The Week of January 6-12
Security and Conflict
Cross Border Fighting – On Friday, The Pakistani army launched over 50 missiles into Afghanistan’s Kunar province, targeting the Nawa Pass and Sarkani district. The attack resulted in the death of an Afghan border security official, left two others critically injured, and killed dozens of livestock. Fearing for their safety, residents fled the area. Pakistan claimed that Afghanistan had previously fired mortars into its Mohmand and Bajaur districts, with clashes reported along the Durand Line in Sarkani, Manogi, Sheltan, and Dangam districts. Taliban authorities have not commented on the incident, which marks the second cross-border attack in a week.
ISKP Assassinates Religious Scholars in Baghlan – On Tuesday, gunmen attacked two religious figures in Baghlan-e Markazi district. Mawlawi Hamdullah Jan Mohammadi, a senior scholar and mosque leader, was injured, while Mawlawi Abdul Razaq, a madrasa teacher, was killed. The Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) claimed responsibility for the attack, raising concerns about increasing insecurity in the region.
Ammunition Seized in Badakhshan – On Thursday, the Taliban's Ministry of Interior announced the discovery of a large ammunition depot in Badakhshan's Shuhada district, seized by Counter-Terrorism Police. The cache included over 6,000 rounds of ammunition for DShK, ZU-23, BM-1, and other military weapons. Additionally, eight weapons and other military equipment were confiscated in Nimroz province. These operations underscore efforts to secure and control military assets in these regions.
Taliban Fire on Funeral – In Nangarhar's Momand Dara district on Tuesday, Taliban fighters opened fire during a funeral, injuring 12 people. The violence reportedly began when local residents opposed the burial of a Shinwari family member. One person remains in critical condition.
ISKP Attempt Attack on Police Station – On Sunday, an ISKP member and a Taliban officer were killed in a crossfire at Jalalabad's police command facility when three attackers attempted to enter. Two attackers escaped, according to a police official.
Human Rights and Civil Liberties
Former ANP Summoned to Embassy and Arrested – This week, Taliban forces reportedly detained and assaulted Nizamuddin, a former Afghan military commander, at their embassy in Tehran during a visit to renew his passport. Reports indicate Taliban intelligence operatives, posing as diplomats, summoned him to the embassy and attempted to transport him to an unknown location using a diplomatic vehicle. Nizamuddin managed to escape and is now in an undisclosed location.
ANSF Detentions – The Taliban arrested former military officer Mohammad Khalis from Abdullah Khil Valley, Panjshir, along with Mohammad Asghar. Khalis, a former member of the previous regime’s army in Kandahar, and Asghar, a former police officer, were taken to an undisclosed location. On January 12, two former members of the Badghis Provincial Police Command were detained and imprisoned in Qala-e-Naw city. The Taliban have not commented on these arrests.
Floggings – On Tuesday, the Taliban flogged one man and one woman in Kabul and another woman in Nuristan. On Thursday, three women and four men were flogged in Kapisa, Paktia, and Ghazni provinces.
Internal Politics
Hibatullah Holds Conference on VIce and Virtue Law – This week Mullah Hibatullah urged effective governance and public issue resolution during a six-day seminar for military and civilian officials in Kandahar. He emphasized enforcing the vice and virtue law, signed in August, which includes new restrictions, particularly affecting women. The seminar focused on strengthening public relations and Islamic governance, with Mullah Hibatullah delivering a nearly two-hour speech.
Acting Minister of Refugees Appointed – On Thursday, Abdul Kabir, the Taliban’s deputy chief minister for political affairs, was appointed as the new minister for refugees by order of the Taliban’s supreme leader, Zabihullah Mujahid announced. This appointment follows the death of former minister Khalil Haqqani in a Kabul bombing. Kabir previously served as acting prime minister in 2001 and acting chief minister in 2023. His appointment continues his leadership roles since the Taliban's 2021 takeover.
International Developments
OIC Meeting on Afghanistan – The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) will hold a conference in Islamabad on January 11-12, focusing on women's education in the Islamic world, particularly addressing the Taliban’s ban on girls' and women's education in Afghanistan. Supported by Saudi Arabia and hosted by Pakistan, 30 foreign ministers have confirmed attendance. The event aims to pressure the Taliban to reverse policies that Muslim scholars have deemed un-Islamic. While Afghanistan was invited, they chose not to send representatives to the meeting. The conference is expected to issue a strong statement urging the removal of the education ban.
