The Week of August 25-September 1
Due to technical difficulties with our platform, the news sections will be omitted this week
Security and Conflict
Drone Strikes in Khost and Nangarhar – On Wednesday, drone strikes hit Spera district of Khost and Shinwar district of Nangarhar, reportedly killing at least three children and wounding seven others, including one woman, though casualty figures vary. The injured were transferred to Khost Provincial Hospital. Residents blamed Pakistan, saying the strikes targeted Pakistani Taliban positions and commander Hafiz Gul Bahadur. Casualties in Nangarhar remain unconfirmed, but locals report drones have patrolled the skies for months. The Taliban Deputy Governor of Nangarhar confirmed the strike.
Tajikistan Border Clash – On Sunday, August 24, clashes broke out between Taliban border forces and Tajik guards in Badakhshan’s Shahr-e Bozorg district. Local sources said the confrontation followed tensions over Taliban-linked mining and damage to the Amu River bed. Tajik forces reportedly initiated the exchange with heavy weapons. Videos circulating online show both armed clashes and a subsequent meeting where each side accused the other of harboring opposition groups.
Cross Border Fighting at Torkham – On Friday, clashes erupted between Taliban fighters and Pakistani border forces after Taliban snipers allegedly fired at Pakistani troops, wounding a border officer. The skirmish was brief, with one Pakistani soldier killed. The Taliban have not issued a statement. The Torkham crossing was closed part of Friday and Saturday but reopened Saturday evening.
Five Arrested in Panjshir – Taliban forces in Panjshir’s Pariyan district arrested five residents after a roadside mine blast targeted the local head of the Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice on August 23. The official’s vehicle was damaged, but he escaped unharmed. The detainees were transferred to the provincial center, and their current status remains unknown.
Former ANSF Soldier Arrested – On Tuesday, GDI forces arrested Mohammad Kabir Akbari in Bagh-e-Babar, Kabul. He was detained shortly after returning from Iran.
Human Rights and Civil Liberties
Rawadari Report Released – On Saturday, Rawadari reported at least 251 targeted, extrajudicial, or unexplained killings in Afghanistan in the first half of 2025, up 30% from 193 in 2024. Victims included 219 men, 20 women, and 12 children. The group also documented 27 enforced disappearances—a 25% drop from 2024 but double the 2023 figure—and 1,509 arbitrary detentions, including 16 women, which is twice 2024’s total and six times 2023’s. At least four prisoners died from torture. Despite these findings, the Taliban made only two arrests. Rawadari said intimidation and censorship hinder accurate reporting.The full report can be accessed Here
Morality Police Raid Schools in Herat – On Saturday, Taliban morality police raided private educational centers in Herat, expelling girls—even from Quran classes—some with whips. Administrators were told women should not leave home.
Girls’ Religious Schools Closed in Nanagarhar – Following recent statements by Mullah Hibatullah that religious schools have been used to teach modern subjects, several girls’ religious schools in Nangarhar have been closed. Reports suggest closures began earlier in Jalalabad and nearby districts, with Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue officials warning administrators to comply. Families were told to stop sending daughters for religious studies.
Teacher Accused of Blasphemy To Have Appeal Hearing – The case of Abdul Alim Khamoosh, a teacher sentenced to death by a Taliban court for allegedly insulting sacred values, is scheduled for appeal by the end of September. Initially tried without legal representation, Khamoosh will now have a lawyer. His arrest followed classroom remarks favoring modern sciences over religious studies. Family members deny the charges and demand his release.
Floggings – On Tuesday, eleven men and two women were flogged in Parwan and Paktika. On Wednesday, three women and four men were flogged in Ghor. On Thursday, six people were flogged in Paktia. On Sunday, one man and one woman were flogged in Jowzjan.
