The Week of May 26 - June 1
Security and Conflict
Protests in Badakhshan – Widespread protests have erupted in Badakhshan following Taliban-led poppy field destruction, particularly in Tajik-majority areas. Violent clashes between Taliban units and farmers in Jurm district and nearby villages, including Farghamanj, have left at least six civilians dead and many others injured.
The Taliban deployed reinforcements from other provinces to suppress the resistance, with senior leaders—including Fasihuddin Fitrat—intervening. On Tuesday, Taliban intelligence chief Abdul Haq Wasiq traveled to Badakhshan to quell the unrest. Wasiq had previously been dispatched under similar circumstances, violently suppressing protests linked to poppy eradication and ethnic tensions.
On Thursday, a failed Taliban attempt to arrest a local Tajik militia leader further escalated tensions. Local resentment is growing due to perceived ethnic targeting and increasing repression. Meanwhile, the Taliban-appointed governor is facing mounting opposition from both local fighters and discontented civilians.
Intra-Taliban Tensions in Badakhshan – Tensions within the Taliban have deepened in Badakhshan, driven by power struggles between Pashtun and Tajik commanders over control of resources and local authority. Mawlawi Zaidullah, a Tajik Salafi militia leader, was killed alongside four Taliban fighters during a prolonged clash in Shahada district. While the Taliban claimed Zaidullah had ties to IS, the conflict appears rooted in personal rivalries and ethnic divisions.
Tensions continued on Sunday in Faizabad, where a Talib from Jurm district was shot dead by the guard of a Defense Ministry official after a verbal dispute over congregational prayer.
Prominent Tajik Taliban members have become increasingly vocal, demanding reinstatement to key provincial posts and a share of regional mining and poppy revenues. Sources report that many Tajik officials have been sidelined from key defense roles, prompting accusations of ethnic marginalization. Mediation efforts by senior Taliban figures Fasihuddin Fitrat and Mawlawi Amanuddin have so far failed. Tajik commanders allege that poppy eradication has been disproportionately focused on Tajik areas, and cite road blockades and exclusion from governance as signs of widening internal rifts.
Clashes Between Nomads and Residents in Maidan Wardak – At least three violent clashes between Kochis and local residents occurred this week in Behsud, Maidan Wardak, amid annual spring tensions over grazing lands. In Sabz Samoj, a woman sustained a serious eye injury, and two men were severely beaten—one suffered a broken arm, the other head trauma—after attempting to block livestock from entering farmland. In Daman Khalil, three more residents were injured during a dispute over water diversion. Eight families temporarily fled their homes. While the Taliban intervened in some cases, Kochi herders reportedly remain in the area.
Attacks on Polio Vaccinators – On Monday, unknown gunmen killed two polio vaccinators in Gardez, Paktia province. The attack occurred after the vaccinators requested access to children for immunization and were refused, prompting gunfire from inside the house. The assailants reportedly chanted "Allahu Akbar" and remained at the scene searching for the second vaccinator. The Taliban have confirmed the incident and reportedly arrested a suspect.
Cross Border Fighting – On Thursday, Taliban fighters and Pakistani border guards clashed in Bahramcha district, Helmand province, according to local sources. Eyewitnesses reported that the confrontation began around 9:00 a.m. when Pakistani forces opened fire on Taliban units transporting two containers to new outposts. Reports emerged on Sunday of renewed clashes in the area, with videos circulating of post-fighting negotiations between officials. SOurces claim one Talib and one civilian were injured in the Sunday clash. No casualties have been confirmed, but tensions remain high.
Human Rights and Civil Liberties
Religious Scholar Arrested in Kabul – Taliban intelligence forces have arrested Serajuddin Nabil, a religious scholar, in Kabul’s Qala-e-Fathullah area. The reason for his detention remains unknown, and the Taliban have not released any official statement.
Floggings – On Monday, one man and one woman were flogged in Laghman; three men in Paktia; five in Sar-e Pul; and two in Ghazni. On Tuesday, one woman was flogged in Badakhshan, and four individuals in Kabul. On Thursday, 23 men and three women were flogged across Kabul, Kunduz, Kunar, and Takhar. On Saturday, three men and one woman were flogged in Sar-e Pul. On Sunday, ten men and one woman were flogged in Khost, Kabul, and Samangan. There has been a sharp increase in floggings over the past two weeks, with 111 individuals publicly punished.