US Senator Letter Urges Trump to Halt Afghanistan Aid – U.S. Representative Tim Burchett has urged President Elect Donald Trump to stop cash aid to Afghanistan, alleging that the funds indirectly benefit the Taliban. He criticized the lack of traceability and called for prioritizing American interests. Critics warn that aid misuse by the Taliban is a risk, while the U.N. emphasizes the ongoing need for humanitarian support. Afghan opposition leader Ali Maisam Nazary voiced support for Burchett's stance.
Freedom of the Press
Recording and Broadcasting Living Things Banned In Nuristan – On Wednesday, the Taliban's Department of Promotion of Virtue in Nuristan officially banned the recording and broadcasting of images of living beings, aligning with similar restrictions already enforced in five other provinces: Kandahar, Takhar, Badghis, Helmand, and Nangarhar. The Afghanistan Journalists Center expressed grave concerns about the impact on media operations and public access to information. Nuristan’s governor's office has replaced images on its Facebook page with photos of government buildings. The ban is likely to be extended to more provinces in the future.
Journalist Sentenced – A Taliban court in Kabul sentenced journalist Mahdi Ansari to 1.5 years in prison for "propaganda" against the group. Arrested on October 6 in West Kabul, Ansari was convicted last week based on content from his personal YouTube channel. He previously worked for the Afghan News Agency.
Regional Developments
Russia Plans Bilateral Working Group with Taliban – On Wednesday, Russia's envoy to Afghanistan, Zamir Kabulov, announced plans to establish a bilateral working group with the Taliban in spring 2025 to focus on trade and economic relations. Despite the Taliban's lack of international recognition, this group will replace the previous Economic Cooperation Commission, enhancing bilateral engagement.
MOFA Officials Travel to UAE – A delegation led by Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi traveled to the UAE for discussions on strengthening bilateral relations and economic cooperation, including trade and joint investments. Despite UN sanctions on Muttaqi, the visit aims to bolster ties and explore collaborative economic opportunities between Afghanistan and the UAE.
New Taliban Ambassador to Qatar Named – The Taliban appointed Suhail Shaheen, former head of their Qatar political office, as ambassador to Doha. Mohammad Naeem has been named deputy ambassador.
Pakistan Names New Special Representative to Afghanistan – On Friday, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif appointed Mohammad Sadiq, previously Pakistan's Special Representative for Afghanistan, as his Special Assistant. Sadiq, who held the same role from 2020 to 2022, recently traveled to Afghanistan to persuade the Taliban to reconsider their stance toward the TTP.
Pakistan to Implement Satellite Cargo Tracking – Pakistan’s Federal Board of Revenue introduced satellite tracking for transit cargo to Afghanistan on Friday, replacing human oversight. The previous tracking company’s license was revoked due to outdated technology, technical issues, and cyberattacks. New security measures include installing PMD devices on vehicles, using escorted convoys, selective cargo scanning, and live monitoring through a 24/7 customs control room to ensure cargo safety and deter theft.
Miscellaneous
UNICEF Announces Continued Aid – UNICEF announced on Thursday its continued support for 28,000 healthcare workers in Afghanistan throughout next year to ensure quality services for mothers and children. However, Taliban restrictions on women, including bans on medical education and NGO employment, risk collapsing women’s healthcare systems. Recent foreign NGO closures in Kandahar have further limited access to essential services, raising concerns about worsening conditions for vulnerable populations.
Oil Refinery Opened – On Friday, a $50 million oil refinery began operations in Balkh province. Named Afghan Yasini Oil, the facility has a daily capacity of 600 tons and aims to boost the country's industrial sector while creating 100 jobs. Taliban officials have hailed it as a significant private sector investment.
OCHA Statement on Aid in Afghanistan – The UN OCHA projects that 14.8 million Afghans will need food and agricultural aid in 2025, requiring $1.09 billion in funding. Amid worsening crises since the Taliban's takeover, aid shortages persist, with the WFP warning of dire consequences due to funding gaps. Only 40% of the $3.06 billion requested for 2024 was secured, leaving millions vulnerable as harsh winters exacerbate food insecurity and economic challenges.
