The Week of October 20-26
Security and Conflict
Cross Border Fighting with Tajikistan – On Saturday, A border clash took place between Taliban forces and Tajik border guards in Dawang village, Badakhshan, reportedly causing casualties. The confrontation stemmed from a dispute over Amu River water diversion and occurred near Chinese-linked gold projects. Exact casualties remain unclear, and Tajik officials have not commented.
Explosion at Mosque – On Sunday, October 19, a hand grenade explosion inside a mosque in Parwan’s Shinwari district injured nine worshippers. Taliban officials said the blast occurred when an individual accidentally dropped the grenade while entering the mosque. The victims sustained minor injuries. Authorities have not identified the person involved, and no arrests have been made.
Human Rights and Civil Liberties
Taliban Detention of Former Commander – The Taliban have detained former commander Mohammad Gul Ghorband in Parwan for four years without trial. He was arrested shortly after the Taliban takeover and later tortured in a Kabul intelligence facility, leaving him with a severe neck injury. Although a Taliban court has ordered his release, he remains in custody and is reportedly in critical condition.
Social Activist Detained – Social activist Javid Hazrati was detained by the Taliban in Nangarhar province approximately one week ago. The Taliban have not provided details on his arrest, and the reason remains unclear. Hazrati was active in community initiatives and operated private business activities.
Floggings – On Tuesday, one person was flogged in Ghazni. On Thursday, one person was flogged in Kapisa.
Internal Politics
Mullah Hibatullar Reportedly Orders Dam Built – On Thursday, Afghanistan’s Water and Energy Ministry announced that Mullah Hibatullah ordered the immediate construction of dams on the Kunar River. Acting Minister Mansoor said Afghans have the right to control their own water resources. The directive marks a significant step toward a longstanding national goal but could heighten tensions with Pakistan, which depends on downstream water from the river.
International Developments
New Human Rights Watch Report Released – Human Rights Watch issued a report this week warning that the Taliban have intensified restrictions on media freedom in Afghanistan, particularly targeting journalists from ethnic minorities such as the Hazara community. The report cites arbitrary arrests, torture, and intimidation by Taliban intelligence forces, who often accuse journalists of espionage or ties to exiled media. HRW said women journalists face severe dress code enforcement and bans on on-screen appearances. The organization also documented forced confessions, media raids, and censorship, leading to widespread self-censorship. HRW urged foreign governments to support at-risk Afghan journalists and halt deportations to Afghanistan, calling conditions unsafe for reporters. The full report can be accessed here
Khalilzad Visits Kabul – On Wednesday, former U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad arrived in Kabul for an informal meeting with Taliban Acting Foreign Minister Muttaqi. Discussions reportedly focused on potential avenues to expand bilateral relations between Afghanistan and the United States. No official statements have yet been released by either side. In a separate meeting, Mullah Baradar met in Kabul with Shahir Al-Taqi, CEO of the Saudi firm Delta International, to discuss oil and gas investment and pipeline expansion. A memorandum of understanding was signed for energy projects, including potential participation in the TAPI pipeline. Khalilzad also attended the meeting, prompting questions about his role. U.S. officials stated his visit was private.
Türkiye Holds Second Round of Taliban/Pakistan Talks – Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry announced that Türkiye will host a second round of talks between Pakistan and the Taliban in Istanbul on October 25. Spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi said the discussions aim to establish a “concrete and verifiable monitoring mechanism” to curb cross-border militancy. Delegations from both sides previously held ceasefire talks in Istanbul, mediated by Türkiye. Pakistan’s delegation included senior military, ISI, and Foreign Ministry officials. The Taliban delegation was led by Deputy Interior Minister Haji Najib and included Anas Haqqani and Suhail Shaheen. Both sides agreed to continue negotiations in the coming days, though talks appeared to stall on Sunday.
