The Week of February 19-26
Last Week
Human Rights and Civil Liberties
Ghazni and Jowzjan Executions – 2 people were publicly executed in Ghazni on Thursday. A clip, reportedly from the Taliban, has been circulated calling locals to go to the stadium to witness the executions and prohibiting video or pictures being taken during the executions. The executed, Syed Jamal and Gul Khan, were reportedly shot in a stadium in retribution for murder. The execution was approved by the Taliban Supreme leader Hibatullah Akhunddzada. A second public execution is scheduled for Monday, February 26 in Sheberghan, Jowzjan. The individual to be executed has been accused of murdering a family member.
Public Floggings – On Saturday, two men were whipped publicly in Sar-e Pol for ‘immorality’ in addition to their prison sentences. On Sunday, two additional floggings were carried out in Laghman and Balkh with 4 individuals, including a woman publicly beaten
Girls over 10 Banned from Education in Kandahar – A letter has been circulating from Kandahar education officials that bans girls over the age of 10 from attending schools in the province. Previous Taliban rules have banned education for girls beyond grade 6 and have mandated face coverings for girls from grades 4-6 on their way to and from school. Kandahar, as the traditional seat of power for the Taliban may be used to set an example for the rest of the country. This move sets an even more troubling precedent for all girls in Afghanistan.
Former Police Officers Killed – On Monday, the former police chief, identified as Rauf, was killed by the Taliban in the Dasht-e Shoor, Shulgara district of Mazar-e-Sharif. A former police officer, Zulfikar Barfaki, was dragged from his home in Tala wa Barfak , Baghlan on Tuesday by the Taliban and executed in front of his neighbors. Mr. Barfaki had served as head of case registration in Jawzjan. On Sunday, Jan Mohammad Shoja, former Afghan National Police was shot and seriously injured by the Taliban in Lashkargah, Helmand
Taliban Waffling on Women in Medicine – The Taliban Ministry of Public Health announced the recruitment of female high school graduates into medical institutes across various provinces. The announcement was wiped from all Taliban media within days with no further announcement or discussion. The rapid change in plans may substantiate a reported rift in Taliban leadership and concerns among the leadership about control over more local officials. Recent reports by international organizations have noted increasing maternal and child mortality rates and reports from the WHO that the Afghan health sector is in a state of collapse.
Taliban Issues New Letter on Beauty Salons – On February 24th, the Taliban's Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice re-issued the order closing all all women's beauty salons in Afghanistan, and gave a one month deadline for closure. Non-compliance will result in legal action, and local authorities are ordered to identify any salons still open. This follows the original statement banning women’s salons issued approximately 7 months ago.
Former Virtue and Vice Official names Chancellor of Kandahar University – Mawlawi Abdul Rahman Tuaybi, former spokesperson for the Ministry of Virtue and Prevention of Vice was named Chancellor of Kandahar university on Wednesday.
Hindu and Sikh meet with Taliban Over Stolen Land – On Monday, representatives of the Sikh and Hindu minorities in Afghanistan met with Mawlawi Abdul Kabir to demand that their seized lands be returned. The Sikh and Hindu communities in Kabul have faced discrimination under the Taliban rule and have faced violent attacks by ISKP. Many Afghan Hindus and Sikhs have fled the country.
Arrests over Mural In Takhar – 9 individuals were arrested and beaten on Sunday and Monday in Taloqan City, Takhar including elders and the imam from the Zargari area. The individuals have been accused of painting a mural in support of the NRF.
Freedom Of The Press
Images of People Banned on TV in Kandahar – Sources indicated that Taliban Supreme leader banned Taliban officials from giving video interviews on television in Kandahar. While the statement has been issued with the implication of religious piety, it is likely that the move is intended to prevent Ministers from gaining large public followings while the Supreme Leader Mullah Hibatullah remains hidden from the public eye. Additional reports indicate that all images of living beings will be prohibited from television in Kandahar. News and other programs will be allowed, but it was indicated that only voice would be permitted .At this time, the ban has not been extended beyond Kandahar.
Khost Letter on Radio Education – a letter was published in Khost concerning girls educational programs on the radio. The letter indicates that girls may be encouraged to contact the media for further educational information and that this may lead to inappropriate conduct by those conducting programming. The letter indicates that the police should stop the media from continuing communication with girls and women or crackdowns may occur. The ban has raised concerns among journalists and is viewed as a significant hindrance to free media work.
