The Week of July 21-27
Security and Conflict
Clashes In Badakhshan Over Gold Mine – On Sunday, July 20, a violent altercation between workers from two rival mining operations in Badakhshan’s Shahr-e-Buzurg district led to the death of Abdul Waris, the son of a local mine owner. While Taliban police denied reports of foreign casualties, a Chinese official confirmed that Chinese nationals were caught in the crossfire. One Chinese national was killed, and another is in critical condition. Investigations are ongoing.
House to House Searches – On Monday, Taliban forces launched unannounced house-to-house searches in Kabul’s Parwan-e-Du area, establishing checkpoints and inspecting homes without providing explanations.
Former ANA Killed – Former Afghan army sergeant Abdul Zahir, arrested by the Taliban six months ago in Paktia, was tortured in a secret prison and later killed. His body, showing signs of brutal torture, was found on July 10 in Ahmadabad district.
Former Soldiers detained and Killed – On Friday, former special police officer Ahmad Fahim Haidari was shot dead by Taliban fighters outside his home in Kabul’s Qasaba area. Haidari was originally from Kapisa province. That same day, reports emerged of another ex-soldier imprisoned in Bagram after being deported from Iran. No further information is currently available.
Former Soldier Arrested – On Sunday, the Taliban arrested Rasikh Saydkhili, a former soldier from Parwan province, after his return from Iran nine months ago. He had been secretly held in Charikar and was recently transferred to Kabul’s Pul-e-Charkhi prison.
Human Rights and Civil Liberties
Women in Kandahar Required to Have Mahram and Special Card to Work – The Taliban in Kandahar have mandated that all female employees in both public and private sectors obtain a “mahram card” identifying a male guardian who must accompany them to work. Implemented by the Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, the policy requires male escorts to remain at the workplace. Women say the rule is burdensome and unaffordable for most families. The multi-step application process can take up to three days and involves multiple officials.
Taliban Statement on Detained British Couple – On Wednesday, Taliban Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi confirmed that efforts are underway to release British couple Peter Reynolds, 80, and Barbie Reynolds, 76, who were detained in Bamyan province in March 2024 and later transferred to Kabul. He stated that their rights are being respected and that they have had limited contact with their family, though the release process remains incomplete. It is unclear what specific steps remain, given that the Taliban have sole authority over their detention. The couple—long-time residents of Afghanistan—were arrested without formal charges despite their humanitarian work. UN agencies have warned that their health is deteriorating: Peter suffers from Parkinson’s disease, while Barbie faces anemia and malnutrition. The UN has called for their immediate release and access to proper medical care.
Taliban Continued Crackdown on Hijab – Taliban authorities in Kabul have intensified enforcement of hijab laws, detaining women and girls across the city and warning families not to speak publicly about the arrests. Reports suggest that releases have involved financial payments or signed guarantees, with threats of severe punishment for speaking to the media. Vice patrols, now operating in full military gear, have increased checks—including inspecting clothing beneath hijabs. Despite videos of arrests circulating, the Taliban have denied any hijab-related detentions in Kabul, claiming instead that recent actions are part of an “awareness campaign.” However, they confirmed a raid on a media dubbing center in which several women were detained and later released on bail, while the men involved remain in custody. No independent group has verified the Taliban’s version of events.
Shia Madrassa Closed in Kabul – On Thursday, the Taliban shut down the office and madrassa of Ayatollah Waezzada Behsudi, a prominent Shia cleric and vocal critic of Taliban policies toward Shias and Hazaras, in Kabul’s Hazara-majority Dasht-e-Barchi neighborhood. Behsudi condemned the closure as arbitrary, claiming it was the result of a local conspiracy involving rival religious figures.
Russian Anthropologist Detained – On Saturday, Russian anthropologist Svyatoslav Kavurin was arrested by the Taliban in Kunduz and transferred to Kabul, reportedly for attempting to smuggle jewelry.
Floggings – On Wednesday, five men and two women were flogged in Takhar, Kunar, and Jowzjan. On Thursday, one woman was flogged in Balkh. On Friday, one man and one woman were flogged in Takhar. On Sunday, six people were flogged in Kabul, and two in Paktia. Media reports indicate that 53 people were flogged in the past week, though details on dates and locations for all cases are unclear.
