The Week of November 17-23
Security and Conflict
Taliban Deputy District Governor Killed In Faryab – On Sunday, November 16, unidentified gunmen killed Mohammaduddin Safdar, the Taliban’s deputy district governor of Chahalgazi in Faryab, while he was commuting home by motorcycle. The attack occurred in his native village, Kate-Wolang. No group has claimed responsibility, and the motive remains unknown. Taliban officials have not commented.
Taliban Intelligence Officer Killed in Farah – On Monday, Taliban intelligence officer Mullah Abdullah was shot and killed by two unidentified gunmen on a motorcycle in Ganjabad village, Bala Buluk district, Farah province. No group has claimed responsibility, and local Taliban authorities have not commented.
5 Former Soldiers Detained in Panjshir – On Thursday, Taliban intelligence agents detained five former Afghan soldiers from Panjshir province shortly after their deportation from Iran. The men, Shir Mullah, Gulbuddin, Aleem, Jan Mohammad, and Sulaiman, were apprehended while traveling from Kabul to Panjshir. All are residents of Shatal district and had previously served under the former government. Their whereabouts remain unknown, and Taliban authorities have yet to comment on the arrests.
Former Soldiers Detained in Daikundi – In Daikundi’s Miramor district, the Taliban detained a former soldier who had recently returned from Iran. He was held for three days by Taliban intelligence. During his detention, the Taliban demanded a weapon; as he did not possess one, he was forced to pay 58,000 Afghanis. Similar arrests of former soldiers and their relatives have occurred in other parts of Daikundi, with the Taliban demanding weapons in each case.
Taliban Kill Elderly man for Theft – On Friday in Taloqan, Takhar province, Taliban members allegedly beat an elderly man to death for reportedly stealing 2,000 Afghanis. The incident occurred near a religious school and was witnessed by multiple bystanders who did not intervene. The man, whose name was not released, was identified as a poor villager facing severe financial hardship.
Human Rights and Civil Liberties
More Than 250 People Arrested for Witchcraft this Year – The Taliban’s Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice reports that more than 250 people have been arrested across Afghanistan since the start of 1404 on allegations of practicing witchcraft. Officials say all detainees are under investigation and will be referred to judicial authorities once inquiries conclude. A ministry spokesperson confirmed the arrests occurred in multiple provinces.
Former Advisor to Ghani Arrested – Last week, Akhtar Mohammad Badizai, a former adviser to President Ghani and head of Badizai Exchange in Kabul’s Sarai Shahzada market, was arrested by Taliban intelligence. Badizai had returned from Iran in 2024 through the Taliban’s outreach commission for former officials. His brother, Mahmood Khan Badizai, was allegedly abducted in Helmand in September 2025, though those claims remain unconfirmed.
Floggings – On Monday, eighteen men and one woman were flogged in Zabul, and eleven people were flogged in Kabul. On Tuesday, three men and three women were flogged in Paktika, Balkh, Kapisa, and Parwan.
Internal Politics
Afghanistan Shifting Trade to Central Asia – The Taliban is redirecting Afghanistan’s trade routes toward Iran and Central Asia as long-term alternatives to Pakistan. Trade with Iran reached $1.6 billion in six months, boosted by improved facilities and major tariff reductions at Chabahar port. Afghan cargo is also increasingly routed through Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan due to new transit agreements and lower border fees. Taliban officials have instructed traders to settle accounts with Pakistan and shift to these alternative routes within three months, signaling a broader restructuring of regional trade.
Rising Food Prices in Kabul – Food prices in Kabul have surged, with chicken and egg prices rising by up to 50% in recent weeks. A tray of eggs now costs up to 300 Afghanis, while live chickens are priced at 380–400 Afghanis each, an increase of nearly 45% from earlier this year. Residents, particularly low-income families, report that essential proteins are becoming unaffordable. The spike is attributed to increased customs duties, border closures with Pakistan and Iran, and limited domestic poultry production. Traders note that local supply falls far short of Kabul’s daily demand, and disruptions to trade routes have worsened shortages. Some sellers have also been accused of price manipulation. With stagnant incomes and rising inflation, many families are reducing protein intake and relying on cheaper, less nutritious alternatives, exacerbating food insecurity as winter approaches.