Ban on Sharing Government documents – A edict was leaked from Mullah Akhundzada, Taliban Acting Prime Minister indicating that official government documents and verdicts of the Supreme leader and officials should not be shared publicly through whatsapp or other forms of media. These leaked letters are often the only means of knowing the changing rules of the Taliban leadership as the official law is based on Sharia with interpretation varying between provinces and leaders.
Security and Conflict
ISKP Propaganda video released – On Monday, during the Doha conference, ISKP released a 55 minute propaganda video with footage of various attacks from the inception of ISKP in Afghanistan.
Drug Crackdown – The Taliban have reportedly seized poppies, hashish and alcohol in raids in several provinces including Kandahar, Kabul, Nangarhar, Jowzjan, Helmand, Uruzgan, Kunduz and Baghlan.
Regional Developments
Pakistan Deportations – Pakistan deported 3,396 Afghans between Feb. 15 and 19. A total of 493,648 Afghans have been deported since Pakistan instituted its policy on November 1. Many of those deported have lived in Pakistan for years or had fled due to safety concerns following the Taliban takeover. Further, those returned in winter face harsh weather, particularly with the recent storms hitting much of Afghanistan with little shelter, food or assistance waiting for them upon their return. The thousands of weekly returnees from both Iran and Pakistan are exacerbating the already dire humanitarian situation in Afghanistan.
Statement by China Supporting Meeting on Afghanistan in Turkmenistan – Chinese envoy Yue Xiaoyong met Turkmenistan's Deputy FM Gurbanov in Ashgabat, focusing on bolstering joint efforts for Afghanistan's reconstruction. China pledged support for Turkmenistan hosting Afghanistan's foreign ministers' meeting in 2024.
OIC Meetings – The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has announced that meetings related to Afghanistan will be held in Gambia and Cameroon.The OIC reiterated its commitment to supporting Afghanistan and engaging in constructive dialogue with the Taliban.
Turkish Authorities Arrest Refugees – On Tuesday, 45 Afghan refugees, including 15 children were arrested by Turkish officials while attempting to reach Türkiye by boat. The individuals were detained and are expected to be returned to Afghanistan.
Travel and Weather
Landslides in Nuristan, Panjshir – Following several days of rain and snow, a landslide took place in the Nakera Valley of Norgam district of Nuristan on Sunday evening. Reports of casualties range from 30-60 people with 30 homes destroyed and approximately 250 at high risk of collapse. A second Landslide also occurred in Safid Shireh village, Hasa District, Panjshir.
Snow Expected – Heavy snow and rain are predicted Sunday and Monday in Herat, Farah, Nimroz, Helmand, Kandahar, Zabul, Uruzgan, Daikundi, Ghor, Bamyan, Wardak Square, Badghis, Faryab, Jowzjan, Sarpol, Ghazni, Paktika, Khost, Paktia, Logar, Kabul, Parwan, Baghlan and Samangan. Those in the areas or traveling through these provinces should use appropriate caution.
UN releases Report on Herat Earthquake Recovery – On Wednesday, THe UN released a report noting that 402.9 Million USD is needed to rebuild in Herat following last year's series of devastating earthquakes. The full report can be accessed here: Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA)
Decreased Import of Electricity – Breshna Company has announced a 50% reduction in electricity provided to Afghanistan by Uzbekistan, claiming technical issues as the cause. Kabul residents have struggled with lack of electricity over the duration of the winter as a result of the reduction in electricity supply.
NEXT WEEK
AFGHANISTAN
Reports have been circulating on various forms of media of calls from the Taliban to former ANA, ANSF, and NDS. Those in Afghanistan are reminded to use caution when answering calls and messages from unknown numbers, including numbers from outside Afghanistan, including from US numbers. If you are uncertain who you are speaking to, do not provide personal information.
In the wake of the Doha conference, the Taliban will likely continue their crackdowns on dissidents and resistance groups. House to house searches and increased checkpoints will remain, particularly in the lead up to Ramadan.
