The Week of March 10-16
Security and Conflict
Torkham Remains Closed – Torkham remains closed for the 24th day despite multiple negotiation attempts. Talks to reopen the crossing have stalled, while the Taliban have resumed construction. On Wednesday, Taliban representatives refused to attend a second round of talks. Clashes earlier resulted in casualties on both sides. Former U.S. envoy Zalmay Khalilzad defended Afghanistan’s right to build border posts. The closure has caused millions in trade losses.
Human Rights and Civil Liberties
Floggings – On Tuesday, six people, including one woman, were flogged in Kapisa. On Sunday, two men were flogged in Kabul.
Internal Politics
Rumors of Haqqani Reshuffling – Sources allege an imminent reshuffle in the Taliban’s security leadership. Reports suggest Sarajuddin Haqqani may be removed as Interior Minister, as Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada reportedly no longer wants him in charge of internal security. He may be offered another role, such as Minister of Defense, but might reject the position and withdraw from politics. Haibatullah views Haqqani as challenging his authority rather than as a key Taliban figure. Discussions in Kandahar may only be a formality to legitimize a pre-made decision. The reshuffling and rumors of Haqqani’s resignation remain unsubstantiated and unlikely.
Meeting Held in Kandahar – OOn Tuesday, senior Taliban officials, led by Abdul Ghani Baradar, traveled to Kandahar to meet leader Mullah Hibatullah amid reports of rising internal disputes. Discussions reportedly focused on Taliban factional tensions and Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani’s role. Security in Kandahar has tightened, with Taliban forces closely monitoring entry points. The visit follows weeks of internal dissatisfaction among Taliban officials over recent leadership policies.
International Developments
UN Security Council Discusses Afghanistan – On Monday, UNAMA chief Roza Otunbayeva condemned the Taliban’s continued restrictions on women’s rights, calling the education ban a "somber milestone." She noted growing public dissatisfaction with Taliban interference in private lives. Pakistan’s envoy, Munir Akram, criticized the Taliban’s gender policies and urged them to recover weapons from terrorist groups. Russia’s Vasily Nebenzya warned of the ISIS-K threat, blamed Western sanctions for Afghanistan’s crisis, and argued that while Afghanistan has avoided civil war, it remains in urgent need of international support. China’s Fu Cong urged the Taliban to combat terrorism. The U.S. declared that it does not trust the Taliban. Afghanistan’s UN representative, Naseer Faiq, described the country as “one of the most repressive places on earth.”
Countries Issue Statement Supporting Continuation of UNAMA – On Monday, nine countries voiced support for extending UNAMA’s mission in Afghanistan and backed ICC arrest warrants for Taliban leaders Mullah Hibatullah and Abdul Hakim Haqqani over gender-based crimes. France, Denmark, Greece, Guyana, Panama, South Korea, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, and the United Kingdom issued a joint statement stressing Afghan women’s participation in peace and diplomacy. The statement urged UN agencies to protect their rights and reaffirmed commitment to Afghan women and girls. It condemned the Taliban’s systematic discrimination, citing over 80 restrictive decrees.
IOM Meeting Held on Afghanistan – On Saturday, the IMF held an informal executive board meeting to assess the economic situation in Afghanistan, Iran, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, and Yemen—countries that have not conducted Article IV consultations for over 18 months. Since the Taliban takeover, Afghanistan lost its formal ties with the IMF, leading to the suspension of financial aid and development programs. The meeting examined inflation, economic decline, and financial crises in these countries. While the discussion followed standard procedures, no specific details were disclosed. The IMF continues to monitor these economies but maintains its stance of non-recognition of the Taliban government in Afghanistan.
Freedom of the Press
Afghan Journalist Center Report – The Afghan Journalists Center reports that in 1403 (2024-2025), the Taliban shut down 22 media outlets and arrested 50 journalists, marking a 24% increase in media repression. The enforcement of the “Commanding Good and Forbidding Evil” law threatens press freedom. In the past 12 months, at least five restrictive directives were issued, including bans on political programs and limitations on media analysts. The report recorded 172 media violations, including 122 threats and 50 arrests.
