The Week of February 9-15
Security and Conflict
ISKP Kills Talib in Badakshan – On Wednesday evening, a Taliban member was shot dead in Faizabad, the capital of Badakhshan province. ISKP later claimed responsibility in its weekly publication Al Naba. Local reports identified the victim as Shahram, 22, from Jurm district, who was serving in the Taliban’s border battalion. The attack was carried out by unidentified gunmen.
Clashes over Gold mine in Badakshan – On Monday night, armed clashes broke out in the Khastak Valley of Shuhada district, Badakhshan, between forces loyal to Taliban-appointed governor Ismail Ghaznawi and local Taliban members. The confrontation was reportedly over control of the Awizshahr gold mine. One of the governor’s men was killed and two local Taliban fighters were injured. On Tuesday, local residents were reportedly barred from entering the mine for work.
New Director of Mines Beaten in Badakshan – On Friday, a newly appointed Taliban mines director in Badakhshan was reportedly beaten along the Shaki-Khwahan road by individuals linked to a local Taliban figure. Sources said gold and weapons were taken from him. The incident is reportedly tied to rivalries over control of mining operations. Taliban authorities have not commented.
Human Rights and Civil Liberties
More than 1,600 Days Since Girls Banned from Secondary Education – On Wednesday, the United Nations marked 1,607 days since girls were banned from attending secondary school in Afghanistan. In a statement marking the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, UNAMA warned that the continued exclusion of girls from education poses serious risks to the country’s long-term development and future.
Floggings – On Monday, three people were flogged in Kapisa. On Tuesday, two people were flogged in Laghman and one in Zabul. On Wednesday, eight women and six men were flogged in Kabul. On Thursday, one person was flogged in Laghman.
Internal Politics
Pakistani Medicine Ban Begins – On Monday, the Taliban began enforcing a nationwide ban on the import of medicines from Pakistan. The decision, first announced following border tensions in October, has now been fully implemented across all customs points. As of February 10, Pakistani pharmaceutical products are no longer cleared at Afghan borders. The move has already contributed to rising medicine prices and increasing difficulties for patients.
Former Guantanamo Detainee Named Deputy Defense Minister – On Saturday, Mullah Hibatullah reshuffled two senior officials, appointing Mullah Mohammad Fazel Mazloom as Minister of Transport and Aviation and naming Mullah Hamidullah Akhundzada as First Deputy Minister of Defense. Mazloom, a former Guantanamo Bay detainee held for 13 years before his release in a 2014 U.S.-Taliban prisoner exchange, previously served as Deputy Defense Minister. He has faced allegations of involvement in the killing of Hazara and Shiite civilians during the battle of Mazar-e-Sharif.
New Official Appointed for Land Usurpation Cases – On Friday, Mullah Hibatullah issued a decree upgrading the Commission for the Restitution of Usurped Lands to a full ministry, according to an official letter. A new minister is expected to be appointed, while Mawlawi Ehsanullah Wasiq has been named acting head in the interim. The restructuring follows previous allegations of land seizure involving the former commission chief. Taliban officials have not publicly commented.
International Developments
UN Security Council Extends Sanctions for Taliban – On Thursday, the UN Security Council unanimously extended for one year the mandate of its sanctions monitoring team overseeing measures against the Taliban under the 1988 sanctions regime. The resolution maintains existing sanctions, and travel-ban exemptions for several Taliban leaders were not renewed. The move follows ongoing concerns over militant groups, restrictions on women’s rights, and the absence of an inclusive government.
Transparency International Corruption Index Released – According to Transparency International, Afghanistan remains one of the world’s most corrupt countries, scoring 16 out of 100 and ranking 169th out of 182 countries in the organization’s 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index, down from a score of 17 and a rank of 165th in 2024. The index measures perceived public-sector corruption on a scale from 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean). Afghanistan’s score has steadily declined in recent years. The Taliban have dismissed the report as inaccurate. The full article can be accessed Here
UNAMA Meeting Held in Kabul – On Tuesday, UNAMA convened a new round of Doha Process Working Group meetings in Kabul, focusing on counter-narcotics and the private sector. The sessions brought together UN member states, international organizations, Afghanistan’s de facto authorities, and experts. Discussions addressed alternative livelihoods to poppy cultivation, drug prevention and enforcement, job creation, women’s participation in the private sector, access to finance, and banking. Participants identified priority areas for deeper engagement to support sustainable economic and social stability.
