns that Afghanistan is descending deeper into socioeconomic crisis, with rising inequality particularly affecting women, rural areas, and displaced populations. Despite a reported 2.7% GDP growth in 2023–2024, the economy remains fragile amid a growing trade deficit, declining access to basic services, and subsistence insecurity affecting 75% of the population. Women are disproportionately impacted by employment restrictions, inaccessible healthcare, and income loss. Female-headed households increasingly rely on unstable labor or home-based work. The report argues that humanitarian aid alone is insufficient and calls for inclusive, sustainable development and the lifting of restrictions on women to enable national recovery. The full report can be accessed Here
UN Women Report – A UN Women report released this week warns that Afghanistan’s humanitarian crisis is unfolding alongside the systematic suppression of women’s rights, leaving the needs of women and girls largely unmet. Despite ongoing efforts, humanitarian plans risk overlooking their specific vulnerabilities due to entrenched gender barriers. The report urges stronger integration of gender-responsive programming in the 2025 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan to ensure aid efforts explicitly address and prioritize the challenges faced by Afghan women and girls. The full report can be accessed Here
UN Proposal Includes Possibility of Giving Taliban UN Seat – Afghanistan’s diplomatic representatives have condemned a UN proposal known as the “Mosaic Plan,” which suggests transferring the country’s UN seat to the Taliban, lifting sanctions, and granting access to frozen Afghan assets. Ambassadors Nasir Ahmad Andisha and Nasir Ahmad Faiq criticized the plan as illegitimate and exclusionary of Afghan civil society, particularly women. Human rights groups and activists also oppose the initiative, arguing that it undermines democratic principles and women’s rights. The UN has so far refused to recognize the Taliban as Afghanistan’s official representatives, citing their failure to meet international obligations.
Tom Fletcher Visit’s Kabul – UN Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Tom Fletcher arrived in Kabul on Monday for a week-long visit. He urged reduced bureaucracy, emphasized women’s roles, and discussed climate and refugee issues in meetings with Acting Foreign Minister Muttaqi, Acting Minister of Economy Hanif, and Acting Deputy Prime Minister Hanafi. During a visit to Kandahar, Fletcher warned that aid cuts are a “death sentence” for millions. In a video posted Wednesday, he described overcrowded hospitals with up to four children per bed and noted the closure of 400 health centers, leaving over 3 million people without basic care. With 22.9 million Afghans in need of aid in 2024, the UN is seeking $2.42 billion in funding—a target undermined by declining contributions, including U.S. cuts under the Trump administration. Fletcher also affirmed the UN’s support for returnees during his meetings with Taliban officials.
UN Faces Severe Budget Shortfalls for Afghanistan – On Tuesday, UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric warned of severe funding shortages for humanitarian operations in Afghanistan, where 23 million people require assistance. Despite the urgency, international aid—especially from the U.S.—has decreased. The UN is seeking $2.42 billion in 2024 to support 22.9 million people.
Baku Conference on Afghanistan – On Tuesday, Azerbaijan hosted a conference in Baku with representatives from 20 countries to discuss Afghanistan’s regional security, development, and connectivity. Officials emphasized the need for unity against terrorist groups prolonging instability in Afghanistan and called for coordinated international action. Azerbaijan’s security chief urged global support for Afghanistan’s fight against terrorism, trafficking, and illegal migration and encouraged integration of Taliban-led Afghanistan into the international community. Participants expressed cautious hope for progress toward peace and a centralized, law-abiding Afghan government committed to global norms.
Freedom of the Press
Afghanistan Press Freedom Ranking – On Saturday, International Press Freedom Day, Afghanistan ranked 175th out of 180 in the 2025 Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders, with a score of 17.88. Although this marks a slight improvement from 178th in 2024, press freedom continues to deteriorate under Taliban rule. Since 2021, 43% of media outlets have closed, most journalists have left the profession, and women reporters face particularly severe repression. Strict censorship, economic collapse, and Taliban-imposed restrictions have crippled Afghanistan’s once-vibrant media sector. The full ranking nad report can be accessed Here
Rah-e Fardah Shutdown – On Tuesday, the Taliban shut down “Rah-e-Farda,” a media outlet owned by Mohammad Mohaqiq, citing complaints over unpaid salaries. Known for its critical stance toward the Taliban, Rah-e-Farda had previously faced closures over unpaid taxes. The shutdown coincided with Mohaqiq’s travel to Iran with a delegation from the Supreme Council of National Resistance to discuss Afghan refugee issues with Iranian officials.