Taliban Start District Level MoPVPV Monitoring in Nagarhar – On Tuesday, the Taliban began forming district-level committees in Nangarhar province to enforce the Virtue and Vice Law, starting in Kama and followed by Behsud. Directed by provincial authorities, each committee is led by the district governor and includes members from the Primary Court, Department of Hajj and Religious Affairs, Decrees and Orders Follow-Up Office, Public Health, Intelligence, Police, and the Education Department. This marks a significant institutional expansion of the Taliban’s moral policing framework from provincial to local levels.
Mullah Hibatullah’s Speech in Kandahar – On Wednesday, Mullah Hibatullah addressed a seminar of religious scholars in Kandahar, urging them to fully implement and promote the Islamic Emirate’s decrees. He emphasized that scholars must first practice the directives themselves, then communicate them to the public, explain their importance, and raise awareness. He called for unity among religious leaders, discouraged internal disagreements, and urged them to help resolve social disputes. Hibatullah also stressed the importance of enjoining good and forbidding wrong.
14 New University Chancellors Named – On Tuesday, the Ministry of Higher Education announced that Mullah Hibatullah appointed or reshuffled 14 provincial university chancellors across Afghanistan. All appointees are madrassa graduates, holding titles such as Mawlawi and Mufti, with no evident university degrees.
International Developments
New WFP Report Lists Afghanistan as Hunger Hotspot – A new FAO–WFP Hunger Hotspots report lists Afghanistan among six countries facing “very concerning” levels of hunger, driven by drought in the north and west and recent earthquakes in the east that have reduced food access. The UN agencies warn that acute food insecurity is worsening in 16 countries and could push millions toward famine. Severe funding shortfalls have led to ration cuts, reduced refugee assistance, and halted nutrition programs. As of October 2025, only $10.5 billion of the $29 billion needed for high-risk populations had been secured. FAO and WFP urge urgent political and financial action to prevent avoidable hunger crises. The full report can be accessed here
Denmark Raises Concerns on TTP in Afghanistan – On Thursday, Denmark expressed deep concern at the UN Security Council about the presence of TTP in Afghanistan, warning that the group, allegedly supported by the Taliban, now has approximately 6,000 fighters. Denmark also cited threats posed by ISIS-K and al-Qaeda. Pakistan’s representative echoed these concerns, claiming multiple militant groups continue to operate under Taliban protection.
62 Afghans Accept German Repatriation Offer – On Tuesday, Germany’s Interior Ministry reported that 62 Afghan asylum seekers accepted a government offer to withdraw their resettlement requests in exchange for financial compensation. The proposal, extended to over 600 individuals, includes payments to return to their country of origin.
Muttaqi Meets with Japanese Ambassador – On Saturday, Taliban Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi met with Japan’s new ambassador, Masamoto Kenichi, in Kabul. According to the Taliban’s Foreign Ministry, Muttaqi called for stronger political and economic ties with Japan. Ambassador Kenichi emphasized expanding cooperation across various sectors. Japan has maintained engagement with the Taliban since their return to power in 2021 to preserve and grow bilateral relations.
Freedom of the Press
Press Freedom Summit Held in Berlin – On Friday, the Afghanistan Media Support Organization hosted the 3rd Annual Global Summit on Afghanistan’s Press Freedom in Berlin, bringing together journalists and rights advocates to address the deteriorating media climate under Taliban rule. UN Special Rapporteur Richard Bennett called for stronger international support for Afghan journalists, especially women, and for exiled media outlets, which now produce 70% of the country’s independent reporting. Afghan UN envoy Nasir Ahmad Andisha warned that press freedom is at the forefront of a broader assault on human rights.
Images Ban in Paktia – On Sunday, Taliban authorities in Paktia enforced a ban on broadcasting images of living beings, resulting in the shutdown of state television, which has since been converted into a radio station. Paktia is now the 23rd province where such restrictions have been implemented. The order also prohibits video interviews and affects multiple local media outlets.