Internal Politics
Taliban 5-Year Development Plan – On Tuesday, the Taliban announced a five-year development strategy covering governance, security, and economic policy. Spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said the plan, approved by Taliban leadership, will unify state institutions and rely on domestic resources. Built on three pillars—governance, security, and socio-economic development—it spans ten sectors and 15 priority programs, including law enforcement, agriculture, health, and infrastructure. Girls’ education was omitted, which Mujahid dismissed. He also declined to say whether a constitution will be drafted.
Women's Pictures Optional on Tazkera – Afghanistan’s National Statistics and Information Authority announced that including women’s photos on national ID cards will be optional starting Saturday. NSIA spokesperson Mohammad Halim Rafi said the decision followed a ruling by Dar al-Ifta (No. 1075) that referred to the Taliban’s supreme leader, allowing women’s photos only in cases of necessity. However, photo-bearing IDs remain required for accessing services, including legal documents and mobile SIM cards.
Officials Reshuffled – On Monday, the Taliban announced major reshuffles across provincial and security posts, spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed. Sheikh Shir Ahmad Haqqani was appointed acting Minister of Information and Culture, replacing Mullah Khairullah Khairkhwa, who now serves as governor of Maidan Wardak. Key appointments include Mullah Mohammad Hafiz Mujahid as governor of Laghman, Mullah Ghausuddin Rahbar as deputy of the 313 Central Corps, and Qari Mohammad Naseem Izzat as deputy of Farah. Several police and provincial leadership changes were also made.
Taliban Announce Jihad Museums – On Monday, the Taliban’s Ministry of Information and Culture announced plans to establish “jihad museums” and “jihad archives” to preserve war artifacts and document what it calls the history of jihad.
International Developments
SCO Meeting – On Saturday, the 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit opened in Tianjin without Taliban participation, despite Afghanistan’s former observer status. Their absence follows recent diplomatic setbacks, including travel restrictions on senior officials. SCO Secretary-General Nurlan Yermekbayev later said Afghanistan will top the agenda at a consultative meeting in Tajikistan on September 11–12, focusing on security, humanitarian conditions, women’s rights, and limited engagement with the interim Afghan government.
Global Peace Index Report Released – Afghanistan ranked 158th out of 163 countries in the 2025 Global Peace Index, two spots higher than last year but still among the most unstable states. The report cited weak governance and humanitarian crises as drivers of unrest, despite reduced conflict under the Taliban. Afghanistan scored lowest on access to weapons, political instability, and displacement, ranking as the fifth least peaceful country. The full report can be accessed Here
24 Afghans Detained in Bulgaria – On Saturday night, Bulgarian police intercepted a vehicle near Lozenets, discovering 24 Afghan migrants, many suffering from dehydration and unconsciousness. They were treated and sent to a refugee center. The Georgian driver and his accomplice were later arrested. Migrants said they paid €4,000 each for the journey from Turkey.
Russian Statement On IS in Afghanistan – On Friday, Russia’s Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu said 20 international terrorist groups with over 23,000 fighters operate in Afghanistan, posing a major regional and global threat. He identified ISIS-K as the most dangerous, with camps in the east and north. Shoigu added that Taliban operations against ISIS are limited, while Western sanctions weaken their effectiveness. The UN has similarly warned of extremist activity.
WFP Report On Income and Cost of Food – On Thursday, the World Food Programme reported that Afghan seasonal laborers averaged just 2.3 workdays per week, while unskilled labor wages remained at 315 afghanis per day, highlighting scarce job opportunities and weak purchasing power. Food prices showed mixed trends: tomatoes rose 11%, potatoes 4.1%, and onions fell 2.3%. Cooking oil and salt were each 15% higher than two-year averages, while most staples declined. The WFP noted that the average food basket price remained nearly unchanged, and diesel prices reached 67.8 afghanis per liter, up 7% year-on-year.