Internal Politics
Taliban to Continue Resettling TTP in Afghanistan – Following high-level talks in Kabul earlier this week, the Taliban have reportedly agreed to disarm TTP fighters and continue relocating them away from the Pakistan border. The agreement was reached during a two-hour meeting between Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Taliban Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani. The Taliban have launched a phased disarmament process and claim to have arrested several TTP-linked individuals. Pakistan has urged firm action, citing a rise in cross-border attacks since the Taliban’s return to power.
MoD Plans further Cutbacks – The Taliban plan a second round of defense cuts, which will dismiss another 20,000 personnel from their 200,000-strong military. Chief of Army Staff Fasihuddin Fitrat confirmed that 10% of the force has already been laid off, with the next 10% reduction to follow, marking a total force reduction of 20%.
Taliban Demand Return of Family Members from Abroad – A Taliban directive has ordered all fighters and officials to relocate family members currently living abroad back to Afghanistan within two months. Issued by the group’s Security and Clearance Commission, the letter warns that failure to comply will lead to dismissal, signaling tighter control over members’ personal ties outside the country.
International Developments
UNAMA Report on Treatment of Returnees – On Thursday, UNAMA released a report documenting serious human rights violations against Afghans involuntarily returned to Afghanistan, primarily from Pakistan and Iran. Based on interviews with 49 returnees, the report details cases of torture, arbitrary detention, and threats—particularly targeting women, former government and security personnel, journalists, and civil society members. One former official described severe torture and a mock execution. Women face restrictions on movement, education, and work. The report urges states to halt returns without individual assessments, citing violations of international law and the principle of non-refoulement, and calls for increased support for safe pathways and reintegration. The full report can be accessed Here
UN Gender Index Released – UN Women’s 2024 Afghanistan Gender Index highlights significant gender disparities. According to the index, Afghanistan scored 0.173 on the Women’s Empowerment Index (WEI) and 0.237 on the Global Gender Parity Index (GGPI), placing it second to last among countries with complete data. The report finds that 78% of young Afghan women are not in education, employment, or training—compared to 20% of men. It also notes low financial inclusion, with only 6.8% of women using banking or mobile money services. No women currently hold seats in local or national governance, and 34.7% have reported experiencing intimate partner violence. The index highlights systemic barriers to health, education, economic participation, decision-making, and protection from violence, emphasizing ongoing challenges to gender equality in Afghanistan. The full report can be accessed Here
US Ends TPS for Afghans – On Monday, a U.S. appeals court ruled that the Trump administration can end Temporary Protected Status for Afghans, affecting approximately 11,700 individuals. The decision allows immediate termination, despite the court acknowledging that legal challenges against the termination remain plausible.
Refugee Processing Updates relate to Pacito v. Trump – On Wednesday, plaintiffs in Pacito v. Trump opposed the government’s attempt to delay refugee resettlement efforts. The case challenges the ongoing refugee ban and seeks to resume the admissions process for over 100,000 conditionally approved refugees. Plaintiffs criticized the government's emergency appeal, calling it misleading. The Ninth Circuit has paused a lower court's plan to process 12,000 stranded refugees while it considers both sides’ arguments.
OCHA Report Released – According to a July 2025 report by OCHA, humanitarian operations in Afghanistan are increasingly constrained due to Taliban interference and violence. Access-related incidents rose by 13% from May to June and by 35% year-on-year. In June alone, three violent incidents were reported, including the detention of two aid workers. Between January and June 2025, 100 humanitarian staff — including 31 women — were detained. Taliban actions accounted for 87% of access issues, including movement restrictions, gender-based incidents, and interference in staffing and aid delivery.
Afghans in UAE Repatriated – On Monday, reports emerged that the UAE has begun deporting Afghan refugees to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, ahead of Donald Trump’s pledge to assist them. Coordinating with the U.S. State Department, Emirati officials have already repatriated some individuals, with at least 20 more at risk. Two families were reportedly pressured to choose between “voluntary” return or detention. Of the 17,000 evacuees once in the UAE, the fate of over 30 refugees in Abu Dhabi remains uncertain.