Internal Politics
Taliban Pay Civil Servants After 3 Month Gap – On Sunday, the Taliban approved the long-delayed salaries of public employees for March and April, totaling over 2.5 billion afghanis ($35.8 million), following a three-month payment gap. Documents show regional disparities in pay, with Kabul receiving less than Kandahar. Some civil servants reported sharp salary cuts, while others were paid in full. The decision follows a broader 20% budget and staffing cut ordered by Mullah Hibatullah, primarily affecting former republic employees, women, and minorities.
International Developments
Changes to CARE and PRM – On Thursday, Senator Marco Rubio submitted a sweeping State Department reorganization plan to Congress, proposing deep cuts to refugee and humanitarian programs. Central to the proposal is the dismantling of CARE—the office responsible for supporting the evacuation and resettlement of at-risk Afghans—effective July 1. Its functions would be transferred to the Afghanistan Affairs Office, raising legal and policy concerns. The proposal also targets the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM), slashing staff and reallocating funds toward a controversial new “remigration” office focused on returning undocumented migrants. Additional restructuring would affect regional diplomacy and foreign aid operations under the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs. While the plan is still under review, it’s important to note that, prior CARE, which was founded in 2021, Afghan immigrant visas were processed through embassies, and flights were arranged by IOM. The proposed changes are not expected to halt U.S. travel but will shift processes back to embassy-based processing and self-funded or IOM-facilitated travel.
OCHA April Report Released – In April, OCHA reported 60 incidents disrupting humanitarian work in Afghanistan. These included the detention of 29 aid workers (16 men and 13 women) by the Taliban. Additional challenges included movement restrictions and demands for sensitive data, severely hindering aid delivery. Female staff continued to face access restrictions, and 35 humanitarian activities were suspended. Despite fewer reported incidents, this decline reflects a reduction in operations due to funding cuts—not improved conditions. Taliban interference accounted for 73% of access constraints. The full report can be accessed Here
Karzai Meets With Western Officials in Germany – During a recent trip to Germany, former Afghan President Hamid Karzai privately traveled to Rome, where he met with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and representatives from five Western countries—including one reportedly linked to Donald Trump—as well as officials from Germany and the UK. The meetings, held at the Iranian Embassy, focused on initiating a national dialogue and forming an inclusive government in Afghanistan. Discussions also explored practical steps for implementation. Both Western and Iranian officials reportedly expressed strong support for this approach as the only sustainable solution to Afghanistan’s ongoing political crisis.
Russia’s Statement to CSTO on Terrorists in Afghanistan – On Wednesday, Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov warned members of the Collective Security Treaty Organization that more than 20 radical groups, comprising over 15,000 fighters, are active in Afghanistan. He described them as a serious threat to Central Asia, citing the risk of cross-border infiltration and claiming that ongoing instability is fueled by Western efforts to weaken Russia. The Taliban have publicly rejected these claims.
Brazil to Allow Afghans for Resettlement – Brazil has introduced a new humanitarian visa process for Afghan nationals under Ordinance No. 49. All applications must now be submitted exclusively through two officially authorized organizations—PANAHGAH and Instituto Estou Refugiado. These organizations are responsible for assessing eligibility and providing essential support, including housing, healthcare, and employment assistance. The Brazilian government has stated that direct applications to embassies will no longer be accepted. Priority will be given to high-risk individuals, such as former military personnel, journalists, and human rights defenders. More information can be found here
Changes to Humanitarian Parole in US – On Friday, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled to allow the administration to proceed with revoking humanitarian parole for approximately 500,000 individuals from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela under the CHNV program. This decision does not apply to Afghans at this time. The broader legal challenge is ongoing, and details of implementation remain unclear. In a dissenting opinion, Justices Jackson and Sotomayor criticized the ruling as reckless, warning of severe consequences for those affected while their legal cases are still pending.
Freedom of the Press
Journalist Sentenced to Jail – On Thursday, Sulaiman Rahal, director of Khushhal Radio in Ghazni, was sentenced to three months in prison by a Taliban court for alleged “propaganda against the Emirate,” linked to Facebook posts about poverty and social issues.
Regional Developments
Taliban Attend Russi Security Conference – On Wednesday, Taliban envoy Jamal Nasir Gharwal participated in the 13th International Security Forum in Moscow. The event brought together senior security officials from various countries.