WHO Report Released – In 2025, an estimated 22.9 million Afghans—nearly half the population—will require humanitarian aid, with 16.8 million targeted under a $2.42 billion plan. The country faces severe challenges from a fragile healthcare system, malnutrition, and outbreaks of communicable diseases such as measles, polio, and dengue. Trauma cases remain high due to explosions and road accidents, while psychosocial distress affects half the population, with one in five experiencing impaired daily functioning from conflict-related trauma. The full report can be accessed Here
Freedom of the Press
Three Arrested for Criticizing Taliban – On Sunday, sources in Kabul reported that Taliban fighters arrested three men—Sayed Islam Dehnamaki, Mirowais, and Mohammad Naseem—and transferred them to Pul-e-Charkhi prison. Dehnamaki was detained for publishing criticism of Taliban leaders on the Javidan and Khawaran websites, while the charges against the others remain unclear.
New Restrictions of Poetry – On Saturday, the Taliban introduced a new “Law on Regulating Poetry Gatherings,” officially published after approval by the group’s leader. The 13-article law governs the organization of poetry events and restricts content, prohibiting criticism of Taliban decrees, praise of boys and girls, or the promotion of “non-Islamic morals.” Evaluation committees are tasked with removing “negative points” from poems and rewarding those that support Islamic values. Violators face Sharia-based punishments.
Regional Developments
Pakistan Statement on TTP In Afghanistan – At a press briefing on Friday, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar said that during the recent trilateral meeting in Kabul between Afghanistan, Pakistan, and China, Islamabad clearly told Kabul to either take decisive action against the TTP or hand them over. He noted that Afghanistan has integrated hundreds of pro-TTP elements into governance and established 700 border posts to curb infiltration. Dar added that Kabul did not resist Pakistan’s proposals, emphasizing that action against the TTP remains Islamabad’s primary demand.
Pakistani Ambassador Summoned over Drone Strikes – On Thursday, Afghanistan’s Foreign Ministry summoned Pakistan’s ambassador in Kabul to protest recent airstrikes in Nangarhar and Khost. Afghan officials handed over a formal note condemning the strikes as a violation of sovereignty and an attack on civilians near the Durand Line. The ministry described the bombings as a “clear breach” and a “provocative act,” warning that the protection of Afghanistan’s territorial integrity is a red line and that such actions will carry consequences.
Central Asian Special Envoys Meet on Afghanistan – On Tuesday, Central Asian envoys on Afghanistan met in Tashkent, with representatives from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan discussing recent political, security, and humanitarian developments. They emphasized the need for a regional framework to address shared concerns, citing the Central Asia Contact Group as an effective platform. The talks occurred amid ongoing fears of security spillover and worsening human rights conditions in Afghanistan.
US Visa Processing Information
Changes to Case Transfer Process for SIVs – Effective immediately, applicants must contact the National Visa Center (NVC) to request a transfer to a third-country embassy by using the Public Inquiry Form found HERE. NVC will review requests and determine whether the requested embassy is currently accepting SIV cases.
SIV Processing – SIV cases remain exempt from the U.S. travel ban. Applicants whose cases are interviewSIV cases remain exempt from the U.S. travel ban. Applicants whose cases are interview-ready must continue processing in a third country. SIV applicants are responsible for all related costs, including travel, medical exams, accommodations, and onward travel to the United States. They must also maintain valid legal status (e.g., a visa) in the host country. Before requesting a case transfer, applicants are strongly advised to research visa processing times, cost-of-living conditions, and the feasibility of visa renewals. Many embassies face significant backlogs and are refusing transfers. Do not relocate until you have written confirmation from both NVC and the U.S. Embassy approving your transfer and interview date. Applicants may also wish to secure multi-entry visas to nearby countries for added flexibility while awaiting processing. Please note that Dushanbe is not currently accepting SIV cases.
Afghan Visa Cases Except SIVs To Be Assigned to Islamabad – The U.S. State Department has announced new immigrant visa rules effective November 1, 2025, requiring applicants to attend interviews only in their country of legal residence. SIV applicants are explicitly exempt from this rule. For Afghan nationals, who lack a functioning U.S. embassy in Afghanistan, all immigrant visa cases will be processed at the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad, Pakistan. Existing appointments remain valid, but transfers must follow the new procedures. The policy ends applicants’ ability to freely choose third-country consulates, except in limited cases such as humanitarian or medical emergencies or foreign policy considerations. U.S. officials say the changes aim to streamline processing and reduce delays for Afghan applicants. If an applicant requests to interview outside their assigned consular district or country of nationality, NVC may request additional information to confirm residence or determine whether an exception is appropriate.