Regional Developments
Tajik Delegation Arrives in Kabul – On Monday, a Tajikistani delegation held a series of meetings with senior Taliban officials in Kabul, marking the first official visit by Tajik representatives since the Taliban’s return to power. Taliban Acting Minister of Borders, Ethnicities, and Tribes, Nooruddin Noori, discussed security cooperation, border challenges, and the long-standing issue of demarcating the Afghanistan–Tajikistan frontier, which both sides agreed is essential for regional stability. Tajik representatives expressed hope that border disputes could be resolved through dialogue and emphasized readiness to deepen cooperation. The delegation also met Acting Foreign Minister Muttaqi, with both sides stressing the importance of continued engagement and improved bilateral ties.
Acting Minister of Commerce Travels to India – On Wednesday, Taliban Acting Minister of Industry and Commerce Nooruddin Azizi led a delegation to India to promote trade and investment, particularly through Iran’s Chabahar Port. The visit aims to boost bilateral trade, attract Indian investment, and enhance Afghanistan’s role in regional transit. The delegation is scheduled to meet Indian officials and attend the Pragati Maidan trade exhibition. On Friday, India announced it will launch cargo flights between Kabul and Delhi, as well as between Amritsar and Kabul, according to Anand Prakash of India’s Ministry of External Affairs.
Uzbekistan Signs Deal to Continue Exporting Electricity to Afghanistan – On Tuesday, Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Energy announced it will continue exporting electricity to Afghanistan through 2026 under a new agreement with the Taliban. The two sides also noted progress on joint energy projects. As winter begins, power outages are increasing across several Afghan provinces, many of which rely heavily on imported electricity.
Iran to Hold Meeting in Afghanistan/Pakistan Tensions in December – On Tuesday, Iran announced it will host a regional meeting in mid-December to address rising tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, according to Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh. Speaking to Sputnik, he stated that neighboring countries, including Russia and China, are expected to attend. The agenda will focus on regional stability and promoting peace in Afghanistan through cooperative mechanisms among regional powers.
Iranian Delegation Participates in Trade Exposition – On Monday, Iran’s ambassador to Afghanistan, Alireza Bigdeli, stated that Iran’s government and private sector aim to deepen economic cooperation with Afghanistan and support its development. Speaking at an exhibition in Kabul, he highlighted Iran’s transport, transit, and industrial capacities, including the use of Bandar Abbas and Chabahar, to boost Afghan trade. Taliban Commerce Minister Azizi also announced plans for a new land route at the Silk Bridge border, which could increase trade volume from 300 to up to 2,000 trucks per day.
Traders Meet at Afghanistan/Pakistan Border to Discuss Reopening – On Thursday, a group of traders gathered in Bagh-e-Naran, Peshawar, to discuss reopening border crossings between Afghanistan and Pakistan. The meeting followed earlier calls by residents of Landi Kotal and the Afghanistan–Pakistan Joint Chamber of Commerce, urging authorities to restore cross-border trade, which has been disrupted amid rising tensions between the two countries. The border has been closed since October 9.
US Visa Processing Information/US Legal Information (updated 11/23/25):
Last Day to File New SIV Case – The deadline for new SIV applications is currently set for December 31, 2025. For more information on the implications and guidance for eligible individuals and current applicants, please refer to this week’s Spotlight Analysis.
SIV Case Transfer Updates – Afghan SIV applicants may request a transfer of their case to a U.S. embassy in another country by emailing NVCSIV@state.gov with their full name, date of birth, NVC case number, and the requested embassy location. The National Visa Center will review submissions and notify applicants whether the desired embassy is currently accepting SIV cases.