New Image Ban – Since early March, the Taliban have expanded their ban on broadcasting images of living beings to 17 provinces, most recently Faryab as of Tuesday. The ban, enforced under Article 17 of the Taliban’s “Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice” law, requires media to broadcast audio-only content. Signed by leader Mullah Hibatullah, the ban has been extended to eight new provinces in the past month, signaling a sharp escalation in the crackdown on visual media.
Minister of information Statement on Book Bans – On Wednesday, Atiqullah Azizi, Deputy Minister of Information and Culture, announced that books violating “Afghan societal values” or threatening “national unity” will not be granted publication licenses. He stated that works praising specific ethnicities, languages, or individuals are also prohibited. Speaking at the “Books for Everyone” event, Azizi claimed these restrictions reflect public demand, while asserting that other books may still be published and sold.
Regional Developments
Uzbekistan and Taliban Reach Agreements – On Thursday, Uzbekistan and the Taliban reached agreements on agriculture, trade, and water resource management during a delegation visit led by Uzbek Deputy Agriculture Minister Jamshid Abduzohirov. The deals include a joint approach to managing the Amu Darya watershed and promoting environmental sustainability in Central Asia. Talks also covered agricultural trade, phytosanitary measures, and broader cooperation frameworks. Both sides called the agreements a step toward regional peace, economic integration, and sustainable development.
OIC Meeting on Returnees – On Sunday, the Taliban’s Acting Minister of Refugees met with OIC representative Mohammad Saeed Al-Ayyash to request support for constructing a township for Afghan returnees. Al-Ayyash condemned the mistreatment and forced deportation of Afghan migrants and stated that the OIC is working to secure additional humanitarian aid. The organization also plans to build a mosque in Parwan’s Salang District to serve 3,500 travelers, including women. The Taliban welcomed the OIC’s support and renewed calls for continued international aid for returning migrants.
Saudi Report on Aid Projects – Saudi Arabia announced it has implemented nearly 100 humanitarian and relief projects in Afghanistan valued at over $298 million, according to official sources and Taliban officials. Of these, around 45 projects worth approximately $45 million were carried out through the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center. Since 2003, Saudi assistance has included development loans and grants supporting education, infrastructure, and other sectors. The Saudi Development Fund has provided five development loans totaling $810 million and two grants worth 191.6 million Saudi riyals.
NEXT WEEK
In Afghanistan, the Taliban’s recent salary reductions and large-scale government downsizing are likely to fuel public discontent in the coming weeks, particularly in Kabul. While these measures may erode support for the regime, widespread protests remain unlikely, as the most affected individuals are not expected to join any organized resistance.
This week, small protests erupted in Badakhshan in response to poppy eradication efforts. Tensions are expected to continue, with the possibility of additional protests and violent crackdowns. Badakhshan—especially the Argo district—remains the most likely flashpoint.
Tensions between Pakistan and India persist. Individuals in Pakistan, or those planning to travel there, should remain vigilant due to the ongoing risk of violence, particularly near border regions.
In Pakistan, deportations continue, including house-to-house searches in Islamabad. Authorities are targeting individuals with ACC, those without legal status, and those awaiting resettlement to third countries, including the U.S. The highest risk of detention and deportation is in major urban areas such as Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Afghans should ensure they carry valid visas and identification at all times and, if possible, avoid major cities. The next phase of deportations, targeting PoR cardholders, is scheduled to begin on June 30. Afghans may face detention, harassment, or extortion regardless of their legal status.
Afghans in Iran continue to face severe challenges, including increasing restrictions on employment and education, as well as arbitrary arrest, detention, and deportation. Those residing in Iran are advised to maintain valid legal status, avoid large gatherings, and keep a low profile.
Vulnerable Afghan populations in both Iran and Pakistan are strongly urged to exercise caution. Deported individuals face heightened risks upon return, particularly of being targeted by the Taliban under accusations of affiliation with ISIS or other militant groups.
In the United States, the situation remains largely unchanged. TPS for Afghans is set to expire on May 20. Afghans who rely solely on TPS or have received a self-deportation notice should seek legal assistance immediately.
ICE stops remain a possibility; Afghans are reminded to carry documentation proving their legal status at all times.
Currently, SIV holders with valid visas in their passports may travel to the United States via self-funded routes. Those with valid SIVs are strongly encouraged to do so without delay, as a travel ban targeting Afghan nationals remains likely, although the timeline for implementation is unclear. Housing and resettlement assistance for new arrivals is limited. Individuals traveling to the U.S. should ensure they have a local support system to help with initial expenses and accessing available benefits.
All Afghans in the U.S.—including Green Card holders—are advised to avoid international travel at this time due to the potential implementation of new restrictions.
