The Week of November 2- 9
Security and Conflict
Cross Border Fighting – On Thursday, fighting erupted between Taliban and Pakistani forces along the Spin Boldak–Chaman border in Kandahar province. According to Taliban officials, Pakistani troops fired mortars and heavy artillery into the villages of Luqman, Wardak, and Sat, striking civilian homes and killing a man and a woman while injuring at least six others, including four on the Spin Boldak–Shorabak road. Ten additional civilians were reportedly injured in a traffic accident while fleeing the conflict. Pakistan’s government denied initiating the attack, claiming its forces only retaliated after Taliban border guards opened fire.
Suspected Suicide Bomber Killed in Kunduz – On Friday, a suspected bomber was killed after explosives he was carrying detonated prematurely in Kunduz City. Taliban police spokesman Jumadin Khaksar said the blast occurred around 7:30 a.m. in the Shahrak-e Sar Darrah area near a buzkashi field. No other casualties were reported. Authorities believe the individual was planning an attack. The area was quickly secured, and an investigation is underway. No group has claimed responsibility.
Human Rights and Civil Liberties
Women Barred from Government Offices and Hospitals Without Burqa – On Wednesday, the Taliban ordered that women without burqas be denied entry to government offices in Herat and several other provinces. Guards are enforcing the ban at administrative buildings, including the civil registry, education, and prison departments, with at least 50 women turned away from Herat’s education office. The Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue also barred female companions from Herat Regional Hospital. On Friday, additional reports indicated that taxi drivers in Herat were banned from picking up women not wearing burqas, even if accompanied by a male guardian, and that such women were barred from shopping centers.
Two Afghan Children DIe after Deportation from Pakistan – Two six-month-old children died from cold exposure in Kandahar’s Anzargi returnee camp, the Taliban’s refugee department said, adding that the children had suffered hypothermia earlier in Pakistan’s Chaman district due to overcrowding. Earlier this week, a woman and three children also died from illness and hunger.
Floggings – On Thursday, 17 people were flogged in Kabul.
Internal Politics
New Appointments to Advance Technology – On Sunday, Mullah Hibatullah approved 633 new academic and administrative positions to advance modern education and technology in Afghanistan. The Ministry of Higher Education stated these roles support new faculties and master’s programs in Computer Science, Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, and Mathematics, as well as medical faculties recently established at Badakhshan and Ghazni universities during the ministry’s recent council meetings.
International Developments
UN Suspends Activities at Islam Qala Border – On Tuesday, the United Nations suspended operations at Afghanistan’s Islam Qala border with Iran after the Taliban imposed new restrictions barring Afghan women from working for the UN and partner agencies. UN humanitarian coordinator Indrika Ratwatte said the move creates “immediate operational challenges” and risks for returning women and children, who make up over 60% of returnees. The UN had already halted cash assistance on September 9 for the same reason, citing lack of female staff access. The Taliban have claimed this is not a ban on women working, but a response to “mixed-gender violations.”
Afghan/Pakistan Peace Talks – On Thursday, The third round of negotiations between Afghanistan and Pakistan began in Istanbul, mediated by Turkey and Qatar. The Afghan delegation, led by senior officials including Abdul Haq Wasiq, Anas Haqqani, Suhail Shaheen, Rahmatullah Najib, and Abdul Qahar Balkhi, met with Pakistani representatives to discuss security concerns and cross-border tensions. Pakistan presented evidence-based demands for action against anti-Pakistan groups allegedly operating from Afghan soil and sought a formal disassociation from the TTP. Afghan negotiators reportedly viewed these demands as unreasonable, instead proposing that Pakistan prevent the use of its territory and airspace by third parties or ISIS against Afghanistan. Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed that the talks ended without any agreement.