NEXT WEEK
In Afghanistan, the Taliban is expected to continue enforcing increasingly harsh policies leading up to the change in the U.S. administration. A rise in resistance activities during this period is also likely.
In Pakistan, crackdowns on Afghans, particularly in Islamabad, are ongoing. Afghans without a Certificate of No Objection are urged to obtain one immediately. House-to-house searches are being conducted to identify those violating the new rule, with reports of continued extortion. Areas bordering Rawalpindi have faced similar search operations. Afghans in Pakistan are advised to exercise caution and ensure that their visas and necessary documentation are current.
Tensions remain high at the Afghanistan-Pakistan border following several weeks of fighting. Cross-border attacks, heightened tensions, and temporary border closures are expected to persist.
In Iran, anti-Afghan sentiment and deportations continue. Authorities aim to expel 2 million Afghans by March 2025, raising concerns about increased detentions and forced removals. Many returnees reportedly face detention by the Taliban upon re-entering Afghanistan. Afghans still in Iran or recently returned are advised to remain vigilant.
REGIONAL ROUNDUP
IRAN
Six Businesses Closed for Employing Undocumented Immigrants – On Thursday, the police commander of Mehriz County, Yazd Province, announced the closure of six businesses, including shoe and clothing stores, for employing undocumented migrants. Wahid Ahmadi emphasized that hiring workers without proper documentation violates Iranian labor laws, punishable by 90 to 180 days of imprisonment. He highlighted intensified joint patrols aimed at preventing such practices and urged local residents to assist authorities in identifying and reporting undocumented migrants.
Official Urges Afghans to Leave Voluntarily – On Wednesday, Tehran's governor, Mohammad Sadeq Motamedian, urged undocumented Afghan migrants to voluntarily leave Iran via a self-reporting process. Speaking to ISNA, he emphasized accelerating migrant deportations as a priority. Migrants reporting to the Khavaran Return Center will receive assistance in returning, individually or with families. Non-compliant migrants face detention and deportation through legal measures.
PAKISTAN
Deportations Escalate – Following the implementation of the Certificate of No Contest for Afghans residing in Islamabad on January 1, Pakistani security forces have intensified efforts to detain and deport undocumented Afghan migrants, conducting house-to-house searches involving female officers. Similar operations are reported in Rawalpindi. Women, children, and families of former Afghan soldiers are among those detained, with allegations that wealthier individuals have paid bribes to avoid deportation. Migrants lacking funds face forcible return to Afghanistan regardless of their visa status. Between Monday and Wednesday, reports indicate that 1,000 Afghans were deported due to these raids and detentions.
Laborers Abducted – On Thursday, sixteen construction laborers were abducted, and their vehicle was set ablaze in Qabal Khel, Lakki Marwat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, according to Pakistani police reports. The workers were released on Friday.
SPOTLIGHT ANALYSIS
One of the World’s Largest Refugee Populations, Afghans Have Faced Increasing Restrictions in Iran
Mitra Naseh
As the global population of refugees increased to a record high 37.8 million as of mid-2024, a staggering 16 percent—nearly one in six—originated from Afghanistan, where they have fled several decades of civil war, persecution, and state collapse. Almost 90 percent of the world’s 6.1 million Afghan refugees live in neighboring Iran or Pakistan, with Iran hosting the largest share. In fact, as of mid-2024, Iran was the world’s largest refugee host, sheltering 3.8 million people, of whom 99 percent were from Afghanistan, alongside small numbers from Iraq and other countries. Over the past four decades of conflict and war in Afghanistan, Iran has remained a key destination for different cohorts of Afghans, many of whom subsequently left when home-country conditions improved, due to its geographic proximity and shared language and cultural ties—especially with Dari-speaking and Shia Muslim communities such as the Hazara ethnic group.
However, Iran has faced increasing strain hosting millions of humanitarian migrants, especially as it confronts mounting economic challenges. While the government’s response to earlier generations of Afghan refugees was largely welcoming, policies have grown more restrictive since the mid-1990s. Only about one-fifth of the 3.8 million people considered to be in refugee-like situations in Iran are actually registered refugees, and an additional 500,000 Afghans in the country are estimated to lack any legal status, according to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). While the rapid influx of approximately 1 million Afghans shortly after the Taliban’s return to power in 2021 prompted a new process for offering temporary legal status, it also hastened the government’s resolve to deport those without authorization. Hundreds of thousands of Afghans have been forcibly removed from Iran each year since the Taliban’s resurgence, and the government in September said that it planned to deport as many as 2 million Afghans lacking legal status by March 2025.