Resources for Afghans are available:
Parole assistance – Here
Resources for recent SIV arrivals – Here
Support for recent refugee arrivals – Here
Updates on U.S. visa cases and legal developments – Here
Information on Green Card holder travel – Here
REGIONAL ROUNDUP
IRAN
Record Number of People Executed in April – In April 2025, Iran executed at least 122 individuals, including six Afghan nationals, marking a sharp increase in executions. Most were related to drug or murder charges. Many executions were carried out without transparency, with some conducted in secret. Afghan nationals remain particularly vulnerable within Iran’s opaque justice system, raising concerns among human rights organizations.
PAKISTAN
Arrests and Deportations Continue – In April 2025, Pakistan deported approximately 144,500 Afghan nationals—the highest monthly total since the mass repatriation campaign began in September 2023, according to a joint UNHCR-IOM report. Of those deported, 72% were undocumented, 22% held Afghan Citizenship Cards, and 6% possessed PoR cards. Additionally, Pakistani authorities arrested around 24,400 Afghans in April—more than double the 2024 monthly average—with most arrests occurring in Punjab province, followed by Balochistan. The surge in deportations and arrests follows the expiration of the legal stay deadline for Afghan refugees in Pakistan.
SPOTLIGHT ANALYSIS
Update on the human rights situation in Afghanistan
UNAMA
This update on the human rights situation in Afghanistan, covering the period from January to March 2025,1 is based on monitoring by UNAMA’s Human Rights Service conducted in accordance with its mandate from the UN Security Council
AFGHAN NEWS
Afghans Deported From Pakistan Struggle To Find Schools, Jobs, And Shelter
Firuza Azizi and Ray Furlong
Dildar Khan says he's spent his entire life in Pakistan but has now been sent "home" to Afghanistan under a scheme that has seen some 100,000 people deported in recent weeks.
Khan has five children between the ages of 2 and 13. "There are two girls and three boys. They were going to school," he told RFE/RL in a phone interview.
Taliban minister calls women’s rights demands ‘prohibited deeds’
Ahmad Azizi
Khalid Hanafi, the Taliban’s minister for the promotion of virtue and prevention of vice, has described international calls for women’s rights as “prohibited deeds,” according to a newly released audio recording of his speech from a gathering in Kabul.
Hanafi said that while the world today demands “rights,” the Taliban fought for 20 years “to implement Sharia and Islam,” and that their members sacrificed their lives for this cause.
Zan Times awarded Pen2Pen prize
Siyar Sirat
On World Press Freedom Day, the 2025 Pen2Pen Freedom of Expression Award was presented to Zan Times, an online publication led by Afghan women in exile, recognized for its courageous reporting on human rights violations in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan.
Founded in 2022 by Zahra Nader, an Afghan journalist based in Canada, Zan Times was created in response to the Taliban’s return to power and the subsequent silencing of women’s voices. The outlet focuses on stories of gender-based violence, censorship, and the lived experiences of Afghan women, working closely with contributors who report anonymously from inside the country.
REGIONAL NEWS
Taliban a big loser after Pahalgam terror attack — here’s why
K. Sunil Thomas
Out of all the economic fallout of the Pahalgam terror attack — visas curtailed, borders closed, flights diverted and trade suspended, there is one unintended collateral victim.
The Taliban, no less.
While India and Pakistan slug it out, it is the fundamentalist group-run Islamic country to the west of both nations that is set to take a sucker punch — Afghanistan.
This is because the closure of the Attari-Wagah border between India and Pakistan is set to give a body blow to Afghanistan’s flourishing trade with India.
Afghanistan-India Trade Hit $890 Million Last Year, Says Taliban
Kabul Now
Afghanistan’s trade with India reached $890 million in the past solar year, the Taliban Ministry of Industry and Commerce announced Tuesday.
According to ministry spokesperson Abdul Salam Jawad, exports made up $627 million of the total, while imports stood at $263 million.
Key Afghanistan’s exports to India included dried fruits such as almonds, raisins, and figs, as well as asafetida, saffron, and dried apricots. Imports from India mainly consisted of sugar, raw materials for factories, cotton fabrics, vehicle parts, and machinery.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS RELATING TO AFGHANISTAN
He was tortured by the Taliban. Will he be sent back to Afghanistan?
Dan De Luce, Rich Schapiro
Mohammad stepped toward the riverbank and felt his stomach drop. He was somewhere in western Guatemala, traveling with a group of migrants hoping to reach the U.S. He was hungry, dehydrated and sick, with painful sores all over his body from some kind of infection.
He now faced a more pressing problem: He couldn’t swim.
He was three weeks into a brutal journey that had spanned nine countries and 4,000 miles. He was robbed four times in Brazil and Colombia, extorted by police officers in Guatemala and nearly drowned while crossing a different river, this one in Panama.
Afghani to the Dollar: $1 – 70.84 AFN (As of May 4)