UNODC Report on Drug Production in Afghanistan – The UNODC reports that Afghanistan’s opium cultivation fell 20% in 2025 to 10,200 hectares, with production down 32% and farmers’ income halved. However, synthetic drug production—especially methamphetamine—has surged, with seizures up 50% since 2023. The shift reflects organized crime’s move from opium to synthetics due to easier production and greater resilience to climate change. The UN warns drought, unemployment, and reduced aid may drive farmers back to poppy cultivation. It urges coordinated international action and inclusion of synthetics in drug-control strategies. The full report can be accessed here
Regional Developments
CIS Statement on Afghanistan – On Wednesday, at a CIS security meeting in Moscow, Russian Security Council Secretary Sergey Shoigu emphasized the increasing importance of integrating Afghanistan into regional economic frameworks while warning of ongoing threats from militant groups operating from Afghan territory. He said Russia recognizes the Taliban authorities and continues humanitarian aid to Afghanistan. Shoigu highlighted CSTO initiatives to strengthen the Tajik–Afghan border as crucial for combating drug trafficking and preventing militant infiltration.
Taliban Statements on US Drones and TTP – On Monday, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said U.S. drones are entering Afghan airspace via Pakistan and urged Islamabad to prevent such activity if it expects similar restraint from Kabul. He stated that the only unresolved issue in talks with Pakistan concerns the TTP, arguing that Islamabad’s demand for Kabul to control TTP elements inside Pakistan exceeds its authority. Mujahid also alleged that global powers support actors seeking to inflame regional tensions. Pakistan has denied the allegations regarding U.S. drone access.
US Visa Processing Information/US Legal Information (updated 11/9/25):
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 – There are no major updates. SIV cases are still exempt from the U.S. travel ban, but CARE evacuation flights have permanently ended. Applicants who are ready for interview must now travel to a third-country U.S. embassy at their own expense, including the cost of travel, medical exams, housing, and onward airfare to the U.S. You must hold valid legal status in whichever country you travel to. Before requesting a case transfer, confirm visa requirements, processing times, living costs, and the ability to renew your stay, as many embassies are backlogged and may decline transfer requests. Do not relocate until you receive written confirmation from both the NVC and the receiving U.S. embassy with your interview date. When possible, securing multi-entry visas can provide 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 issued-visa travel arrangements, contact SIV_OPE@iom.int
Presidential Determination on Refugees Made Official – On September 30, 2025, the Trump administration set the FY 2026 refugee admissions ceiling at 7,500, one of the lowest levels in U.S. history. While the Presidential Determination does not list specific nationalities, follow-on guidance suggests priority may be given to applicants from countries characterized as facing persecution under socialist or Marxist governments, which likely limits access for Afghans. As a result, Afghan refugee admissions remain effectively paused, with only a small number of cases covered under Pacito v. Trump expected to continue. Those eligible will be contacted directly by IOM; all others should anticipate prolonged delays or no movement at this time. Please note: Afghans remain subject to the travel ban, and wider refugee processing is still halted.
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.
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.
Miscellaneous
Earthquake in Mazar – A 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck northern Afghanistan early Sunday, killing at least 27 people and injuring more than 1,172 across Samangan, Balkh, Sar-e-Pul, and Badakhshan provinces. The epicenter in Khulm district, Samangan, caused severe destruction—destroying and damaging homes and health facilities, including Samangan Provincial Hospital. Balkh province recorded eight deaths and major damage to the Blue Mosque in Mazar-e-Sharif, while a landslide in Tangi Tashqurghan blocked key transport routes. In Badakhshan’s Chogani village, around 800 homes collapsed, contributing to a total of 1,300 homes destroyed nationwide. The UN and several countries have pledged humanitarian assistance as rescue efforts continue.
Electricity Restored – On Tuesday morning, DABS announced that electricity had been restored following earlier outages caused by the earthquake.
NEXT WEEK
In Pakistan, arrests and deportations of Afghans will continue over the next week. All Afghans without a valid visa may be targeted, including those waiting for U.S. visa processing. Processing letters from the U.S. Embassy or notices of administrative processing are not being accepted to prevent detention if an individual’s Pakistani visa has expired.