Director of Peywaston TV Detained – This week, Reali Baryal Mangal, director of Peywaston TV, was detained by the Taliban’s Vice and Virtue Police after reporting that an underage girl from Helmand was sold to a 72-year-old man in Uruzgan for 12 million Afghanis. A similar case in the same district involved another girl sold for 9 million Pakistani rupees.
Regional Developments
Iran Statements of Drugs from Afghanistan – Iranian official Hossein Zolfaghari warned that heroin and methamphetamine production in Iran has gone underground, posing a serious threat. Speaking at a UN narcotics meeting in Vienna, he urged action against Afghanistan’s drug trade and criticized Western countries for politicizing the issue. He stressed that without security and development in Afghanistan, drug problems will persist. Iran has also voiced concerns over increased methamphetamine production in Afghanistan.
WFP Shipment Stuck at Torkham – WFP Afghanistan reports that 47 trucks carrying 1,200 tons of food aid are stuck at the Torkham-Peshawar border due to its prolonged closure. Pakistan shut the crossing over Taliban border construction, halting trade and aid shipments. WFP says deliveries can resume once the border reopens.
Miscellaneous
WHO Report on Afghanistan – The WHO reports a 54% rise in respiratory diseases in Afghanistan, with 206,000 cases and 506 deaths recorded in January 2024. Due to U.S. aid cuts, 191 health centers have shut down, affecting 1.7 million people, and 167 more may close by February 2025. Public hospitals face severe overcrowding and shortages, while female healthcare professionals have been forced out. The Taliban’s unqualified administration and funding shortages have worsened the healthcare crisis, leaving millions without medical access. The full report can be accessed Here
Save The Children Clinics to Close Due to Lack of Funding – Save the Children has shut down 18 health centers in Afghanistan, with 14 more at risk due to funding cuts. The closures leave malnourished children without care. Doctors are working unpaid to sustain services. Global aid reductions, especially from the U.S., threaten millions. UN envoy Roza Otunbayeva warned of worsening conditions, with over 200 clinics closed, affecting 1.8 million Afghans.
Qatar To Send Medical Aid To Afghanistan – The Qatar Red Crescent announced on Sunday that it will send 25 medical shipments in 2024, including five to Afghanistan and others to 10 countries. The initiative aims to strengthen healthcare in poor and crisis-affected nations, benefiting 9,000 patients. The total cost is $4.3 million. Last year, Qatar donated ambulances and medical equipment to Afghanistan’s Taliban-led health ministry as part of its ongoing aid efforts.
NEXT WEEK
Nowruz falls on Friday, and the Taliban is expected to crack down on celebrations. The risk of ISKP attacks targeting Nowruz gatherings is also elevated. Afghans participating in festivities should remain cautious. Additionally, during Ramadan, the Taliban is likely to intensify arrests and detentions for so-called moral crimes. Religious tensions tend to rise during this period, and checkpoints are expected in major cities as ISKP has historically increased attacks.
In Pakistan, the March 31 deadline for voluntary departure is approaching, and searches, detentions, and deportations will continue this week. Pressure on Afghans—particularly in Islamabad and Rawalpindi—remains high. Those in Pakistan should carry proper documentation at all times, as detentions and deportations may still occur even with valid papers. Avoid crowds and limit travel to essential needs.
In Iran, deportations are ongoing, with the government aiming to expel 1 million Afghans before the March 21 New Year. Afghans in Iran should travel cautiously and keep valid documents on hand at all times.
In the United States, a travel ban affecting Afghans is expected before Friday, March 21. Afghans in the U.S., including green card holders, are strongly advised to avoid international travel, as the ban’s impact on green card holders remains uncertain.
While SIV holders can still self-fund travel to the U.S., resettlement assistance remains paused, meaning no support is available for housing, medical care, food benefits, or school enrollment. Those with printed visas should travel as soon as possible, as the ban may restrict entry.
ICE raids are ongoing in the U.S. Afghans should be aware of their legal rights and carry proper documentation at all times. New resources are available:
Parole assistance – Here
Resources for recent SIV arrivals – Here
Support for recent refugee arrivals – Here
Updates on U.S. visa cases and legal developments – Here
REGIONAL ROUNDUP
IRAN
Deportations In Semnan Province – Iran deported 8,000 undocumented migrants from Semnan province in the 1403 solar year (March 2024 – March 2025), according to Governor Mohammad Javad Kolivand. He announced a new migrant management directive focusing on employment and housing. A stricter work permit system will be enforced, requiring all permit holders to be reported to authorities. In 2025, 18,000 registered migrants must comply with the new directive or face legal action.