This article provides an overview of historical and contemporary forced migration from Afghanistan to Iran. It focuses on the various factors driving migration since 1979, as well as the Iranian policies that have gradually narrowed access to protection.
AFGHAN NEWS
The Taliban say they will close all NGOs employing Afghan women
Associated Press
The Taliban say they will close all national and foreign nongovernmental groups in Afghanistan employing women, the latest crackdown on women’s rights since they took power in August 2021.
The announcement comes two years after they told NGOs to suspend the employment of Afghan women, allegedly because they didn’t wear the Islamic headscarf correctly.
In a letter published on X Sunday night, the Economy Ministry warned that failure to comply with the latest order would lead to NGOs losing their license to operate in Afghanistan.
Taliban minister equates defiance of their leader with ‘disobedience to God’
Sharif Amiry
Taliban’s minister of higher education, Neda Mohammad Nadim, has declared that disobeying the orders of their reclusive leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada, is equivalent to defying the “will of God”.
Speaking at a graduation ceremony for religious institutions in Kabul, Nadim stated that neglecting Akhundzada’s directives is impermissible under Islam.
“For Muslims, it is impermissible to defy God’s commands. No one has the right to disobey the commands issued by the leader of Muslims. The leader’s orders are God’s commands,” he claimed.
Taliban order proficiency exams for university professors
Habib Mohammadi
Taliban have issued a directive requiring all private universities in the country to conduct written and oral proficiency exams for their faculty members. The mandatory exams are intended to assess the qualifications of professors teaching in higher education institutions.
According to an official letter from the Taliban’s Ministry of Higher Education, the exams will be overseen by a special committee led by the head of the Taliban’s “Department of Islamic Specializations.” The committee will also include deans of Sharia faculties from public universities and a faculty member from each province.
REGIONAL NEWS
UN Silent Spectator Of Inhumane Treatment Of Afghan Migrants By Police, Says Former Pak MP
Afghanistan International
Bushra Gohar, former member of Pakistan's parliament, has said that the country's police are treating Afghan migrants "inhumanely" on the orders of the interior minister and detaining them.
Gohar stressed that UNHCR is a "silent spectator" in the face of these actions. She urged the organisation to defend the rights of vulnerable Afghans, especially women and children.
On Monday, January 6, Bushra Gohar, a human rights activist and former member of Pakistan's parliament, reacted to the detention of Afghan refugees in Islamabad by publishing notes on the social media platform X.
Why is India courting the Taliban now?
Ruchi Kumar
The meeting in Dubai between Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Amir Khan Muttaqi, acting foreign minister of the Taliban, on Wednesday this week has confirmed India’s intentions to raise its influence with the Afghan leadership, analysts say.
India has been gradually upping relations with the Taliban over the past year but this latest meeting marked the first high-level engagement of its kind.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS RELATING TO AFGHANISTAN
ISIS-K Has Been Revived In Afghanistan, Claims Prominent American Politician
Afghanistan International
Michael McCaul, former chairman of the US House Foreign Relations Committee, warned that ISIS has been revived in Afghanistan under the control of the Taliban.
McCaul said that the Trump administration, which will begin its work soon, should take the growing threat of ISIS-K seriously and take action against it.
"Another issue that I'm very concerned about is the fall of Afghanistan and the catastrophe that happened there," McCaul told ABC News on Monday. We are witnessing the revival of ISIS-K in Afghanistan and Pakistan. This really worries me."
Australian academic and former Taliban captive passes away in Kabul
Mujeeb Rahman Awrang Stanakzai
Timothy Weeks, a former lecturer at the American University of Afghanistan and an Australian academic who was once held captive by the Taliban and had been living in Kabul since their return to power, has died of cancer, according to a Taliban statement on Wednesday.
Weeks and Kevin King, an American citizen, were kidnapped by the Taliban in August 2016 while working at the American University of Afghanistan in Kabul. They were held for more than three years before being released in a prisoner exchange in 2019 as part of peace negotiations under the Trump administration.
Afghani to the Dollar: $1 – 72.88 AFN (as of 12 January 2025)