The Week of May 19-25
Security and Conflict
Cleric Denounces Taliban in Mazar – On Friday, May 17, Mawlawi Abdul Qahir, a respected cleric in Balkh, strongly criticized the Taliban’s tribalism and ethnic discrimination during his Friday sermon at the Rawza Sharif mosque, warning it could lead to the collapse of Islamic governance. Taliban forces entered the mosque, confiscated recording equipment, and attempted to arrest him, prompting chants of “Death to the Taliban” from worshippers. Tensions escalated as Taliban officials, accompanied by armed special forces, detained several attendees, although Qahir remained unharmed. Known for his criticism of Taliban policies, Qahir had previously warned that their tribalism could lead to regime collapse. In response to the incident, the Taliban banned video recordings of Friday sermons in Balkh on Tuesday.
One Killed in Badakhshan Poppy Protest – On Sunday, a clash in Badakhshan’s Jurm district between the Taliban’s counternarcotic forces and local residents left one civilian dead and eight injured. The conflict, linked to poppy eradication, reflects deeper internal Taliban rivalries and tension between Taliban and locals over drug and resources. Despite efforts by top Taliban leadership to contain tensions, the risk of further violence remains high.
Protests Against Formation of New District In Nuristan – On Monday, residents of Nuristan protested Taliban governor Qari Zainul Abideen’s decision to establish the center of the newly created Waigal district. The district, split from Wama-Waigal, sparked local opposition—especially from the Anas area—over fears of ethnic tensions. Even the provincial police chief reportedly disagrees with the governor’s plan. Taliban officials have not commented on the dispute or ongoing protests.
Human Rights and Civil Liberties
Religious Scholar Arrested in Helmand – Mawlawi Bashir Ahmad Hanafi, a religious scholar from Helmand province, was arrested by Taliban intelligence shortly after returning from Egypt, where he is pursuing a PhD in religious studies. Sources say he has been held in Lashkargah prison for over a week without formal charges. This marks his second arrest by the Taliban. Hanafi has been an outspoken critic of the group's restrictions on girls’ education. His family fears the detention could prevent him from taking an upcoming university exam. Taliban officials in Helmand have yet to comment.
Religious Scholar Arrested in Kabul – On Wednesday, Taliban intelligence agents in plain clothes arrested Mawlawi Abdul Qadir Qanit, a prominent cleric and former head of the Council for the Protection of Religious and Jihadi Values, from his Kabul residence. This is his fourth detention, with no official charges announced. Sources say Taliban forces also raided his home and seized his phone. Previous arrests were reportedly linked to his public criticism of Taliban policies and televised remarks challenging their authority.
Female UNAMA Workers Threatened – Several female UN employees in Afghanistan, mainly from UNAMA’s political and reconstruction units, have been forced to work from home after facing direct threats, surveillance, and family pressure from Taliban-affiliated individuals. Incidents include home visits and written warnings urging women to stop reporting to offices, particularly in Kabul and Herat. UN officials have advised affected staff to stay home for their safety. UNAMA confirmed the threats and reported them to Taliban authorities, who claim to be investigating.
Floggings – On Tuesday, twelve people were flogged in Kabul; five others, including one woman, were flogged in Ghazni; one man and one woman in Kunduz; one man and one woman in Daikundi; four men and two women in Khost; and two men and one woman in Logar. On Thursday, a man and a woman were flogged in Takhar. On Saturday, two men and one woman were flogged in Takhar, ten in Laghman and eleven in Kabul. A total of 56 people were flogged this week.
Internal Politics
Kindergarten Teacher Layoffs – On Tuesday, the Taliban’s Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs dismissed numerous female teachers and staff from kindergartens in Kabul. A leaked list includes 92 names, though sources suggest the total number is higher. The dismissals follow a three-month period during which employees reportedly received no salaries. A separate directive states that these individuals are no longer eligible for compensation. In April, many staff were reassigned to distant districts, creating transportation challenges.
Taliban Shut Down 11 Health Training Facilities for Training Women – The Taliban have shut down at least 11 health science institutes in Kabul that trained women and girls in basic medical and first-aid education. The closures, ordered by the Taliban-run Ministry of Public Health, were reportedly due to a lack of official permission.
International Developments
Taliban Claim World Bank Reopened in Kabul – On Monday, the Taliban’s Ministry of Finance announced that the World Bank had reopened its office in Kabul and was prepared to resume loan disbursements. According to the ministry, the Bank owes $50 million to Afghan logistics and construction firms and will repay this in four phases. Taliban officials hailed the development as a boost to development projects and employment. However, the World Bank rejected these claims, clarifying that the responsibility for those contracts lies with the former Afghan Republic. While the Bank will facilitate repayments through an exceptional, verified process, it has not resumed development projects in Afghanistan. Aid continues to be delivered through the UN and other non-Taliban channels, including support for the CASA-1000 project.