Afghan Executed – On Sunday, March 9, Iran executed 27-year-old Afghan national Zaki Zakiri in Adelabad Prison, Shiraz, on drug-related charges, according to the Hengaw Organization for Human Rights. Zakiri, originally from Nangarhar, Afghanistan, was arrested two years ago and sentenced to death by the Iranian judiciary. His family in Mashhad was denied a final visit before his execution.
PAKISTAN
BLA Takes Train Hostage – On Tuesday, separatist militants attacked a train in southwestern Pakistan, trapping it in a tunnel and wounding the driver. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility, taking more than 400 hostages, including military, paramilitary, police, and intelligence personnel. The group issued a 48-hour ultimatum, demanding the release of Baloch political prisoners and activists in exchange. Security forces engaged in gunfire with the attackers. A BBC source confirmed that over 100 army personnel were aboard. Pakistan’s interior minister condemned the attack, and Balochistan authorities imposed emergency measures.
Deportations Continue – Pakistan continues detaining Afghan nationals as part of an ongoing crackdown, with security tightened around a detention camp near Golra Mor, Rawalpindi. Afghan Citizen Card holders must leave voluntarily by March 31, while undocumented Afghans face immediate deportation. Last week, 820 Afghans were detained, with 114 deported and 140 still held due to border closures. Authorities are collecting affidavits from Afghan workers and landlords, reinforcing surveillance. Police and intelligence agencies are enforcing the relocation plan, conducting search operations, and deploying bomb disposal squads to maintain security in Rawalpindi and Islamabad ahead of the deadline. Pakistani officials have accused Afghanistan of involvement in the attack, though the Taliban has denied any connection.
TTP Spring Offensive Starts – The TTP has launched its "Al-Khandaq Operations," named after the Battle of the Trench. In a multilingual statement, the group outlined plans for ambushes, guerrilla raids, suicide attacks, and sniper strikes using advanced weapons against security forces and intelligence agents. Over the past two days, dozens of attacks have hit Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, targeting police stations and military sites. In just 24 hours on Saturday, 37 attacks occurred across Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Attack on Mosque – On Friday, a bomb blast struck Maulana Abdul Aziz Mosque in South Waziristan during prayers, seriously injuring JUI district chief Abdullah Nadeem and wounding three others. The IED was planted in the pulpit. No group has claimed responsibility, though Nadeem had received death threats and survived a previous attack. JUI leader Fazl-ur-Rehman and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned the bombing, calling it a cowardly attack that violated the sanctity of the mosque.
SPOTLIGHT ANALYSIS
SIGAR
After the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan on August 15, 2021, the U.S. government paused assistance programs and subsequently terminated direct funding to the Afghan governing institutions. However, in the months following that pause, the U.S. Department of State (State) and U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) resumed funding for some preexisting assistance programs and began new programs to address the needs of the Afghan people in key sectors, such as health, education, agriculture, food security, and livelihoods.
Since the Taliban’s takeover, U.S. agencies have increasingly relied on public international organizations (PIO) and are providing U.S. taxpayer funds to these organizations to implement activities intended to benefit the people of Afghanistan. A PIO is an organization composed of multiple member states (i.e., sovereign countries), or any other organization that U.S. agencies designate as a PIO. PIOs include UN organizations, such as the World Food Programme (WFP) and UN Children’s Fund, as well as the World Bank and regional organizations like the Colombo Plan for Cooperative Economic and Social Development in Asia and the Pacific. PIOs have partners in Afghanistan who help implement their programs that are intended to address the economic and humanitarian crises that have arisen since August 2021.