PAKISTAN
Election unrest will likely continue and intensify in the lead up to the Thursday, February 29 deadline to form a government. Be aware of possible phone and media outages. As always, avoid crowded areas and protests. Be aware that violence may break out between protesters and police and attacks on gatherings are possible. Limit unnecessary movement. Deportations from Pakistan are ongoing.
Heavy snow Expected in Balochistan area of Pakistan on February 26-27. Those traveling through the area should use caution.
REGIONAL ROUNDUP
IRAN
Attempted Arrest of NFR supporter in Iran – Qari Eisa Mohammadi escaped arrest by Taliban diplomats in Mashhad last week. Mr. Mohammadi, a German citizen, has participated in events in support of the NRF. Picture evidence has confirmed that the Afghan Consulate in Iran actively participated in the attempt to seize Mr. Mohammadi. Those in countries with Taliban controlled embassies should be aware of the risk associated with requesting assistance from their embassy.
Upcoming Elections – Iran's next legislative elections and elections for the Assembly of Experts will be held on March 1, 2024. There's speculation about whether reformists will participate or boycott the elections. Iran's Guardian Council has banned former President Hassan Rouhani from running in the upcoming elections for the Assembly of Experts. The Assembly is responsible for appointing and can dismiss the supreme leader. Additionally, the Guardian Council has disqualified hundreds of other candidates for the parliamentary elections scheduled to be held on March 1. This move is seen as part of a broader trend where hardliners intend to prevent moderates and reformists from gaining any significant power.
BRA Commander Killed – BRA commander Wasim Badin, also known as Ibrar Baloch, was reportedly killed near Mashkel in Iran’s Balochistan on Tuesday.
Ghalibaf Canadian Visa Controversy – Canada denied a permanent visa to Eshagh Ghalibaf, son of Iran’s parliament speaker, Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf, citing his family's alleged involvement in corruption and support of oppressive activities in Iran. Canadian Immigration Minister, Marc Miller stated “The Iranian regime has engaged in acts of terrorism and systemic human rights violations. We stand with the people of Iran."
PAKISTAN
Communications Interruptions – Pakistan is facing Twitter, social media and VPN service restrictions this week. This has been a part of wider government orders for content removals and has affected users across the country in response to increased civil unrest following the February 8 elections and allegations of election fraud.
TTP- Jamaat-ul-Ahrar Conflict – Tensions between Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Jamaat-ul-Ahrar have intensified, leading to severe clashes. A recent attack in Nangarhar, Afghanistan, critically injured a key Jamaat-ul-Ahrar commander. The conflict reflects a power struggle, particularly after the death of Jamaat-ul-Ahrar's leader in 2022 and subsequent internal divisions within the TTP. This rivalry has escalated into violent infighting, especially over control of the Khyber region, with both groups executing attacks in Pakistan, affecting civilians and law enforcement.
Protest Arrests – At least 100 protesters were arrested ahead of the Sindh Assembly's maiden session for oath-taking by newly elected members. The arrests followed protests announced by GDA, PTI, JUI-F, and other parties against 'bogus' elections. The Sindh government enforced Section 144, banning public assemblies in Karachi's south zone. The session commenced with members primarily from the PPP and MQM-P, amid tight security and a ban on rallies in the Red Zone where the assembly is located.
Balochistan Assembly Oaths – The Balochistan Assembly's inaugural session is set for February 28 at 3pm, as announced by Governor Malik Abdul Wali Khan Kakar. This first session will include the oath-taking ceremony for the newly elected lawmakers, in accordance with Article 65 of the Constitution of Pakistan.
Jaish-ul Adle leader Killed in Pakistan – Ismael Shah Bakhsh and some of his men were killed by Iranian forces in a cross border operation inside Pakistan as reported by news agencies in Iran. Pakistan has disputed the validity of this incident.
Extension of Iran-Pakistan Pipeline – The Cabinet Committee on Energy (CCoE) has approved the initiation of the 80-km Iranian border to Gwadar segment of the Iran-Pakistan Gas Pipeline project. This move aims to mitigate a potential $18 billion penalty for project delays. The project, costing $158 million, will be funded through the Gas Infrastructure Development Cess (GIDC) and executed by Inter State Gas Systems (Pvt) Ltd.