OCHA Statement on Afghan Shelter Needs – On Sunday, UN-Habitat said that 4.2 million people in Afghanistan will require shelter assistance this year, citing worsening vulnerabilities linked to natural disasters, returning migrants, and economic hardship. OCHA also reported that more than four million people need shelter and non-food items, with plans to assist 881,000 people. The response requires more than $160 million in funding, underscoring a significant humanitarian financing gap.
Freedom of the Press
Man Sentenced for Criticizing Mullah Hibatullah – This week in Bala Murghab district of Badghis province, a Taliban primary court sentenced Abdulkhaliq, son of Abdul Qadoos, to one year in prison and 39 lashes for allegedly insulting Mullah Hibatullah. According to sources, he made the remarks during a public gathering and was detained at the scene after a Taliban member filed a complaint. He was later tried under Article 18 of the newly approved penal code, marking one of its first known applications. No further information is available.
Regional Developments
Pakistan Threatens Strikes in Afghanistan – On Wednesday, Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif suggested that military action against militants inside Afghanistan could take place before Ramadan, stating that any delay would be costly. Speaking in a televised interview, he described the timeline as his personal view and not based on confirmed plans. He did not provide operational details. The Taliban have not responded but have previously warned they would retaliate against cross-border military action.
Iran Discusses Recognizing Taliban – On Tuesday, Iran’s ambassador to Kabul said there are no barriers to recognizing the Taliban administration and indicated that Tehran may soon formalize recognition. He cited strong diplomatic and trade ties as evidence of deepening relations. Bikdeli described Iran and the Taliban as close partners and suggested recognition would further strengthen cooperation. If implemented, Iran would become the second country after Russia to officially recognize the Taliban government.
Drugs Seized at Tajik Border – On Tuesday, Tajikistan announced the seizure of a major drug shipment entering from Afghanistan after border forces intercepted traffickers in the Darkad border area. One Afghan national was arrested and 46 packages of hashish were confiscated, while three suspects escaped. Authorities said Tajikistan has seized more than 5.2 tons of narcotics in 2025 and reported five recent border clashes, mostly linked to drug trafficking.
Pakistan Statement on Taliban Security – On Monday, Pakistan’s former special envoy for Afghanistan, Asif Durrani, warned that Taliban support for militant groups could have serious regional and global consequences. Echoing President Asif Ali Zardari’s recent remarks, he stated that terrorism thrives where it is tolerated and enabled, cautioning against allowing Afghan territory to be used by militant or proxy groups. Zardari had said Afghanistan’s current conditions are worse than those before 9/11, posing global risks.
Pakistan Appoints New Consul Generals for Afghanistan – On Wednesday, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry announced the appointment of two new consuls general to Afghanistan, naming Shehbaz Hussain to Kandahar and Owais Ahmad Khan to Mazar-e-Sharif. The appointments, approved by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, are part of a broader diplomatic reshuffle.
US Visa Processing Information/US Legal Information (Updated 2/15/26)
IRAP SIV Court Ruling – On Friday, a federal court ordered the Trump administration to resume processing COM applications under the SIV program in the class action case Afghan & Iraqi Allies v. Rubio. The judge ruled that the administration must comply with a previously ordered plan to adjudicate applications in a timely manner, despite the expanded travel ban blocking Afghan nationals from entering the United States. A status conference is scheduled for February 24 to review compliance. It remains unclear whether the administration will fully comply with the court order. It is important to note that even if processing resumes, the expanded travel ban continues to prevent Afghan nationals from receiving visas or traveling to the United States at this time. More information can be found here. More information can be found Here.
Update for Afghan SIVs awaiting Interview – Starting January 1, 2026, the expanded U.S. travel ban will block Afghan SIV applicants from receiving visas or entering the United States, though those with issued visas may still enter. Even if an application has already been approved, a U.S. embassy may deny the visa under Section 212(f) of U.S. immigration law. This type of denial is final, not temporary. The denial cannot be appealed.
If a visa is denied under 212(f), the applicant may need to apply again if the travel ban is lifted in the future. However, this denial should not cancel the underlying approval of the case (COM Approval remains valid). IRAP is currently recommending that Afghans with visa appointments consider postponing their interview dates. SIVs should seek legal advice prior to making a decision on attending a visa interview at this time.