Pakistan Upgrades Diplomatic Relations With the Taliban – On Friday, Pakistan announced it will elevate its diplomatic post in Kabul from chargé d’affaires to ambassador, aiming to deepen ties with the Taliban. The move follows a high-level Pakistani visit to Kabul in April and comes ahead of Taliban Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi’s planned visit to Islamabad. On Sunday, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Muttaqi held a phone call to welcome the agreement elevating diplomatic ties to the ambassadorial level, calling it a positive step. They also reviewed progress on decisions from Dar’s April visit, including cooperation on the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan Railway Line Project, and emphasized continued bilateral collaboration.
Fourth Round of Antalya Conference Held – The fourth round of the Antalya Process on Afghanistan began on May 25 in Turkey, bringing together civil society activists, women, journalists, former officials, and diplomats. Discussions focused on building a legitimate, inclusive political roadmap and addressing constitutional issues. Participants also highlighted threats to freedom of expression, censorship, and misinformation. Some criticized the UN’s approach as favoring the Taliban and marginalizing opposition voices. The Geneva Centre for Dialogue and Development is one of the organizers of this ongoing initiative.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Statement on Engagement With the Taliban – On Tuesday, Iran’s Foreign Ministry confirmed its continued engagement with the Taliban following a recent visit by Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi to Tehran. Talks addressed various issues, including border tensions. Ministry spokesperson Ismail Baghaei emphasized the importance of ongoing dialogue to safeguard shared interests. Muttaqi reportedly reassured Iranian officials of the Taliban’s commitment to honoring Iran’s water rights, amid ongoing concerns over cross-border and environmental disputes.
UAE Accepts Credentials for Taliban Consul – On Tuesday, the UAE accepted the credentials of Abdul Rahman Feda, a Taliban-appointed diplomat, as Consul General in Dubai. During a formal ceremony, a UAE Foreign Ministry official welcomed the appointment and expressed satisfaction with bilateral relations. While this marks a step toward diplomatic engagement, the UAE—like all other countries—has not formally recognized the Taliban government.
Tajikistan Deports 49 Afghans – The Taliban’s Ministry of Refugees reports that 49 Afghan migrants were recently deported from Tajikistan without a stated reason. Of those, 36 held residence permits and 12 had passports and visas. The group returned via Kunduz’s Sher Khan crossing. Tajikistan has not commented, and the Taliban say the cause remains unclear. Afghan migrant numbers in Tajikistan reached around 9,000 by late 2024.
Miscellaneous
Newly Inaugurated Dam Collapses in Khost – A dam in Khost’s Gurbuz district, inaugurated by the Taliban just five days earlier, collapsed due to heavy rain and flooding. Although the dam was part of a 55 million Afghani project package, locals claim significantly less was actually spent and attribute the failure to poor construction and unqualified personnel. Critics argue that Taliban appointees in technical roles lack the necessary expertise, resulting in wasted resources. The dam was one of six infrastructure projects launched by the Taliban’s Ministry of Water and Energy.
NEXT WEEK
In Afghanistan, Eid begins next Friday. Increased checkpoints in cities and along major travel routes are likely, as travel is common during this time. Those traveling for Eid should remain aware of road conditions and weather forecasts.
Additionally, with increased regional engagement, the Taliban has become emboldened, including a rise in public punishments for so-called moral crimes. Travelers—particularly women and minorities—should be aware of Taliban rules and restrictions, as they may face harassment, violence, or arrest. Afghans are also reminded to exercise caution in their use of social media.
In Badakhshan, tensions persist around ethnic divisions and poppy eradication efforts. As in previous years, these issues are closely connected to both intra-Taliban disputes and friction between the Taliban and local civilians. The risk of protests, violent crackdowns, and continued conflict remains high. The Taliban’s ban on sharing videos containing "living images" appears to have reduced media coverage of the situation compared to previous years.
Border clashes between Helmand and Balochistan may continue, with the possibility of cross-border fighting and temporary border closures in the coming week. The situation in Balochistan, Pakistan remains tense, as Baloch separatists continue to engage in conflict with the Pakistani government, adding further volatility to the region.
In Pakistan and Iran, detentions of Afghans continue. Individuals should always carry valid visas and identification, although even those with proper documentation may still be at risk. In Pakistan, the visa renewal process has reportedly been suspended for ACC and PoR holders, though details about enforcement remain unclear.
In the United States, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Afghans is set to expire on July 14, despite ongoing litigation. Afghans with TPS as their sole legal status should seek legal assistance immediately.