SIV Processing – SIV cases remain exempt from the U.S. travel ban, but CARE evacuation flights have permanently ended. Applicants ready for an interview must now travel to a third-country U.S. embassy at their own expense, including costs for travel, medical exams, housing, and onward airfare to the U.S. You must hold valid legal status in the country to which you travel. Before requesting a transfer, confirm visa requirements, processing times, living expenses, and your ability to extend your stay, as many embassies are backlogged and may deny transfer requests. Do not relocate until you receive written confirmation from both the NVC and the receiving U.S. embassy with an interview date. When possible, securing a multi-entry visa can offer more flexibility. The IOM has resumed offering travel loans for SIV holders who already possess valid U.S. visas. Note: These are not CARE Team relocation flights. For assistance with travel arrangements for issued visas, contact SIV_OPE@iom.int
ICE Information – ICE detentions are increasing and may affect Afghans in the U.S., including LPRs. A recent Supreme Court ruling expanded enforcement authority, meaning stops may occur based on language, appearance, workplace, or location. There are reports of Afghans with legal status being detained during routine appointments. Carry proof of legal status at all times, know your rights, and be prepared for possible encounters with ICE. Rights information and legal support resources should be reviewed and kept accessible . Information on rights is available here.
Proposed changes to Green Cards for Travel Ban Countries – On November 14, 2025, the Trump administration announced a proposed immigration policy that could make it more difficult for individuals from U.S. travel ban countries, including Afghanistan, to obtain green cards and certain immigration benefits. The proposal, not yet finalized, would treat nationality from these countries as a “significant negative factor” in discretionary reviews. However, Afghan applicants under the SIV program would be exempt from these restrictions. Critics argue the proposal may unfairly penalize applicants based solely on nationality and could face legal challenges if implemented.
USCIS Moral Character Requirements – USCIS has expanded its “good moral character” review for green card holders applying for citizenship, allowing officers to consider social media activity, community reputation, and perceived “anti-American” associations. This means online posts and general behavior may affect naturalization decisions. Afghans and other applicants should use caution with public content and maintain clear records of positive community involvement and lawful conduct.
NEXT WEEK
In Pakistan, arrests and deportations of Afghans are expected to continue over the coming week. All Afghans without valid visas may be targeted, including those awaiting U.S. visa processing. Processing letters from the U.S. Embassy or notices of administrative processing are not being accepted as protection against detention if a Pakistani visa has expired.
Do not assume that police will recognize or respect your case based on your name or background. To reduce risk, always carry printed proof of your U.S. case status, avoid unnecessary travel through checkpoints or transit hubs, and do not sign any “voluntary return” forms. If stopped or detained, present your documents immediately and contact your sponsor or support organization. Those without valid Pakistani visas or identification documents face greater risk and should carry copies of all relevant paperwork at all times.
Pakistan is not currently extending visas for Afghans. The border between Pakistan and Afghanistan has remained closed to Afghan travelers since October 9, even for those holding valid visas. It is unlikely to reopen for travel next week. Additionally, increased restrictions on air travel have been reported, with several Afghans denied entry at airports despite holding valid visas. These restrictions are expected to continue into next week.
In Afghanistan, trade disruptions with Pakistan are affecting food prices. The influx of returnees and the onset of winter snow are also increasing pressure on the local economy, despite the Taliban’s efforts to expand regional trade beyond Pakistan.
The rising number of returnees from both Iran and Pakistan coincides with new reports of former ANSF members being detained and extorted. Though media restrictions limit verification, such incidents are likely underreported. All former government officials, ANSF personnel, and NDS members should exercise extreme caution upon return to Afghanistan, as the risk of abuse, detention, and execution remains high.
REGIONAL ROUNDUP
IRAN
230 Afghans Detained in Sistan and Baluchestan – This week, Iranian police detained over 230 Afghan migrants in Sistan and Baluchestan province during a broader crackdown on undocumented foreign nationals. The arrests, carried out in the Nimruz and Zahak districts, were part of Iran’s “Social Security Enhancement Plan,” which also targeted theft and drug-related offenses. Thirteen vehicles used to transport migrants were seized. Authorities have labeled the detained Afghans as unauthorized.
Two Afghans Executed – On Tuesday, two Afghan nationals were executed in Esfarayen Prison, Iran, on charges of drug trafficking and premeditated murder, according to the Hengaw human rights group.