Austria Deports Afghan – On Tuesday, Austria deported a 31-year-old Afghan citizen to Kabul—the first such deportation since 2021. The individual, convicted of sexual assault and physical assault, was sent via Istanbul after serving a four-year prison sentence. Austrian authorities state they plan further deportations of criminal offenders. The move follows recent Austrian-Taliban engagement and increased EU pressure to repatriate Afghans and Syrians convicted of crimes.
Regional Developments
India Officially Upgrades to Embassy in Kabul – India has reopened its embassy in Kabul, restoring full diplomatic operations for the first time since 2021. The move follows Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi’s visit to New Delhi. Kiran Yadav has been appointed Chargé d’Affaires. India has not formally recognized the Taliban government.
Pakistan Reopens Chaman Border Crossing – On Thursday, Pakistan partially resumed transit trade with Afghanistan after a 10-day suspension caused by border clashes. Pakistani media reported that approximately 300 stranded vehicles are being cleared in three phases through the Chaman crossing, with cargo inspections and scans at each stage. The phased reopening aims to restore cross-border trade flows disrupted by recent tensions between Islamabad and the Taliban authorities. Other major border crossings remain closed, with Pakistani officials stating they will reopen only once security conditions improve.
Iranian Deputy Minister Arrives in Kabul – On Sunday, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi arrived in Kabul under Tehran’s neighborhood policy to discuss border management, water resources, and judicial cooperation with Afghan officials, the Iranian Embassy in Kabul announced. The visit underscores efforts to enhance bilateral coordination amid ongoing regional and resource-related concerns.
Taliban Delegation Travels to Iran – On Sunday, a Taliban delegation, led by Senior Deputy Interior Minister Mohammad Ibrahim Sadr, departed for Tehran to attend the fourth Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) meeting. Ministry spokesperson Abdul Mateen Qani said the visit aims to boost regional cooperation and deepen bilateral ties among ECO member nations.
Governor of Balkh Tajikistan Visit – On Thursday, Balkh Governor Mohammad Yusuf Wafa visited Dushanbe, Tajikistan, for a joint meeting with the Tajik Ministry of Border Affairs, emphasizing stronger bilateral cooperation and regional stability. Wafa stated that Afghanistan’s security benefits all neighboring countries and reiterated that Afghan soil will not be used against any nation. Tajik officials reportedly pledged to prevent anti-Taliban groups from operating on their territory.
Qatar Appoints New Ambassador to Afghanistan – On Wednesday, Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani appointed Dr. Mirdef Al-Qashouti as the new Ambassador to Afghanistan. Dr. Al-Qashouti has extensive diplomatic experience, including postings in Baku, Ottawa, and Brussels. He previously served as an advisor in Qatar’s Counterterrorism Office and most recently as Acting Chargé d’Affaires at the Qatari Embassy in Kabul from 2024 to 2025.
TAPI Meeting – On Monday, during a joint visit to the TAPI project site in Afghanistan, Taliban Acting Deputy Prime Minister Mullah Baradar and former Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the TAPI pipeline. Baradar emphasized the project’s importance for regional cooperation and broader economic connectivity, including power, railway, and logistics initiatives. Berdimuhamedow reiterated that TAPI remains a top Turkmen priority and a key element for regional stability.
US Visa Processing Information/US Legal Information (updated 10/16/25):
SIV Case Transfer Updates –SIV applicants can request a transfer of their Afghan SIV 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 name of the desired embassy. The National Visa Center reviews these requests and informs applicants whether the requested embassy is accepting SIV cases at that time.
SIV Processing – SIV cases remain exempt from the U.S. travel ban. CARE flights have ended and will not resume. Applicants whose cases are ready for interview must process through a third-country embassy at their own expense—including travel, medical exams, lodging, and onward U.S. travel. Applicants must maintain valid legal status (e.g., visa) in their host country. Before requesting a transfer, applicants should research local visa requirements, processing times, living costs, and renewal options. Many embassies face large backlogs and may refuse transfers. Do not relocate until receiving written confirmation from both the NVC and the U.S. embassy approving your transfer and interview date. Consider obtaining multi-entry visas for nearby countries for added flexibility. (Note: Dushanbe is not currently accepting SIV cases and the Taliban have restricted travel to Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda, and Sri Lanka for some SIV applicants.)