Case Updates in Pactio v. Trump – This week, a federal judge has directed the U.S. government to immediately process and admit 160 refugees whose travel was scheduled shortly before January 20, in response to ongoing legal challenges to the Trump-era refugee ban and funding freeze. Both sides have now submitted recommendations on how to handle additional refugees with “strong reliance interests”—those who made significant life changes in preparation for resettlement. Refugee advocates support appointing a neutral expert to review such cases and propose prioritizing unaccompanied minors, urgent medical or protection cases, Afghan refugees relocated by U.S. policy, and others flagged by resettlement agencies. They also urged reinstating support services previously cut off. The government opposes a special neutral, arguing it should make those decisions itself, but offered a list of retired judges if one is required.
Khalilzad’s Wife Writes Statement on ‘Safety’ of returning to Afghanistan – Cheryl Benard, wife of former U.S. envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, defended the Taliban’s governance in an article for The National Interest, claiming Afghanistan is safe, the economy is stabilizing, and women are visibly active. She encouraged refugee repatriation and called for sanctions relief and diplomatic recognition of the Taliban. Her claims sparked strong criticism from human rights organizations and activists, who argue she overlooks the Taliban’s bans on girls’ education, women’s employment, and public participation.
Freedom of the Press
Vice And Virtue Forces TikToker Apologies – On Tuesday, the Taliban’s Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice compelled several TikTok users to publicly apologize for their content. In one video, user Abdul Basir described being detained for seven days and “guided” by ministry officials, expressing regret for past behavior. Similar videos have emerged from other users. The ministry warned against “immoral” social media use and vowed legal action for violations.
Regional Developments
Iranian President Meets with Taliban Acting Foreign Minister – On Monday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian met with Taliban Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in Tehran. It was their first meeting since the Taliban’s return to power. They discussed bilateral relations and Afghan refugee issues. Pezeshkian pledged support for refugees, while Muttaqi called for a gradual and non-disruptive repatriation process.
Salahuddin Rabbani Travels To Iran For Official Meetings – On Monday, former Afghan Foreign Minister Salahuddin Rabbani arrived in Tehran for meetings with the IRGC, amid Iran’s broader engagement with Afghan political figures. Last week, resistance leader Ahmad Massoud also met with Iranian officials. Rabbani’s visit coincides with Muttaqi’s meetings in Tehran. Sources suggest Iran is hosting multiple Afghan politicians, including Atta Mohammad Noor, as part of a strategy to engage a range of factions.
India Resumes Visas For Afghans – India has resumed issuing visas to Afghan citizens after a four-year halt due to the Taliban's return in 2021. A new online visa portal launched in April 2025 allows Afghans to apply for various categories including business, medical, cultural, and entry visas.
Afghan Embassy in Tehran Pauses Processing – The Taliban embassy in Tehran has temporarily suspended services related to passport issuance, renewals, and civil documentation starting Saturday, May 24, without providing an explanation. Afghan migrants have been advised not to visit the embassy until further notice. The suspension follows earlier reports of overcrowding and staff misconduct, compounding the challenges faced by Afghan refugees in Iran.
Taliban Officials Attend Meetings in Beijing – On Wednesday, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met Taliban FM Amir Khan Muttaqi in Beijing, emphasizing stronger diplomatic ties and agreements on trade, transit, and security. Muttaqi also met China’s FM Wang Yi. During a trilateral meeting hosted by China, the three nations pledged cooperation on counterterrorism and regional stability. China reiterated its support for Afghanistan and pledged to expand trade, including the extension of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) into Afghanistan.
CSTO To Send Military Equipment to Tajikistan-Afghanistan Border – The Collective Security Treaty Organization will begin supplying military equipment to reinforce Tajikistan’s border with Afghanistan starting in 2026. The initiative, approved in 2024, aims to counter threats such as terrorism, arms trafficking, and drug smuggling. It will roll out in three phases through 2029. Despite some CSTO members engaging diplomatically with the Taliban, concerns remain over extremist activity.
Pakistan Considers Accepting Taliban Ambassador – Pakistan is considering officially accepting a Taliban-appointed ambassador, with inter-ministerial consultations currently underway. Despite past tensions over TTP, recent trilateral dialogues with China have improved relations.