SIGAR reviewed the agreements State and USAID entered into with PIOs for activities in Afghanistan from August 15, 2021, to September 30, 2023. SIGAR identified the PIOs to whom State and USAID provided funding, and the monitoring practices used by nine of those PIOs. SIGAR compared those monitoring practices to the U.S. Government Accountability Office’s (GAO’s) list of leading practices to determine how well the PIOs’ practices align with U.S. agencies. In addition, SIGAR reviewed State and USAID’s guidance for monitoring and oversight of PIOs, as well as the monitoring practices included in the agencies’ standard agreements with PIOs. Finally, SIGAR reviewed how State, USAID, and PIOs prevent fraud and diversion by the Taliban by assessing their risk assessment policies and fraud reporting procedures.
AFGHAN NEWS
Kabul Now
Women with multiple marginalized identities and ethnic minorities in Afghanistan are bearing the brunt of the Taliban’s so-called “Law on the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice,” a new report finds.
The report, titled “The Morality Police Are Everywhere,” was recently released by Farageer, a Canada-based non-profit organization. It highlights inconsistencies in the enforcement of the Taliban’s law, which was enacted in August last year.
The 35-article law mandates that women wear full-body veils in public, forbids them from speaking or singing audibly in any setting, and bans their direct eye contact with unrelated men. Women are also prohibited from using taxis without a male guardian.
For men, the regulations prohibit wearing ties, shorts, or “un-Islamic” hairstyles and require beards to be at least fist-length. Non-compliance is met with penalties ranging from verbal warnings and fines to arrests lasting from one hour to three days, with repeat offenders referred to the courts.
Measles Outbreak in Afghanistan Kills at Least One Child Daily, Warns MSF
Kabul Now
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), also known as Doctors Without Borders, has reported a sharp rise in measles cases and related deaths across Afghanistan, with at least one child dying every day.
In a report released on Wednesday, MSF said the number of measles-related deaths has nearly tripled compared to the same period last year.
“These deaths are preventable. Measles can be deadly, especially for children with underlying health conditions such as malnutrition or congenital heart defects,” said Mickael Le Paih, MSF’s Country Representative. He added that the disease is vaccine-preventable, but immunization coverage remains low in Afghanistan.
REGIONAL NEWS
'Killed in front of our eyes': How the Pakistan train hijacking unfolded
Gavin Butler
Mehboob Hussain was riding the train home on Tuesday when the tracks under the front car exploded.
In the depths of central Pakistan's Bolan Pass, a pocket of wilderness so remote that there is no internet or mobile network coverage, the nine-coach Jaffar Express ground to a halt. Then the bullets started flying.
"I was a passenger on the train that was attacked," Mr Hussain told BBC Urdu.
He, along with some 440 others, had been travelling from Quetta to Peshawar through the heart of the restive Balochistan province when a group of armed militants struck – they bombed the tracks, fired on the train and then stormed the carriages.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS RELATING TO AFGHANISTAN
Last night, the U.S. government filed a status report in Pacito v. Trump after a federal judge required the defendants to detail their efforts to resume refugee processing in accordance with the court’s preliminary injunction against the Trump administration’s refugee ban. The lawsuit, challenging the suspension of refugee processing and funding to refugee-serving agencies, was filed by the International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP) on behalf of Church World Service (CWS), HIAS, Lutheran Community Services Northwest (LCSNW), and nine impacted individuals.
During last week’s hearing, the government’s attorney was unable to specify a single concrete step the government had taken to comply with the injunction. Yesterday’s filing highlights efforts to restart Follow-To-Join processing for the family members of refugees already in the United States, but provides scant details about the majority of refugee processing. Indeed, the status report suggests refugees will experience additional delays in the future due to unspecified, upcoming security vetting changes. In the two weeks since the preliminary injunction order, none of the individual plaintiffs in the case have received any communication from the government about rebooking their travel or other steps to move their cases forward.
Afghanistan: Top UN envoy calls for ‘a moment of realism’, as Taliban’s isolation grows
Vibhu Mishra
Briefing ambassadors in the Security Council, Roza Otunbayeva, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, warned that political engagement with the Taliban has yielded little progress, while frustration among international stakeholders is growing.
“The space for engagement is narrowing,” she said, adding that some governments now question whether dialogue with the Taliban may be strengthening hardliners.
At the same time, budgetary constraints, shifting global priorities and growing introspection on the part of some nations risk leaving Afghanistan “poorer, more vulnerable and more isolated,” she warned.