Do not assume the police will recognize or respect your case based on your name or background alone. 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 identity documents face a higher level of risk and should keep copies of all paperwork with them at all times.
Pakistan is not extending visas for Afghans at this time. The border between Pakistan and Afghanistan remains closed to Afghans traveling into Pakistan, even with valid visas, and is unlikely to reopen in the coming week.
In Afghanistan, the situation remains relatively calm. While new rules on burqas in public spaces have not formally required all women to wear them, this may become a de facto requirement. Crackdowns on women’s dress and movement are most likely in Herat and Kabul, where returnees from Pakistan and Iran bring more liberal ideas and styles of dress. Snow has begun falling in northern provinces, and travel between provinces may become unpredictable.
REGIONAL ROUNDUP
IRAN
Iran Faces Water Crisis – Iran is facing its worst drought in 50 years, with rainfall from April to November far below average, placing major cities like Tehran, Karaj, Tabriz, Mashhad, and Arak under severe water stress. Reservoir levels are critically low, and groundwater overuse is unsustainable. Officials warn this is Tehran’s driest year in six decades and call for long-term national water management strategies across sectors.
PAKISTAN
Deportation Increase – Taliban data indicates that Pakistan deported over 33,000 Afghans through Torkham and more than 35,000 via Spin Boldak in the six days since limited border reopening. The border remains closed to entry from Afghanistan and opens at irregular intervals for those trying to re-enter Afghanistan.
SPOTLIGHT ANALYSIS
Germany offers vulnerable Afghans cash to cease immigration efforts
Kevin Doyle
The German government has offered cash payments to Afghan nationals stranded in Pakistan if they give up efforts to immigrate to Germany under a resettlement programme established for vulnerable groups, including those who once worked with German forces in Afghanistan.
About 2,000 Afghans have been approved for relocation to Germany under the programme for people at risk under Taliban rule, but have been stranded in Pakistan for months or even years awaiting resettlement.
REGIONAL NEWS
Afghanistan-Pakistan peace talks collapse, ceasefire continues, Taliban says
Reuters
Peace talks between Afghanistan and Pakistan broke down, although a ceasefire continues between the South Asian neighbours, a Taliban spokesperson said on Saturday.
Zabihullah Mujahid said negotiations had failed due to Islamabad insisting that Afghanistan assume responsibility for Pakistan’s internal security, a demand he described as beyond Afghanistan’s “capacity”.
Six Afghan Miners Killed in Tajikistan Coal Mine Explosion
Kabul Now
Local sources told Etilaatroz that six Afghan workers were killed in a coal mine explosion in Tajikistan’s Sughd province.
According to the sources, five of the victims were residents of Daikundi (a central province of Afghanistan) province in Afghanistan, while one was from Lal wa Sarjangal district in Ghor (a western-central province of Afghanistan) province.
The explosion reportedly occurred yesterday afternoon in a coal mine located in the Ayni district of Sughd province. A source said that six workers were inside the tunnel at the time of the blast.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Taliban representatives take posts in Afghan consulates in Germany
i24NEWS
Following the Taliban’s return to power, diplomats appointed under Afghanistan’s previous government continued in their roles during a transitional period.
For the first time, a representative of the Taliban government has been stationed at the Afghan consulate in Bonn, marking the regime’s official presence within a diplomatic mission on German soil.
Another envoy is expected to assume a position at the consulate in Berlin in the coming weeks.
Trump meets Central Asian leaders to boost critical mineral ties
Jarrett Renshaw and Nandita Bose
U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday called critical minerals a key priority as he hosted the leaders of five Central Asian nations at the White House, emphasizing his administration’s efforts to expand and secure U.S. supply chains through new global agreements.
The meeting with leaders of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan came as Washington seeks to expand its influence in a resource-rich region long dominated by Russia and increasingly courted by China. Trump called Central Asia “an extremely wealthy region,” saying he wants to make America’s partnership with the five countries stronger.
Afghani to US Dollar: $1 – 66.26 AFN (As of November 9)