SPOTLIGHT ANALYSIS
Doha Meeting (Feb 18-19)
Taliban on Doha:
Taliban spokesperson Mujahid listed several preconditions for their attendance, including the need for discussions on the recognition of the Taliban as Afghanistan's legitimate government, the unfreezing of Afghan central bank assets, the lifting of sanctions, and the removal of travel restrictions on Taliban officials. Mujahid criticized the meeting's agenda for lacking significance and UN involvement, focusing instead on intra-Afghan issues. He emphasized the Taliban's demand to be the sole representative of Afghanistan and stated that while the group seeks recognition, it will not compromise the country's independence, unity, and prestige. He also mentioned that recognition is being used as leverage against them and dismissed the idea of attending meetings without substantial outcomes.
The spokesperson argued against the need for a special envoy for Afghanistan, highlighting their view of the country as post-conflict and in need of reconstruction, not external intervention. Mujahid pointed out that the Taliban have diplomatic relations with 22 countries and that 16 countries have a presence in Afghanistan. He argued that recognition should not depend on a country's political governance model, citing the variety of recognized governance systems worldwide. He also noted that international obligations would only come into effect upon recognition, rejecting any preconditions.
Mawlavi Kabir, the Deputy Prime Minister for Political Affairs of the Taliban, added that the group is ready for meaningful and positive engagement with the world. He clarified that their decision not to attend the Doha meeting does not reflect a worsening of relations with the international community. The Taliban’s public executions, floggings, further banning of girls’ education in Kandahar, and revival of bans on images in the days following the Doha conference seem to show a group rigid and confrontational emboldened by support from some regional countries.
Region on Doha:
During the meeting, Iran's special envoy expressed regret over the Taliban's absence and cited a scheduling conflict for not meeting civil society representatives. He highlighted the Regional Contact Group, likely with Pakistan's support, as a key engagement mechanism with the Taliban. Russia and China abstained from engaging with civil society; however, China critiqued the missed opportunity for dialogue with the Taliban, emphasizing the need to address terrorism. Pakistan's envoy met with both Taliban and civil society members but remained reserved about the outcomes.
The US
The US Special Envoy reported on a UN conference in Doha, emphasizing global consensus against terrorism and advocating for women's rights in Afghanistan. They highlighted the international commitment to aid, the need for sustainable economic solutions, and the significant reduction in poppy cultivation. The envoy stressed the importance of engaging with Afghan civil society and the Taliban. The US supports a UN-led road map for Afghanistan's integration, focusing on Afghans’ well-being and international interests.
The EU
The EU envoy highlighted a strong commitment to Afghanistan's future, emphasizing the importance of women's rights, and noting achievements in reducing poppy cultivation, and combating ISKP. The envoy welcomed the UN's efforts to engage diverse Afghan perspectives and supported the continuation of these meetings. He praised UN leadership and advocated for a UN Special Envoy to coordinate efforts and lead a road map for peace. He also emphasized the importance of regional engagement and Afghan-led decisions for the country's future.
After Doha
On Monday, the UN Security Council will discuss the outcomes of the Doha meeting and the path forward for Afghanistan. They aim to establish an international framework for dialogue with the Taliban, supported by UN agencies, to improve Afghan lives significantly. Recently The World Bank allocated approximately $300 million for Afghanistan, which will remain beyond the Taliban's control. Additionally, rumors suggest Tadamichi Yamamoto, known for his diplomatic engagements in Kabul, may be a viable candidate for the UN Special Envoy position.
AFGHAN NEWS
Concerns Mount Over Destruction of Bamiyan Province’s Historical Sites
8 am
Concerns are rising among cultural figures in Bamyan Province over the rampant unauthorized construction in the historical sites of this province. They argue that if this situation persists, Bamyan will be removed from the list of world heritage sites. According to these cultural figures, historical sites in this province are at risk of destruction, and if serious attention is not paid, all historical sites will be usurped soon.
Global Fund Allocates Over $4 Million to Assist Afghan Returnees from Pakistan
The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria (the Global Fund) has allocated over $4.7 million in emergency funding to provide healthcare services to Afghan returnees from Pakistan.
Child labor and hunger increase in Laghman province
Rukhshana news
Child labour has increased in Laghman province with families forced to rely on the income of their children as economic opportunities dry up, according to Laghman residents and authorities.