IOM Resumes Flight Loans For SIV Cases – IOM has resumed providing travel loans for SIV holders who already possess valid U.S. visas. Note: These are not CARE Team relocation flights. For assistance with issued SIV travel arrangements, contact SIV_OPE@iom.int
Pactio V. Trump – Some select Refugee cases covered by Pacito V. Trump may be contacted by IOM resettlement. Applicants covered by these instructions will be contacted directly. Please note: Afghans still face the travel ban and wider refugee processing is still halted.
ICE Information – ICE detentions are an increasing concern for Afghans in the United States, including Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs). Following a recent Supreme Court decision lifting restrictions on immigration enforcement in Los Angeles, ICE officers may now conduct stops based on appearance, language, employment, or location. Reports indicate that even Afghans with refugee or legal status—including LPRs and those who served alongside U.S. forces—have been detained during routine immigration appointments. All Afghans in the U.S. are strongly advised to carry proof of legal status at all times, understand their rights under U.S. law, and be prepared for possible encounters with ICE. Information on rights is available here.
USCIS Moral Character Requirements – USCIS has broadened its “good moral character” criteria for green card holders seeking U.S. citizenship, allowing officers to review applicants’ social media activity, neighborhood reputation, and possible “anti-American” affiliations. The expanded screening now considers online conduct, community relationships, and general behavior when determining eligibility for naturalization. Afghans and other applicants are advised to exercise care with public posts, avoid controversial or misleading content, and maintain clear records of positive community involvement and lawful conduct.
Miscellaneous
Earthquake in Badakshan – On Tuesday, A 5.1-magnitude earthquake struck 34 kilometers west of Ishkashim, Badakhshan, at a depth of 244 kilometers. The tremor was felt across multiple Afghan provinces, including Kabul. Authorities have not yet reported any casualties or damage resulting from the quake.
NEXT WEEK
Resistance activity has increased in recent weeks, and additional attacks by these groups are likely in the coming days. Taliban checkpoints and search operations are expected to continue, particularly in areas where resistance forces are believed to be active. Former Republic personnel—especially those affiliated with the NDS, ANSF, and special forces—remain at elevated risk of searches, detention, torture, or targeted killing. This risk also extends to recent returnees or deportees from Pakistan and Iran.
Most border crossings with Pakistan remain closed, with openings occurring primarily for the forced return of Afghans. The security situation along the Afghanistan–Pakistan border is tense, and further clashes or flare-ups are likely. Afghans considering travel to Pakistan should verify the status of crossings in advance, while those living in border areas are advised to remain alert to potential renewed fighting.
Deportations from both Iran and Pakistan are ongoing and are expected to intensify in the coming week. In Pakistan, detentions are increasing, and several refugee camps are reportedly scheduled for immediate closure. In Iran, new measures have been announced, and Afghans without valid visas are subject to deportation. The risk of arbitrary detention and extortion—including for individuals with documentation—remains high in both countries.
In the United States, the government shutdown will suspend SNAP benefits for a number of states for the month of November. Afghans currently enrolled in SNAP should prepare for a temporary interruption in assistance. Local food banks, community organizations, and mosques may be able to provide support during this period. More information can be found here
REGIONAL ROUNDUP
IRAN
Deportations – Iran has launched the second phase of deporting undocumented Afghan migrants, particularly from Baharestan in Tehran province. According to Interior Ministry official Nader Yarahmadi, Iran deported nearly 1.45 million Afghan migrants in the first six months of the current solar year, with a similar number expected to be deported soon. He stated that approximately 4.5 million Afghans currently reside in Iran, both legally and illegally.