Travel Ban and Benefit Review – The U.S. has introduced stricter immigration rules for nationals of 39 countries, including Afghanistan. Immigration applications are now paused, and pending cases, such as Green Cards and citizenship, are on hold. Individuals who entered the U.S. on or after January 20, 2021, may have their previously approved immigration benefits reviewed again. The administration has agreed to hand over a list of cases that will be reviewed within the next 90 days. Additional security checks will also apply. Issues with identity documents or perceived risks linked to one’s country may now negatively affect cases. The full guidance is available in Dari or Pashto
Refugee Review – The U.S. government will re-examine refugee approvals for individuals admitted between January 20, 2021, and February 20, 2025, even for those who already hold Green Cards. USCIS may review both the initial refugee determination and the Form I-485 application. Green Card applications for refugees from this period are currently paused. Refugees from travel-ban countries will also be subject to the stricter review and enhanced security checks noted above. More information is available in Dari or Pashto
Asylum Cases Paused for Afghans – USCIS has paused decisions on all new and pending affirmative asylum applications. No approvals or denials will be issued during this period. However, this pause does not affect asylum cases in immigration court, which will continue moving forward. New asylum applications may still be filed, but no decisions will be made until the pause is lifted. No end date has been announced.
Work Permit Changes – Most new Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) will no longer be valid for five years. Under a new rule, many applicants will now receive EADs valid for 18 months, while others may receive permits valid for one year or less. These changes apply to applications submitted or pending on or after December 5, 2025 (for 18-month permits) and July 22, 2025 (for one-year permits). Existing EADs remain valid until their printed expiration dates.
Miscellaneous
Landslide in Kapisa – On Thursday, in the Elyas Khil Shokhi area of central Kapisa province, a landslide struck a residential house, killing four people, including two children, and injuring six others. The collapse followed recent heavy rainfall that has triggered natural disasters in several provinces. Taliban officials previously reported that more than 60 people have died in weather-related incidents across 15 provinces in recent weeks.
NEXT WEEK
In Afghanistan, Ramadan is expected to begin around Wednesday, February 18. During this period, stricter enforcement of religious and moral laws should be anticipated, along with increased public pressure on women and Shia communities. Public punishments may also become more frequent. In previous years, the AFF has declared temporary ceasefires during Ramadan and Eid, which is likely again this year. Overall, resistance activity is expected to decline in the coming weeks.
Continued snow and rainfall are forecast across much of northern and central Afghanistan, increasing the likelihood of road closures and landslides in the week ahead. Travelers should exercise caution, as traffic accidents have caused a significant number of deaths in recent weeks.
Tensions between the United States and Iran remain elevated, with possible security flare-ups in the coming week. Afghans in Iran should remain alert to developments and exercise caution in their movements.
The Pakistan–Afghanistan border remains closed, with land crossings restricted for Afghan nationals. Recent statements by Pakistani officials have threatened cross-border strikes following particularly violent weeks in Pakistan. It remains unclear whether these statements reflect rhetoric or concrete plans. Those in Afghanistan’s border regions should exercise caution and prepare for the possibility of clashes or drone strikes. Arrests and deportations of Afghans are likely to continue, and Afghan citizens are strongly advised to ensure their documentation remains valid.
The United States has halted all visa processing for Afghan cases, though a court ruling has ordered the resumption of Chief of Mission (COM) review for SIV cases. Afghan SIV and other visa interviews are likely to result in denials under Section 212(f), which are permanent and non-appealable. IRAP and other legal service providers are advising Afghans to consider postponing interviews to avoid a 212(f) denial. All Afghans are currently barred from entering the United States unless they hold a valid visa issued prior to the ban.
Across the United States, ICE detentions continue to increase nationwide. It is critically important that Afghans understand their legal rights. Individuals are encouraged to review the ICE raid section of the U.S. processing guidance and consult the know your rights guide.
REGIONAL ROUNDUP
IRAN
Pahlavi Urges US Intervention in Iran – On Saturday, February 14, Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran’s last shah, called for U.S. military intervention in Iran, arguing it could “save lives” and potentially hasten the collapse of the government. Speaking on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, he urged Washington not to prolong nuclear negotiations with Tehran. His remarks come amid ongoing unrest in Iran following protests that began in late December over economic grievances.
PAKISTAN
19,000 Afghans Deported in the Past Week – More than 19,000 Afghan migrants were deported from Pakistan between February 7 and February 13, according to data compiled by Amu from the Taliban’s refugee commission, up from 14,500 the previous week. An additional 958 were expelled from Iran, most of them forcibly. Returnees crossed into Afghanistan via the Torkham, Spin Boldak, Bahramcha, Pul-e-Abrisham, and Islam Qala border points.
Instability in Khyber Kakhtunkhwa – On Saturday night, gunmen attacked a police post in Bajaur, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, killing the deputy head of the station, according to police. The assault involved both light and heavy weapons. Earlier this week, four police officers were killed in a separate attack in Dera Ismail Khan. Reports from the region indicate worsening security in North and South Waziristan, with increased militant activity and rising casualties linked to the Pakistani Taliban.