CEAC Transfer Issues – Some Afghan immigrant visa applicants may have noticed apparent automatic transfers of their cases over the weekend. No official statement has been issued on the cause or whether it was intentional. Some cases have already reverted to their correct status. Applicants are urged to remain calm and wait for official guidance.
Pactio v. Trump – The Ninth Circuit Court will hear arguments on September 3 in Pasadena regarding the refugee ban (including Afghan P1, P2, and P3 cases), which a lower court previously ruled unlawful. That court also granted class certification, exempted some refugees such as plaintiff Pacito and his family, and created a framework to review about 14,000 canceled refugee cases after December 1, 2024. However, this framework is paused until the appeals court decides whether to uphold or reverse the ruling.
Travel Ban – The Trump administration’s travel ban on Afghans remains in place. While some Green Card holders have traveled abroad and been allowed to return, Afghans are strongly advised not to travel outside the United States at this time, particularly given escalating ICE detentions, including detentions upon re-entry.
Miscellaneous
Earthquake in Eastern Afghanistan – On Sunday night, a 6.2-magnitude earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan, hitting Kunar and Nangarhar hardest, with Laghman also affected. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed the death toll has risen above 825, with more than 3,000 injured with numbers expected to rise. Many victims were students at Kunar University. Tremors were felt in Kabul and Islamabad, and aftershocks continue. The quake caused widespread destruction of mud-brick homes, leaving many residents trapped under rubble in remote villages.
Flooding in Nangarhar and Kunar – Flash floods in Nangarhar’s Haska Mina and Chaparhar districts left five dead and eight injured this week, according to Taliban officials. The flooding damaged roads, destroyed irrigation dams, and ruined thousands of acres of farmland. Authorities highlighted the scale of agricultural losses, while residents noted they have received little aid despite repeated natural disasters in recent years that have devastated communities and caused significant hardship for families across Afghanistan. Additional flooding and earthquake aftershocks are predicted in these areas in the coming days.
Increased Rates of Suicide – In the past two weeks, Khost Civil Hospital recorded 43 suicide cases, with some survivors saved by doctors. Similar increases have been reported in other provinces. Sources cite economic hardship, unemployment, and psychological stress as key drivers, particularly among young people.
WHO Receives Funding for Afghanistan – On Tuesday, the WHO announced it had received more than $6.3 million from the UN’s CERF and the Afghanistan Humanitarian Fund to expand health services in Afghanistan. The support will keep 42 health centers operating, deploy surveillance teams, and supply kits across 13 provinces, while also funding nutrition programs for malnourished children. WHO said the funding will directly aid 747,000 people, mostly women and children, and indirectly benefit 2.4 million through improved outbreak control.
Bus Accident Kills 25 – On Wednesday, a passenger bus traveling from Herat to Kabul overturned in the Arghandi area on the Kabul–Kandahar highway, killing 25 people and injuring 27 others, according to Taliban authorities. The Ministry of Interior blamed driver negligence for the crash.
NEXT WEEK
In Afghanistan, additional rain and flooding are forecast in eastern provinces, possibly triggering further floods, aftershocks, and landslides, particularly in Kunar and Nangarhar. Communities in affected areas are likely cut off from movement and may be hit hard by continuing natural disasters in the coming days. Residents in eastern provinces are advised to use extreme caution when traveling, as roads are expected to be treacherous.
The Taliban will continue testing how far they can extend abuses without provoking regional or international action. Targeted detentions and killings of former Republic officials, police, and ANSF members are ongoing and likely to increase sharply, especially as Pakistan and Iran begin new rounds of deportations. These killings are becoming increasingly difficult to track and confirm due to growing restrictions on social media and journalists. Crackdowns—particularly on women—are also expected to intensify. Following recent statements by Mullah Hibatullah, authorities have closed several religious schools and raided girls’ madrassas. Reports have not specified the ages of the students forced out, but signs point to a shift toward a full ban on girls’ education, resembling the 1990s.