PAKISTAN
Pakistan Minister Will Not Negotiate with TTP – On Tuesday, Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif ruled out negotiations with the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), stating that Islamabad maintains engagement only with the Afghan Taliban. He said Pakistan upholds informal diplomatic ties with Kabul but will “never negotiate with the TTP,” reaffirming the government’s hardline position against the group.
Deportations Continue – Following recent border clashes, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered the immediate expulsion of undocumented Afghan migrants. Afghan migrants in Pakistan report intensified police raids, arrests, and deportations, including among those awaiting asylum decisions. Migrants say police have raided homes, demanded bribes, and detained individuals regardless of documentation status. Despite reported exemptions for vulnerable groups, arrests continue amid halted visa renewals, leaving thousands at risk. The Pakistani government has warned that sheltering undocumented Afghans is illegal. More than 1.47 million Afghans have reportedly been returned since mid-October.
SPOTLIGHT ANALYSIS
Diplomacy on Thin Ice Pakistan-Afghanistan Talks Amidst Rising Tensions
Ihsanullah Tipu Mehsud, Riccardo Valle
The pattern has been too obvious, attacks, response and tepid reconciliation over the last four years – But what is new to this triangular conflict between Pakistan, Afghanistan and Non State Actors is that later has brought both countries to the verge of war, a conflict that well surpasses the borders now, even though its epicenter remains a fragile border, involving regional and global power brokers.
These hostilities escalated following an aerial strike in Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, hitherto unchartered territory followed by a spate of further airstrikes into Paktika on the night of October 9, 2025. Acknowledgement for the strikes came much later by Pakistan but the Taliban after an 8-hour silence not only responded by a fiery statement but through the barrel. In-fact the Taliban retaliated with full might on 27 points across the 2,604 kilometers border between both the countries. Pakistan responded not only but once again bombed, Kandahar, Kabul and Paktika.
The guarantors of the Doha peace deal for the Taliban, Qatar, was the first to jump in, asking both countries to raise the white flag, followed by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the new defense ally of Pakistan. But what was significant is that despite the fact both countries were attacking each other, the prime drivers of the conflict, the Pakistani Taliban continued to carry out attacks against Pakistan.
A cease fire was brokered on October 19 after two days of negotiations in Doha between Pakistan and Afghanistan, mediated by Qatar and Türkiye. Both sides agreed to uphold peace and respect and resolve disputes through dialogue. While the second round of talks will take place in Istanbul, there have been rejoinders, endorsements and clarifications from Afghanistan, casting doubtful shadows over a sustainable peace.
AFGHAN NEWS
Power Outage Hits Afghanistan’s 11 Provinces as Uzbekistan Supply Remains Cut Off
Kabul Now
Widespread power outages have continued for a fourth consecutive day across Afghanistan’s 11 provinces, including the capital Kabul, after imported electricity from Uzbekistan was disrupted late last week, the Taliban-run Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat (DABS) said Monday.
The state power company said a main transmission line carrying imported electricity from Uzbekistan was severed along the Amu River, complicating the repair process due to difficult terrain and security concerns in the area.
REGIONAL NEWS
Pakistani Military Reports New Border Clashes Amid Istanbul Talks
Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty
The Pakistani military says soldiers and militants have died in clashes near the Afghan border, as diplomats from both countries meet to prevent violence from erupting again after the worst fighting in years.
Five Pakistani soldiers and 25 militants from the Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP) extremist group were killed overnight on October 25, Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement sent to the media on October 26.
Terrorism resurging in Balochistan, causes must be reviewed: PM Shehbaz Sharif
Daily AUSAF
Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif said that we have to review why terrorism is on the rise again, as it was completely eradicated in 2018.
Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, while addressing the Balochistan workshop, said that the province was ignored in the past.
The geographical structure of the province has become a challenge in the journey of development, he added.
He said that Security agencies are making sacrifices for peace, while adding that consensus among the provinces is the foundation of Pakistan’s strength.
He further said that the development of Balochistan is linked to the overall prosperity of Pakistan.
Afghani to the Dollar: $1 – 66.41 AFN (As of October 26)