ICE raids remain possible, and there are reports that ICE agents have attended scheduled immigration court hearings. All Afghans in the U.S. should carry proof of legal status at all times, and those attending hearings should, if possible, be accompanied by legal counsel.
Despite discussions about potential changes to the CARE program, there have been no changes to the SIV process. Flights to Doha and other processing platforms remain suspended and are unlikely to resume. SIV and immigrant visa interviews must currently be held at U.S. embassies or consulates in third countries. All costs for travel to the interview, medical exams, and onward travel to the U.S. must be self-funded. Those planning to transfer cases should carefully research processing times and cost of living in the host country before proceeding.
A recent court ruling—if upheld—may lead to limited assistance with housing and resettlement, though it remains unclear which agencies might receive funding or whether the Trump administration will comply with the order. Until further clarity emerges, individuals with valid visas should plan to self-fund their resettlement.
Discussions of a possible travel ban on Afghans are ongoing. Those with valid visas are strongly 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
Iranian Official Issues New Deadline For Afghans to Leave – Nader YarAhmadi, Director General for Foreign Nationals and Immigrants Affairs in Iran, announced that migrant students whose parents or legal guardians lack valid residency must leave the country by July 5. This policy affects thousands, including many Afghan students, who will be barred from continuing their education—even if they are eligible for university entrance exams.
Deportations Continue – Between May 22 and May 29, Iran deported over 4,100 Afghan families, according to local sources.
Iran Executed Afghan Citizen – On Tuesday, Iranian authorities executed 25-year-old Afghan citizen Mubarak Rahmani, according to the human rights group Hengaw. Rahmani had been arrested three years ago for murder and was executed in Qom prison.
PAKISTAN
Deportations Continue – Over 17,600 Afghan refugees returned from Pakistan to Afghanistan via the Torkham and Spin Boldak crossings in the past week, according to international aid organizations. Many of the returnees held Pakistani residency cards. Humanitarian agencies report that over 15,000 individuals—46% of them women—received basic assistance upon arrival. Most families are now relocating to Kunduz, Nangarhar, Kandahar, Kabul, and Helmand.
Additional Security Measures for Eid – In preparation for Eid this weekend, Lahore’s Chief Traffic Officer, Dr. Athar Waheed, announced 24/7 patrolling across all 44 city sectors to manage traffic and ensure public safety. Special attention will be given to areas near major cattle markets, with traffic police camps set up. Similar traffic control measures are expected in other major cities across Pakistan during the holiday period.
SPOTLIGHT ANALYSIS
From Welcoming Allies to Threats of Deportation: The changing status of Afghans in America
Jelena Bjelica
Roughly 200,000 Afghans arrived in the US after the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021. They mainly settled in California, Virginia, Washington DC, Pennsylvania and, the state which received the most Afghans, Texas. Many now face difficult times in what they thought was their new country after a series of orders by President Donald Trump’s administration that halted refugee admission programmes, in general and terminated temporary protection status for Afghans in particular. During a recent visit to Texas, AAN’s Jelena Bjelica heard from several Afghans and refugee support workers in the southern state. She heard hopes and fears regarding the future of Afghans in the rapidly changing American political climate.
Abdullah, a 37-year-old father of four, from eastern Afghanistan, was evacuated in late August 2021, via Kuwait and Spain, to a military camp in Virginia and from there to Houston, Texas. He entered the US on humanitarian parole under President Joe Biden’s programme, “Operation Allies Welcome.”[1] Abdullah, who previously worked at the Election Commission and Ministry of Education under a USAID contract, left Afghanistan on his own, leaving his wife and four children with his parents. He has not seen them now for almost four years. When AAN interviewed him in March 2025, despite the Trump orders, he was still hopeful that they would be reunited:
They told me I cannot get reunification with my family before my asylum application gets approved. I got asylum in February 2023 and immediately applied for reunification. It’s been in process since then. I still hope my family will be evacuated. I want them out of Afghanistan as soon as possible.
Still, after Executive Order 14163, which paused all refugee processing, including family reunification, it looks unlikely that he will be able to bring them to the US any time soon. He would lose his asylum status if he went to Afghanistan to see them, so he would need to arrange to meet them in a third country. This, though, might change if he obtains a green card.