Organization of Turkic Stats Urges Taliban To Handle Terrorism – The Organization of Turkic States urged the Taliban to combat terrorism, form an inclusive government, and uphold human rights. Their joint statement also emphasized anti-drug efforts, the importance of voluntary refugee returns, and the need for structured global engagement. The group called for unfreezing Afghan assets to help stabilize the banking sector and support the economy.
Miscellaneous
WHO Reports Increase in Infectious Diseases – The WHO has reported a sharp increase in infectious diseases in Afghanistan, with over 300 deaths in a single month. Measles led with 18,703 cases and 357 deaths; pneumonia with 140,100 cases and 200 deaths; diarrhea with 13,342 cases and 3 deaths; hemorrhagic fever with 109 cases and 5 deaths; and malaria with 2,982 confirmed cases—a nearly fourfold increase. The crisis is driven by mass migrant returns and Taliban restrictions on women’s healthcare. Aid cuts have forced the closure of 400 clinics, threatening care for more than 3 million people. WHO warns that 80% of supported health centers may close by June 2025, affecting 1.8 million people.
NEXT WEEK
Unrest may occur in northern Afghanistan, particularly in Badakhshan, after a civilian was killed during a poppy eradication operation, and in Mazar where the Taliban faced rare public criticism during Friday prayers. Although resistance activity has been limited recently, this lull could suggest preparations for future attacks. Meanwhile, repression of dissent—especially online—continues. Afghans are urged to manage their digital presence carefully by disabling location tracking, locking social media accounts, and avoiding content that may attract Taliban attention.
In Pakistan and Iran, Afghan detentions continue. Individuals should always carry valid visas and identification, though even those with proper documents remain at risk. In Pakistan, the visa renewal process has reportedly been suspended for ACC and PoR holders, but enforcement details are still unclear.
In the U.S., Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Afghans is set to expire on July 14. Legal challenges may affect this date, but those relying solely on TPS—or who have received self-deportation notices—should urgently seek legal help. ICE enforcement remains possible; individuals must carry documentation proving legal status.
There are no recent changes to the SIV program. Processing continues, but all interviews must now take place in third countries due to the suspension of evacuation flights. SIV holders with issued visas may travel to the U.S. at their own expense, but no government assistance is available upon arrival. It is crucial to have a support system prepared to help with initial needs. Discussions of a possible travel ban on Afghans are ongoing, so those with valid visas are encouraged to relocate without delay.
All Afghans in the United States—including Green Card holders—are advised to avoid international travel at this time.
Resources for Afghans 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
Information on Green Card holder travel – Here
TPS information can be found Here
REGIONAL ROUNDUP
IRAN
Thousands of Afghans Returned from Iran Daily – Iran is expelling between 2,000 and 3,000 Afghan migrants each day as a deadline for undocumented immigrants quietly passes, according to a diplomatic source at Afghanistan’s embassy in Tehran. Despite ongoing discussions between Iranian officials and Taliban representatives, no concrete progress has been reported. Many migrants are detained at the Tanbako Camp in southern Tehran prior to deportation—a facility described by former detainees as characterized by fear, uncertainty, and forced separation.
Former Pilot Commiss Suicide After Receiving Exit Permit – Mohammad Amir Tavasoli, a former Afghan military pilot, died by self-immolation in Mashhad, Iran, after Iranian authorities denied the renewal of his residency card and issued him an exit permit. The permit required him to leave Iran within a set timeframe or face arrest, fines, and forced deportation. Fearing Taliban reprisals upon return, Tavasoli took his own life. Iranian fire officials have confirmed the incident.
Border Wall Section Completed – Iran has completed a 100-kilometer section of a border wall in Razavi Khorasan Province to enhance security and prevent illegal crossings from Afghanistan. Announced by Major General Mohammad Bagheri, the wall includes advanced surveillance systems and is part of a broader effort to combat smuggling and unauthorized refugee flows amid continued instability in Afghanistan.
PAKISTAN
Prisoners Returned to Afghanistan – Between May 7 and 17, 1,054 Afghan nationals were released from Pakistani prisons and returned via the Spin Boldak border, according to the Taliban's Ministry of Refugees. Most had been detained for periods ranging from one to ten days. The releases come amid Pakistan’s intensified deportation campaign, during which thousands of Afghans have been detained. Pakistan has also halted visa extensions for Afghan migrants and warned of further arrests and deportations.
Deportations Continue – From May 15 to 23, Pakistan deported 1,560 Afghan families, mostly via the Torkham and Spin Boldak crossings. The returns included both forced and "voluntary" departures, amid ongoing efforts to remove undocumented Afghan migrants.