PAKISTAN
More than 10,000 Afghans Returned in a Day – On Tuesday, over 10,000 Afghan returnees entered Afghanistan through border crossings at Torkham, Spin Boldak, Islam Qala, and Weshm Bridge, according to the High Commission for Addressing Refugee Issues. The Taliban’s Deputy Spokesman stated that 13,303 individuals were relocated to various provinces, and 1,543 families received humanitarian aid. Despite border closings, Pakistan has continued deportations of Afghans without valid visas.
Afghans With Visas Turned Back At Islamabad Airport – On Thursday, Pakistani police detained 30 Afghan passengers arriving from Kabul at Islamabad Airport, despite having valid visas and travel documents. Some were seeking medical treatment and included women and children. Their passports were reportedly stamped for deportation, with police stating they would be returned to Afghanistan the next day. One source alleged that some passengers were allowed entry after paying bribes.
27 TTP Killed This week – Pakistani security forces killed 27 TTP militants in operations across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa this week, according to the military’s Inter-Services Public Relations. Twenty-three were killed Wednesday in Kurram district, while four others died in earlier raids in Bajaur, North Waziristan, and Dera Ismail Khan. The operations are part of Pakistan’s ongoing “Azm-e-Istehkam” campaign to eliminate what it describes as foreign-backed terrorism.
Four Journalists Arrested in Islamabad – In a press release issued on Monday, the Afghanistan Media Support Organization (AMSO) reported that Islamabad police arrested four Afghan journalists and media workers, calling the detentions a serious violation of press freedom. AMSO urged Pakistan to release the detainees immediately and ensure the safety of Afghan journalists who fled their country seeking protection.
7 Killed in Khyber Pakhtunwah Peace Committee Attack – On Thursday night, militants attacked a local peace committee office in the Huweed area of Bannu district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, killing seven members and injuring one, according to Pakistani police. The assailants opened fire around 9 p.m., prompting a deadly exchange. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
Alleged Afghan Suicide Bomber Arrested in Bajaur – On Tuesday, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s counter-terrorism department announced the arrest of a suicide bomber from Balkh, Afghanistan, along with his local handlers. The group was apprehended in Bajaur district, where the bomber had reportedly entered to carry out a planned suicide attack. Authorities say the suspects were intercepted before the plot could be executed.
SPOTLIGHT ANALYSIS
IRAP
As of the date of this advisory, the deadline to apply for COM approval for the main Afghan SIV
program is December 31, 2025. Because it is unclear if and when Congress may extend the
deadline, and Congress is not expected to act until 2026, legal practitioners should prepare for the deadline to take effect. In this advisory, IRAP answers possible questions from legal practitioners representing SIV applicants.
1. What does the upcoming December 31, 2025 deadline mean for SIV applicants?
Under the Afghan Allies Protection Act, the principal applicant “shall apply to the Chief of Mission [for COM approval] … not later than December 31, 2025.”1 Therefore, any new Chief of Mission (COM) applications must be submitted by December 31, 2025.
Afghan SIV applicants with pending SIV applications or appeals do not have to take any action in relation to the deadline; the government must continue to adjudicate pending COM applications and appeals and to accept appeals for COM denials issued after December 31, 2025. However, if a COM appeal is denied after December 31, 2025, the applicant will not be permitted to initiate a new COM application unless Congress reauthorizes the SIV program and creates a new application deadline.
Afghan SIV applicants who already have COM approval do not have to take any action in relation to the COM application deadline; the government must continue to adjudicate pending visa applications, adjustment of status applications, and for eligible derivatives, follow-to-join visa
applications.
2. Will Congress extend the upcoming December 31, 2025 deadline?
Congress is unlikely to extend the December 31, 2025 deadline before it expires. Because the
continuing resolution that was signed into law on November 12, 2025 funds the government
through January 30, 2026, it is unlikely that legislation with SIV provisions will become law before January. Although Congress has extended the deadline before,2 it is unclear if Congress will extend the deadline at some point in 2026. IRAP urges Congress to extend the deadline and allocate additional visas for SIV applicants.