Germany Approves Taliban Consular Officers – On Monday, Germany approved the assignment of two Taliban-appointed consular officers to Afghan missions in Berlin and Bonn to assist with the deportation of Afghans convicted of crimes. Sayed Mustafa Hashemi and Nabrasul Haq Aziz will serve as second secretaries. The move follows a deportation flight returning 81 Afghans to Kabul and is intended to ease future repatriations. Berlin emphasized that this cooperation is technical only and does not imply recognition of the Taliban government.
Germany Halts Humanitarian Visas – On Friday, Germany’s Interior Ministry suspended its voluntary humanitarian visa programs for refugees, announcing plans to permanently terminate them under the new conservative-led government. The suspended programs had provided safe passage for at-risk individuals, including Afghans. A ministry spokesperson confirmed the change aligns with coalition agreements, marking a significant shift in Germany’s refugee policy and prompting criticism from human rights and refugee advocacy groups.
Taliban Meet with Muslim World League – On Monday, Taliban Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi met with Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Karim Al-Issa, Secretary-General of the Muslim World League, to discuss strengthening bilateral ties. According to a Taliban statement, both sides emphasized Islamic unity and discussed Saudi Arabia’s role in improving Taliban relations with the League. Muttaqi urged the League to promote a positive image of the Taliban, claiming that media portrayals are inaccurate.
Freedom of the Press
Media and Social Media Crackdown – In the past month, Taliban intelligence and the Office for the Promotion of Virtue have arrested dozens, including seven journalists, for alleged anti-Sharia social media content. Arrests—mostly at night—occurred in Kabul, Ghazni, Herat, Laghman, Kandahar, Sar-e-Pul, and other provinces. Families report no contact with detainees. Meanwhile, the Taliban have intensified crackdowns on TikTok creators and media outlets, even as they seek international legitimacy and cooperation amid growing engagement and pressures related to refugee repatriation.
Two Media Personnel Arrested – On Saturday, the Taliban detained two male officials from the Kabul-based Pixel Production company, accusing them of promoting “Western culture” by dubbing and distributing foreign TV series. A Taliban-affiliated outlet released a video showing one official’s confession. The Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice claims that Pixel collaborated with foreign-influenced media and used platforms such as Darya and Feza TV.
Female Journalists Voice Blocked in Press Conference – On Wednesday, during a live broadcast of the Taliban Foreign Ministry's press conference, the voices of female journalists were repeatedly muted, while male reporters were both heard and shown on camera. Female reporters’ faces were not visible in the footage, and their questions were not heard.
Regional Developments
Tajikistan Deportations – Tajikistan has launched a new wave of deportations targeting Afghan refugees, detaining hundreds in areas near Dushanbe, including Rudaki and Vahdat, according to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. On July 15, vans reportedly removed dozens of Afghans, sparking fear and forcing many to stay indoors. The crackdown followed 15-day SMS warnings and came despite nearly 9,900 Afghan refugees being officially registered with UNHCR. Tajik authorities later justified the actions, citing illegal entry and fraudulent refugee claims.
38 Afghans Detained Near Türkiye – On Sunday, the Turkish Coast Guard detained 38 Afghan migrants, including 20 children, off the coast of Ayvacık in Çanakkale province. The group was attempting to cross the Aegean Sea to Greece in a plastic boat under dangerous conditions. After interception, all individuals were transferred to a migrant holding center in Çanakkale following the completion of legal procedures.
CSTO Meeting on Border Security – On Saturday, the CSTO held a special meeting in Moscow to review border security along the Tajikistan-Afghanistan frontier. Member states finalized a list of military and technical equipment needed for defense, with Tajikistan presenting progress on the first phase of its reinforcement plan. Acting Secretary-General Valery Semerikov emphasized regional cooperation to counter potential threats from Afghanistan, as concerns grow over instability and militant activity along the border.