AFGHAN NEWS
Women and Children Suffer as Domestic Violence Rises Amid Afghanistan’s Economic Crisis
Mohammad
As Afghanistan continues to grapple with an ongoing economic crisis, rising unemployment, and mounting psychological pressures, cases of domestic violence are steadily increasing. This surge has alarmed social activists and many families across the country. According to them, the economic crisis has torn many families apart, with women and children, whose mental health has been severely impacted, emerging as the primary victims of domestic violence.
Psychologists attribute unemployment to one of the key drivers of family violence. They explain that widespread joblessness has had negative psychological effects on people, often turning them into aggressive individuals. Findings from several international organizations also indicate that the rate of domestic violence in Afghanistan has increased compared to previous years, mainly due to economic hardship and unemployment.
Some women report that their children are being raised in hostile home environments due to the severe economic crisis and the joblessness of family members.
Imprisoned and gang-raped by the Taliban: An Afghan ex-soldier speaks out
Haniya Frotan
The Taliban had been back in power in Afghanistan for barely two weeks when armed men burst into the home Shogufa Safari shared with her husband and children, assaulted and abducted her. Over the next five days, she was locked up, beaten and repeatedly raped by her Taliban captors, who she says targeted her for her work as an officer in the Afghan army.
Safari, now 28, recalls hearing her children scream in fear as she was dragged from her home by armed men, her face bloody from the beatings they had inflicted on her and her husband. They locked her up in a metal shipping container with no food or water, she says, and only released her after her family paid the Taliban 200,000 Afghanis ($2,850).
REGIONAL NEWS
Taliban Crack Down on Cross-Border Militants Amid Quiet Reset with Pakistan: Report
Kabul Now
The Taliban have begun arresting individuals linked to cross-border attacks in Pakistan, marking a shift in their approach after years of strained relations with Islamabad over terrorism concerns.
Diplomatic sources told The Express Tribune that the Taliban have, for the first time since overtaking power in 2021, taken “concrete action” against individuals joining or recruiting for the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
Emergency Update: Lives in the Balance – Afghan Refugees Under Threat in Pakistan and Iran
Displaced international
Afghan refugees are facing an acute humanitarian and human rights crisis as Pakistan and Iran continue large-scale forced repatriations. As of May 2025, nearly 1.5 million Afghans have been expelled from Pakistan, and hundreds of thousands more from Iran—many of them women, children, journalists, former civil servants, and human rights defenders at risk of persecution under Taliban rule. These actions violate international legal standards, particularly the principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits the return of individuals to countries where they face threats to life or freedom. The current situation in Afghanistan is profoundly unstable, with a collapsed economy, widespread human rights violations, targeted reprisals, and a severe humanitarian crisis. Conditions remain entirely incompatible with safe, dignified, and voluntary return.
110,000 refugees in Pakistan have high-risk profiles: UNHCR
Amin Ahmed
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) office has said some 110,000 refugees and asylum-seekers in Pakistan, including a minimum of 8 per cent of Proof of Registration (PoR) cardholders, have both high-risk profiles with increased international protection needs, and specific or cumulative vulnerabilities that could qualify them for resettlement.
The Resettlement Programme in Pakistan has been active since the 1980s and more than 20,000 vulnerable refugees have now departed for resettlement to third countries to find safety and rebuild their lives, UNHCR says in its latest resettlement factsheet on Pakistan Operation.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS RELATING TO AFGHANISTAN
They Risked Their Lives for the U.S. Now They Face Deportation.
Ahmad Mansoor Ramizy
Few groups, aside from Afghan women, saw their hopes and trust shattered as completely as the men who served in the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF). These soldiers were the frontline defenders during two decades of brutal conflict with the Taliban. More than 66,000 members of the ANSF were killed in that time, along with 3,846 U.S. and coalition troops. And then, on August 15, 2021, they were abruptly abandoned. As the republic collapsed, corrupt politicians scrambled for the exits, leaving their soldiers to the mercy of the insurgents they had fought for years. Thousands of them remain in Afghanistan today. What followed was not peace, but a life defined by fear, hardship, and betrayal.
Last week, the Department of Homeland Security, under Secretary Kristi Noem, announced the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Afghanistan. The move could impact more than 9,000 Afghans currently living in the United States under this humanitarian designation. First granted during the Biden administration in the wake of the U.S. withdrawal, TPS was meant to shield vulnerable Afghans while evacuation efforts continued. Now, with the designation set to end on July 14, 2025, those who once fought alongside U.S. forces may face deportation.
Afghani to the Dollar: $1 – 69.19 AFN (As of June 1)