Reports also indicate the Taliban are using Wakil-e Gozar (neighborhood elders) and other respected local figures to collect information about residents in cities and towns. These officials are reportedly tasked with identifying those who violate Taliban moral codes and may also be used to monitor returnees.
In Pakistan, the deadline for holders of PoR cards expired today. House-to-house searches have begun in Islamabad and likely other major cities. Many Afghans have been forced from their homes and are now living in parks or public areas, where they remain vulnerable to deportation. No official statement has clarified whether recent earthquakes will alter deportation plans. Afghans are urged to exercise caution with movements in Pakistan, as even those with valid visas may be detained or extorted.
In Iran, the extension of census cards will expire on September 6. After this date, census cards will be invalid, and Afghans without valid visas will again face deportation. Afghans are strongly advised to obtain legal visas where possible and to use caution when traveling.
Afghans deported from Iran and Pakistan may face biometric screening and phone inspections at border crossings. Precautions should be taken in advance: phones should be cleared of anti-Taliban content, contacts renamed, social media accounts locked, and discretion exercised when securing housing or planning movements.
In the United States, ICE detentions continue. Afghans are reminded to carry proof of legal status at all times. While enforcement is primarily aimed at individuals with criminal records, all Afghans should be aware of their rights if questioned or detained. It is essential to understand your rights in relation to ICE. More information on your rights can be found here. USCIS has also announced a “good moral character” requirement for green card holders seeking naturalization. This change may include social media reviews, neighborhood checks and other “anti-Americanism” screenings. Afghans in the US are recommended to lock their social media accounts and use caution with what is posted publicly.
REGIONAL ROUNDUP
IRAN
Deadline For Deportations – The extension for Afghan deportations in Iran is set to expire on September 6, when census cards held by many Afghans will no longer be considered valid. The Iranian Foreign Ministry warned that those remaining without proper documents will face fines for illegal residence and urged voluntary departures ahead of the deadline. Deportations are expected to surge in the coming days.
Continuing Deportations – On August 30, Iran deported 1,677 Afghan migrants, continuing a steady—though reduced—pace of expulsions compared to Pakistan. Current daily deportations range between 1,600 and 1,700 people.
13 Militants Killed in Sistan and Balochistan – On Wednesday, Iranian security forces conducted three coordinated operations in Iranshahr, Khash, and Saravan in Sistan and Baluchestan province, killing 13 militants and arresting several others, according to the IRGC. The clashes involved Jaish al-Adl, which later confirmed losing fighters. The operations follow two recent attacks claimed by the group: the July 26 assault on a judiciary compound in Zahedan and the August 22 ambush on police in Iranshahr.
PAKISTAN
POR Deadline Ends – On Monday, September 1, the deadline for Afghan nationals holding Proof of Registration cards to voluntarily leave Pakistan expired, officials confirmed. Only Afghans with valid visas may remain, with limited exceptions for medical and student visa holders. Deportations began early in several provinces. UNHCR reports more than 2.1 million Afghans have returned or been deported this year, including 352,000 from Pakistan.
Deportations Increase – On August 30, Pakistan deported 6,209 Afghan migrants, marking a sharp rise in expulsions. In the past two weeks, 3,500–4,000 refugees have been expelled daily, coinciding with the expiration of PoR cards. Migrants returned via Torkham, Spin Boldak, and Angoor Adda border points.
Balochistan Deporting Afghans – Despite Pakistan’s extension of the deportation deadline to August 31, police in Balochistan have begun arresting and expelling Afghans, including legal residents, often from homes and workplaces. Detainees are held in temporary prisons before being sent across the Durand Line.
Afghani to the Dollar: $1 – 68.46 AFN (As of September 1)