FIA Arrests Officials For Providing Afghans Fake Passports – Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has charged ten of its officials for allegedly facilitating the travel of 41 Afghan nationals to Saudi Arabia using forged Pakistani passports via Sialkot Airport. The case emerged after one Afghan, Agha Khan, traveled on a fake passport in May 2023 and did not return. Investigators found the Afghan passengers had no records with NADRA or the Passport Directorate and used fake protector numbers. Six travel agents have also been charged. Critics claim that senior FIA officers were unfairly cleared, suggesting broader collusion within the human smuggling network.
SPOTLIGHT ANALYSIS
Taliban's Changing Behaviour: Factionalism, Nationalism and Beyond
Ihsanullah Tipu Mehsud
The Pakistani Taliban's gradual shift in recent years from a jihadist movement — which transcends ethnic affiliations — to a gradual ethnically driven militancy is ultimately undermining its broad influence and appeal.
The TTP's new ideological orientation has effectively limited its appeal and influence to a specific region and demography, potentially reducing its broader ideological impact and reach among other ethnicities. This development will certainly benefit Pakistan by containing the group's reach.
In recent interactions, a few non-Pashtun individuals, who sympathize with the Pakistani Taliban-led jihad, asserted that the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other factions of the Pakistani Taliban are increasingly turning into traditional tribal jihadist militias, similar to the Mujahideen groups that fought against the Soviet Union's invasion of Afghanistan in the ’80s.
"During the American invasion of Afghanistan, people from various ethnic backgrounds united to participate in the Taliban-led jihad," one individual who declined to be named said during the interview. "However, it now appears that this unity is fracturing, transforming into an ethnically driven conflict that is losing its adherence to the actual essence of jihad. This shift is not limited to the Pakistani Taliban; the Afghan Taliban also exhibit similar attitudes, with their social media accounts frequently using abusive language against non-Pashtun ethnicities."
This trend is increasingly alienating like-minded jihadists, primarily from Punjab and Urdu-speaking areas of Karachi, who previously constituted a core operational, ideological and propaganda base for the Pakistani Taliban.
AFGHAN NEWS
Seven Killed, Two Injured in Coal Mine Explosion in Northern Afghanistan
Kabul Now
At least seven miners have been killed and two others injured in an explosion at a coal mine in northern Samangan province, local Taliban authorities have confirmed.
The incident took place late on Tuesday, May 20, in Dara-e-Suf Payin district, according to Hashmatullah Rahmani, spokesperson for the Taliban’s police command in the province.
Rahmani said the bodies of the victims were handed over to their families, while the injured were taken to a local hospital for treatment.
Taliban Dismisses Hundreds of State Media Employees Amid Government Downsizing
Kabul Now
The Taliban has dismissed at least 300 employees, including journalists and technical staff, from the state-run Radio and Television of Afghanistan (RTA) as part of a broader effort to downsize government institutions.
Sources told KabulNow that the dismissed employees, including female journalists, were removed from RTA’s central office in Kabul and its provincial branches.
REGIONAL NEWS
Iran Deports Hundreds of Afghan Child Workers and Their Families, Officials Say
Kabul Now
Iran has deported more than 300 Afghan child workers along with their families over the past two months, according to Iranian officials.
Mohammad Nasiri, head of Tehran’s Welfare Organization, told the state-run IRNA news agency that the majority of the children were undocumented migrants. He said 85% of those identified during recent operations had no legal status in the country.
The deportations are part of what authorities describe as a plan to reduce the number of child laborers on the streets of Tehran and other major cities.
Pak official declared persona non grata, asked to leave India in 24 hours
The Statesman
India on Wednesday declared a Pakistani official, working at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi, as ‘persona non grata’ for indulging in activities not in keeping with his official status in India, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.
“The Government of India has declared a Pakistani official, working at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi, persona non grata for indulging in activities not in keeping with his official status in India. The official has been asked to leave India within 24 hours,” the MEA said in a statement.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS RELATING TO AFGHANISTAN
Rubio says Taliban terrorist designation under review
Siyar Sirat
Secretary of State Marco Rubio told lawmakers on Wednesday that the classification of the Taliban as a foreign terrorist organization “is now once again under review”.
Speaking before the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Rubio said the State Department is weighing the designation as part of a broader reassessment of U.S. policy toward Afghanistan.
“We’ll have some decisions to make,” Rubio said in response to a question from Representative Tim Burchett, Republican of Tennessee. “That designation ultimately will be based on a holistic approach to what we think our future policy is going to be with regards to Afghanistan.”
Afghani to the Dollar: $1 – 69.93 AFN (As of May 25)