3. What can legal practitioners representing potentially impacted clients do?
File any application before the deadline: Most importantly, legal practitioners should file any new
COM application before the December 31, 2025 deadline. Practitioners can use the resources linked below for detailed information about COM application requirements and processes. Upon filing an application with the National Visa Center (NVC), NVC should send an auto-reply confirming receipt.
We recommend saving the auto-reply to document when the application was sent and received.
New COM applications should ideally include all of the required documentation, but when
documentation is unavailable, it may still be beneficial to file with all available documentation and an explanation addressing unavailability in order to ensure the deadline is met. Currently, the NVC allows applicants or legal representatives to supplement an application with new evidence (i.e. add new evidence after the original application is submitted, before a decision).
When applying a similar COM application deadline for the Iraqi SIV program, DOS policy was that an application was “submitted” if it included the applicant’s name, date of birth, evidence of nationality, and contact information, and even if it was missing other documentation, although it is unclear if DOS will adopt the same policy for Afghan SIV applications.
Confirm the status of any pending application: Legal practitioners whose clients have pending COM applications or appeals should confirm the status of the client’s application/appeal with NVC to ensure that no new application is needed. Practitioners can email NVC (AfghanSIVApplication@state.gov) for confirmation. All COM-related inquiry emails must contain the NVCSIV case number and applicant’s name and date of birth as recorded on their passport (or if filing only with a tazkera, the tazkera), and legal representatives should attach a signed G-28 to any inquiry email. As of November 2025, NVC generally responds within two weeks. Additionally, NVC will generally respond to status inquiries via the publicly available NVC SIV team phone line (1-603-334-0828).
Supplement applications and appeals with new documents: If there is new evidence supporting a pending application or appeal–for example, a new letter of recommendation or employment
letter–then the client or legal representative can supplement the application by emailing the
document to NVC. NVC should be able to confirm that the letter has been included in the applicant’s electronic file that the DOS team reviewing COM applications accesses. It may be helpful to call the NVC SIV team at the number listed above to confirm the specific document has been uploaded. This is particularly important for applicants with pending appeals who obtain new evidence, since they will be unable to file a new COM application to present the evidence unless the deadline is extended.AFGHAN NEWS
Death of Newlywed Teen in Kabul Sparks Public Outcry; Taliban Police Claim “Stroke”
Kabul Now
Reports circulating on social media allege that a 17-year-old newlywed girl named Farkhunda has died under mysterious circumstances in Kabul, prompting widespread condemnation online. However, Taliban police say she suffered a “stroke.”
Khalid Zadran, spokesperson for the Taliban’s Kabul police command, said in a statement—citing the family—that Farkhunda had a stroke two days earlier. He added that preliminary police investigations have found “no suspicious individuals,” and that the family has not filed any complaints nor accused anyone so far.
REGIONAL NEWS
Pakistan Security Report – Q3, 2025: Three Quarters of 2025 Nearly as Violent as Entire 2024
Center for Research & Security Studies
With at least 901 fatalities and 599 injuries – among civilians, security personnel, and outlaws – resulting from 329 incidents of violence, including terror attacks and counter-terror operations, Pakistan witnessed an over 46% surge in overall violence in its security landscape for the third quarter of 2025, according to the Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS).
In just three quarters, 2025 has proven nearly as deadly as all of 2024, with 2414 fatalities recorded compared to the entire tally of 2024 (2546), which, with an entire quarter still remaining, indicates that i) 2025 is on course to surpass last year’s toll, and ii) intensification of militant violence and the expanded scale of counter-terrorism operations. If the current trend continues, 2025 could mark one of the deadliest years in a decade.
Iran Pushes for Regional Talks to Ease Taliban–Pakistan Dispute
Kabul Now
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran is working to convene a regional meeting to help mediate rising tensions between Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers and Pakistan.
Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Araghchi said Iran has been actively engaged in efforts to promote stability and reconciliation between the two neighboring countries. “In recent days, we have held a series of telephone consultations with officials in Islamabad and Kabul and hope to achieve tangible results,” he said. “God willing, a regional meeting will be held to address these issues.”
Afghani to US Dollar: $1 – 66.13 AFN (As of November 23)