Uzbek Intel Chief Visits Kabul – On Tuesday, Gen. Gurbonov Bakhodir, head of Uzbekistan’s State Security Service, visited Kabul to meet with Taliban Acting Defense Minister Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid. Discussions focused on enhancing border security, establishing direct communication channels, and promoting regional cooperation. The Uzbek delegation praised Afghanistan’s security progress and reaffirmed interest in expanding bilateral ties.
Pakistan and Afghanistan Sign Preferential Trade Agreement – On Wednesday, Afghanistan and Pakistan signed a one-year Preferential Trade Agreement aimed at boosting bilateral trade by reducing tariffs on eight key goods from over 60% to 27%, effective August 1, 2025. Afghanistan will export grapes, pomegranates, apples, and tomatoes; Pakistan will send mangoes, oranges, bananas, and potatoes. The agreement is renewable and may include additional items. Afghan Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi is expected to visit Pakistan to discuss broader economic cooperation.
Ministry of Labor Reaches Agreement to Send Laborers Abroad – On Monday, the Taliban’s Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs announced an agreement with a Qatari state-owned company and Afghan firms to send Afghan laborers to Qatar. In the initial phase, 2,000 job opportunities have been allocated. The ministry claims the process will be safe, legal, and technically coordinated with Qatari authorities.
India Objects to Afghanistan Inclusion in CPEC – India has strongly opposed the proposed expansion of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to include Afghanistan, calling it “unacceptable.” On Friday, Deputy Foreign Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh reaffirmed India's position, stating the corridor passes through disputed territory claimed by India and illegally occupied by Pakistan. India has rejected any third-party participation and warned of "appropriate action" if national sovereignty is threatened. The objection follows a Taliban-China-Pakistan meeting in May, during which the potential expansion of CPEC into Afghanistan was reportedly discussed.
NEXT WEEK
In Afghanistan, the Taliban are expected to continue crackdowns and searches, particularly in minority areas of major cities like Kabul. Ethnic and religious minorities and women are likely to be targeted. House-to-house searches and checkpoints are anticipated, especially in minority neighborhoods.
Afghans in Iran, Pakistan, and Tajikistan are urged to exercise caution amid ongoing and increasing deportations. All Afghans in third countries should maintain valid legal status and carry appropriate documentation at all times. Pakistan, Iran, and Tajikistan have imposed new restrictions on visa types and renewals for Afghan citizens. Even those with valid documents may be detained. Travel should be minimized, large gatherings avoided, and identification kept readily accessible.
Afghan returnees from Iran, Pakistan, and other countries should also exercise extreme caution. Border crossings often involve biometric screening, which may be used to identify individuals who worked for the former republic or international forces. Despite Taliban claims of a general amnesty, some returnees—especially those subject to personal vendettas—are being targeted. While many have no choice but to return, precautions are essential: phones should be wiped of anti-Taliban content, contact names changed, social media accounts locked, and discretion used in securing housing and planning movements.
In the United States, a broad travel ban affecting Afghans remains in place. Although SIV holders are currently exempt, the status of other visa categories remains unclear. All Afghans—including Green Card holders—are strongly advised to avoid international travel. More information on the travel ban can be found here
TPS has ended for Afghans. Those holding only TPS should seek legal counsel immediately. All Afghans in the United States are reminded to carry their Green Card or other proof of legal status at all times.
CARE is expected to close by September 30. SIV and immigrant visa cases not affected by the travel ban continue to be processed, but must now be handled at U.S. embassies or consulates in third countries. Applicants are responsible for all associated costs, including travel, medical exams, accommodation, and onward travel to the United States. They must also maintain valid legal status (i.e., a visa) in the host country. The U.S. Embassy in Dushanbe has significantly reduced appointment availability for non-Tajik nationals, resulting in extended delays in visa processing. SIV processing times may exceed the duration of Tajikistan visas. Those considering case transfers are strongly encouraged to research local visa timelines and cost-of-living conditions in advance.