The families say they send their children to work in brick making factories, or to sift garbage for scraps, or work in the streets to put food on the table each day. The situation has been exacerbated by the increase in unemployment and fall in wages since the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021.
REGIONAL NEWS
Afghan migrant killed by throwing off bridge in Tehran: Iran Right Group
Fidel Rahmati
The Iranian Human Rights Center announced the identity of a young man who was thrown off a bridge and killed by a supporter of the Iranian government two weeks ago on suspicion of “insulting the flag”.
The Iranian Human Rights Center wrote on its social media platform X, on Thursday that 19-year-old Elias Mohammadi was killed by a “Hezbollah” individual at midnight on February 22 on Niayesh Highway in Tehran.
It is reported that Iranian security forces have banned any information about the killing of Elias Mohammadi.
Deepfakes, Internet Access Cuts Make Election Coverage Hard, Journalists Say
Nilofar Mughal
In the run-up to Pakistan's general elections this month, the country's 128 million voters were exposed to disinformation, including through artificial intelligence and deepfake videos.
Aside from a much talked about AI video of former Prime Minister Imran Khan claiming victory — a case where the jailed leader had given his consent — were cases of fake videos being used to spread disinformation.
The Taliban Want a Piece of Pakistan
Lynne O’Donnell
Mohsin Dawar’s campaign for re-election to Pakistan’s parliament was almost cut short before it began in early January when his convoy was ambushed in a village just a few minutes’ drive from his home in Miran Shah in Pakistan’s North Waziristan district, near the lawless borderlands with Afghanistan. As his car came under attack from militants armed with automatic weapons, sniper rifles, and rocket-propelled grenades, he and his team were lured into a compound by residents who promised them safety.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS RELATING TO AFGHANISTAN
Special forces blocked UK resettlement applications from elite Afghan troops
By Hannah O'Grady, Rory Tinman, Joel Gunter, and May Bulman
UK Special Forces blocked Afghan troops they had fought alongside from relocating to the UK after the Taliban seized power, BBC Panorama can reveal.
Leaked documents show special forces rejected applications despite some containing compelling evidence of service alongside the British military.
Afghan commandos accompanied British special forces on some of the most dangerous missions of the conflict.
Gender apartheid must be recognised as a crime against humanity, UN experts say
UN
Increasing global challenges demand that gender apartheid be recognised as a crime against humanity, UN experts said today, highlighting the situation of women and girls in Afghanistan.
“Gender apartheid is not merely a theoretical possibility or legal construct, but a real threat and lived reality for millions of women and girls around the world – a reality that is currently not explicitly codified in international law,” the UN experts said.
Opinion: Metra Mehran in Doha: Do Not Compromise Our Rights for Your Rivalries
I’m Metra Mehran, one of the human rights activists from Afghanistan. I want to start by taking us to Takhar province, where a 13-year-old girl wrote to me, questioning, “Wasn’t it better in the era of ignorance (before Islam), when they would simply bury newborn girls, back when they were innocent children unaware of the world?” Today, she expresses, “I have wishes, and I don’t know how to navigate this path. It feels like a miserable uncertainty that weighs heavily on my soul.” She has added, “Life is like hell.”
Opinion: If Taliban wants legitimacy in Afghanistan, it must renounce al-Qaeda’
Chris Fitzgerald
Islamic extremism is on the rise again in Afghanistan, with terrorists flourishing under Taliban rule. With the international community recently meeting in Doha to consider steps to legitimise the Taliban, it could not have come at a worst moment for the de facto rulers of Afghanistan.
In particular, the UN’s report on Afghanistan released last month revealed a disturbing rise in activity by al-Qaeda.
The report said the terrorist group had re-established itself in Afghanistan and “continues to pose a threat to the region, and potentially beyond”. Al-Qaeda has reportedly built eight new training camps, runs safe houses in Kabul and Herat, has stockpiled weapons in the Panjshir Valley, and operates five madrasas in the east of the country.
THE DAILY WTF
In Lahore, the Tehreek-e-Labbaik, Islamic radicals known for supporting death to blasphemers, mistook "halwa" for holy text, showcasing their linguistic mix-up in a not-so-divine comedy. A quick-thinking policewoman ensured the mistaken "blasphemer" made a sweet escape.
Afghani to the Dollar: $1 – 73.67 AFN (as of 25 FEB 2024)