SPOTLIGHT ANALYSIS
Pollution in Afghanistan: Air, water, waste and noise under weak governance
Mohammad Assem Mayar
Kabul’s winters bring a suffocating haze, as residents burn coal, wood and even plastic to heat their homes and use outdated vehicles, releasing toxic fumes into the city’s dry air. However, perhaps surprisingly, the worst air quality in Afghanistan is found not in the capital, but in the southwest and north, where dust storms, made worse by climate change, blow in across the borders. Pollution is also not confined to the air. In urban areas, open sewage channels spread foul odours across city streets, badly kept septic tanks contaminate groundwater and rubbish piles up, uncollected. Noise adds another layer of disturbance, with vendors’ loudspeakers blaring by day and stray dogs barking through the night. These overlapping forms of pollution leave Afghans exposed to multiple hazards and reflect the decades-long failure of state institutions to provide basic services, particularly in urban areas. In his new report for AAN, guest author Mohammad Assem Mayar* looks into the where and why of Afghanistan’s pollution crisis and lays out strategies for survival and mitigation.
Afghanistan’s rapid population growth and urbanisation have overwhelmed its cities, which lack even basic infrastructure. Particularly Kabul, but also Herat, Mazar-e Sharif, Kandahar, Nangrahar and Khost, have seen rapid growth, leading to the spread of unplanned settlements and peri‑urban fringes. These expanding informal and peri-urban settlements face chronic shortages of water, sewerage and waste services, exposing residents to multiple environmental hazards. Yet even in the city centres, pollution has become a defining feature of urban life, driven by winter heating fuels that spew acrid smoke into the air, exhaust fumes from the outdated vehicles that clog city streets, diesel generators, contaminated groundwater, unmanaged waste and persistent noise. In the southwest and west, north, and east of the country, dust storms blown in from across Afghanistan’s borders devastate the air quality in rural and urban areas alike. The climate crisis, making for more frequent droughts and a reduction in those natural cleansers of the air – rain and snow – has only exacerbated many of the hazards facing Afghans.
These environmental stresses carry profound social and economic costs. Preventable illness and premature deaths are widespread, with all the concomitant cost to the economy. Given the failure of state institutions to provide basic services or protection, households are left carrying the financial burden, with the need to purchase water, filters, masks and medicines. Yet private solutions can never substitute for state action. The persistence of polluted air, contaminated water, unmanaged waste and chronic noise reflects decades of weak coordination, uneven enforcement and a failure to reach even basic environmental standards.
AFGHAN NEWS
Amin Kawa
Sources report that Abdul Hakim Sharayi, the Taliban’s Minister of Justice, has extensively abused his authority over the past four years, dismissing more than 700 employees, seizing state and private assets and properties, and creating facilities and key positions for his relatives and family members. According to the sources, he has recently dismissed another 70 employees on charges of lacking commitment to the Taliban. In addition, by confiscating employees’ mobile phones and inspecting their social media accounts, he has replaced professional and experienced staff with students from madrasas, all of whom are Pashtun.
Taliban make NGO-funded education projects conditional on ‘full coordination’
Siyar Sirat
The Taliban-run education ministry has made the implementation of all education projects by non-governmental organizations and donor agencies conditional on what it called “full coordination”, financial transparency and strict adherence to its development project procedures, according to an official document seen by Amu TV.
The directive, signed on Feb. 1, 2026, sets out a new oversight framework that effectively places all education-related initiatives under the direct authority of the ministry, which it describes as the main body responsible for regulating, leading and supervising educational activities nationwide.
REGIONAL NEWS
Water-Rights Talks With Taliban Continue, Says Iran
Afghanistan International
Iran’s vice president and head of the Department of Environment, Shina Ansari, said negotiations with the Taliban on water rights are continuing, adding that understandings reached so far have been verbal.
Speaking to the Islamic Republic News Agency, Ansari said the minimum water allocation to Iran under the 1973 agreement on the Hamoun wetlands must be ensured, and that Tehran is seriously pursuing implementation of the arrangement.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Former Afghan Special Forces Member Killed In Norway
Afghanistan International
An Afghan man who previously served in Afghanistan’s former special forces was killed in a violent attack in Bergen, Norway, police and family members said.
Norwegian police said the incident occurred on Sunday evening, in the Arna district of Bergen, where the victim was assaulted outside his residence. He died from his injuries while being transported to hospital. His wife was also injured in the attack.
Two relatives of the victim told Afghanistan International that the man had served in Afghanistan’s former Unit 222 special forces and had sought refuge in Norway with his wife after the collapse of the previous Afghan government in 2021.
Afghani to US Dollar: $1 – 63.50 AFN (As of February 15)