REGIONAL ROUNDUP
IRAN
Fars Province Maintains Deportation Deadline Warns Against Helping Afghans – On Saturday, Majid Ahmadi, head of migrant affairs in Iran’s Fars province, warned that providing services to migrants with expired census documents is illegal and will result in prosecution. While the national departure deadline was extended to September 5, Fars maintains a fixed deadline of July 5. Iran no longer recognizes census-paper holders (bargeh sarshomari) as having legal residency, classifying both them and undocumented Afghan migrants as illegal and ordering their departure by a set deadline.
New Deportation Deadlines Announced – On Wednesday, Ahmad Masoumifar, a senior Iranian Foreign Ministry official, announced a September 5 deadline for undocumented Afghans to voluntarily leave Iran or face fines and deportation. The order, coordinated with Afghan authorities, is part of a broader policy shift. Sources estimate approximately two million undocumented Afghans currently remain in Iran.
Suicide Attack in Sistan and Baluchestan – On Saturday, an armed attack targeted the judiciary building in Zahedan, Sistan and Baluchestan province, killing at least nine people and injuring 22, most of them civilians, including a woman and a child. Iranian officials reported that three attackers, who carried explosive vests, were killed during the incident. The attack occurred around 8:30 a.m., and authorities stated that the situation was brought under control following a security operation.
PAKISTAN
Visa Renewals Suspended– Pakistani authorities have quietly suspended visa extensions for Afghan nationals, following a corruption probe involving Interior Ministry officials. Afghans report being unable to renew visas through official channels and are now forced to rely on intermediaries charging $600–$1,100.
Increase in Detention and Deportation – On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Pakistani police have increased arrests of Afghan refugees, especially in Islamabad’s F-7 and B-17 areas, with some asylum seekers in uniform also being searched. Arrests took place over the weekend, and visa renewals have been suspended for one month. Afghan communities in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and Karachi are facing intensified police raids, document checks, and threats of deportation. The UN reports that deported refugees risk arrest, torture, and imprisonment by the Taliban.
Baloch Police Order Afghans to Leave – On Monday, Kalat police in Pakistan’s Balochistan province ordered Afghan migrants to leave within three days or face serious consequences. The warning comes amid reports that Pakistan halted visa renewals for Afghans three weeks ago.
Clash with Militants in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa – On Monday, at least eight soldiers were killed and 14 injured in two back-to-back attacks by over 150 Taliban-linked militants in Ghunda Mela, Orakzai District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, officials confirmed. Three attackers were reportedly killed in retaliatory fire. The clash, which lasted around eight hours, also saw recovery of a troop vehicle. Jamatul Ahrar channels claimed responsibility
Increased Death Toll from Flooding – Pakistan’s monsoon death toll has risen to 223, with over 590 injured, as torrential rains continue to trigger flash floods, landslides, and lightning strikes, particularly in mountainous regions. Punjab is the hardest hit, recording 135 deaths. The NDMA reported widespread destruction, with over 800 homes damaged and 200 livestock lost. Flash floods around Babusar Top stranded tourists, who have since been rescued. Authorities warn of more severe weather ahead and urge precautions, especially in flood-prone regions.
SPOTLIGHT ANALYSIS
Isobel Yeung and Mick Krever
The wail of a woman in a floral dress reverberates through the malnutrition ward and down the stuffy hallways of a hospital in eastern Afghanistan: The unfiltered pain of a mother watching her 1-year-old son die.
Families huddle on nearby beds, hugging their children a little tighter as they watch the mother crumple to her knees, clutching the motionless body of her baby.
Mohammad Omar had been plagued with medical problems since birth. And it is impossible to tie any one death definitively to aid cuts. But food and medical shortages – exacerbated by drastic United States humanitarian aid cuts in recent months – may have quickened his decline.
The US government had been funding doctors, midwives, and nurses at the Nangarhar Regional Hospital, where Mohammad died. It also donated medicines and medical equipment, the Nangarhar Public Health Ministry told CNN. All of that was suspended earlier this year.
Dr. Anidullah Samim, a pediatrician on duty in the Nangarhar Regional Hospital at the time of Mohammad’s death, told CNN that the mortality rates of babies there have increased by 3 to 4% since US funding cuts took effect.
This is in part because patients must now cover the costs of their own medicines (something many are unable to afford) and because the closure of hundreds of clinics across the country has forced people to travel further distances to hospitals, which health workers say are overrun and under-resourced.
The neonatal ward here crams three babies into a single crib. Every room is crowded with families, fanning themselves in the stifling heat as they wait for their children to be seen.
Four years on from the chaotic withdrawal of American and NATO troops, Afghanistan is struggling to stay afloat. Only a single country –Russia – has recently recognized the Taliban’s government as legitimate, and the economy has crashed
The recent termination of over $1.7 billion worth of American aid contracts supporting dozens of programs in Afghanistan – of which around$500 million had yet to be disbursed – is having a devastating impact on Afghan people. America’s cuts were quickly followed by cuts to overseas aid budgets by other countries such as the United Kingdom, France and Germany.
Afghanistan has received close to $8 billion in humanitarian funding over the past four years, according to the UN. Since the Taliban takeover in 2021, the US says it has contributed nearly half of that, mostly through the US Agency for International Development (USAID) – donations which many considered a moral duty, following two decades of American war.
But President Donald Trump has repeatedly stated that US foreign spending should be closely aligned with his “America First” approach and, earlier this year, Elon Musk bragged about “feeding USAID into the wood chipper.” The agency officially closed its doors this month after canceling thousands of humanitarian programs across the world.
AFGHAN NEWS
Over 711,000 Afghans Return from Iran in a Month Amid Growing Humanitarian Concerns
Kabul Now
More than 711,000 Afghan migrants have returned from Iran over the past month, according to the Taliban-run Committee for Refugee Affairs in Herat.
The majority of the returnees crossed into Afghanistan through the Islam Qala border crossing in western Herat province, a key entry point for migrants coming from Iran.
Ahmadullah Muttaqi, the Taliban’s Director of Information and Culture in Herat and spokesperson for the refugee committee, stated that of the total number, over 417,000 were forcibly deported by Iranian authorities, while approximately 294,000 returned voluntarily.
REGIONAL NEWS
Qatar Offers 1,300 Additional Job Opportunities for Afghan Workers, Says Taliban
Kabul Now
Qatar has offered 1,300 additional job opportunities for Afghan workers, bringing the total to 2,000 positions under a labor agreement with the Taliban authorities, the group’s Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs announced on Wednesday.
In a statement, the ministry said details on registration, job categories, and requirements will be shared soon. It added that the official deployment process is expected to start in the coming weeks, with expectations of further employment opportunities as cooperation with Doha expands.
Counterterrorism at center of talks between Haqqani and Pakistan’s interior minister, official says
Ahmad Azizi
Pakistan’s special envoy for Afghanistan said that counterterrorism was the central focus of recent high-level talks in Kabul between Pakistan’s interior minister, Mohsin Naqvi, and Sirajuddin Haqqani, the Taliban’s acting interior minister.
In a post on X, Mohammad Sadiq said the two sides held “detailed discussions” on the threat of terrorism and agreed to pursue closer cooperation to address shared security concerns.
The meeting came amid growing tensions between the two neighbors, as Islamabad has repeatedly called on the Taliban to crack down on the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) — a banned militant group that Pakistani authorities say operates from Afghanistan’s territory and has carried out a string of deadly attacks inside Pakistan.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
The UN Women gender index reveals the depth of Afghanistan’s gender crisis
Rita Nasr
In a world striving toward gender equality, the 2024 UN Women Gender Index for Afghanistan is a sobering reminder of how quickly progress can be reversed and how devastating the consequences are when women are systematically excluded from society.
Released in June 2025, this report is the most comprehensive assessment of women’s empowerment in Afghanistan since the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021. Its findings are not just alarming; they are a call to urgent global action.
The report reveals that Afghan women achieve just 17.3 per cent of their potential to access rights and opportunities, compared to a global average of 60.7 per cent. Afghanistan now ranks as having the second-widest gender gap in the world, with a 76 per cent disparity between men and women across key dimensions: health, education, financial inclusion, decision-making, and freedom from violence. These numbers are not just statistics, they represent millions of lives restricted, silenced and stripped of dignity.
Afghani to the Dollar: $1 – 69.13 AFN (As of July 27)