The Week of October 27-November 2
Security and Conflict
Fighting in Badakshan – On Monday, fighting erupted in the Shahr-e Buzurg district of Badakhshan between rival Taliban factions over control of a gold mine in the Awez area. The clash involved forces loyal to Abdul Rahman Ammar, a Taliban commander aligned with army chief Fasihuddin Fitrat, and forces under the Taliban’s mining director. Several fighters were killed, including Abdul Halim Hamidi, chief of staff of the Taliban’s 1st Brigade and a close associate of Saifuddin Tayeb, deputy head of the Taliban’s Administrative Affairs Office. Images of Hamidi’s body circulated on social media. Taliban commander Abdul Rahman Khadem was later deployed to quell the infighting. On Wednesday, Taliban spokesman Ehsanullah Kamgar stated that 10–12 armed men linked to local traders and miners were involved and claimed all suspects had been arrested. However, local sources reported that Commander Abdul Rahman Ammar escaped to nearby mountains with several men.
Explosion in Panjshir – On Tuesday, a Taliban military vehicle was targeted in two consecutive explosions in the Tandi Khwaja area of Rukha district, Panjshir. Gunfire followed as Taliban forces sealed off the area. No group has claimed responsibility.
Human Rights and Civil Liberties
Former Soldier’s Father Arrested in Daikundi – Last week, the Taliban arrested 60-year-old Sher Mohammad, the father of a former Afghan soldier, in Daikundi’s Kajran district after his deportation from Iran, accusing him of possessing weapons and ammunition. Sources allege he has been subjected to severe torture, which his family denies. His son, a former NDS checkpoint commander, surrendered after the Taliban returned to power in 2021.
Floggings – On Wednesday, two men and two women were flogged in Ghor. On Thursday, twenty people were flogged in Kabul.
Internal Politics
Taliban Send Team to Issue ID Cards in Iran – On Thursday, the Taliban’s National Statistics and Information Authority dispatched teams to Mashhad and Zahedan, Iran, to verify Afghan migrants’ identities and issue three-year ID cards to facilitate access to education, passports, and residency documents. A similar mission is planned for Tehran. Large numbers of Afghans in Iran remain undocumented due to long-term displacement and bureaucratic obstacles.
International Developments
UNAMA Report Released – On Tuesday, UNAMA released a report documenting ongoing arrests, torture, and killings of former Afghan security personnel despite the Taliban’s declared amnesty. Between July and September 2025, UNAMA recorded 14 killings, 21 arbitrary detentions, and several torture cases involving ex-officials, including returnees from Iran. The report also documented 451 morality-related arrests, 44 mistreatment cases, and 60 women detained for alleged hijab violations. It noted pressure on Ismaili minorities to convert, continued restrictions on journalists, and a death sentence issued for blasphemy. The Taliban have not responded but have previously dismissed similar allegations as propaganda. The full report can be accessed Here
Afghanistan/Pakistan Peace Talks – On Tuesday, peace talks between Pakistani and Afghan Taliban delegations in Istanbul ended without agreement on a long-term ceasefire. Pakistan pressed the Taliban to act against the TTP and designate it a terrorist group, which the Taliban rejected, saying they do not control the TTP. The parties agreed to maintain the current ceasefire until the next round of talks on November 6.
UNDP Poverty Index Released –The UNDP’s 2025 Global Multidimensional Poverty Index shows that 64.9% of Afghans live in multidimensional poverty, with another 19.9% at risk. Afghanistan’s MPI score of 0.360—among the highest globally—reflects severe deprivation, especially in living standards (42.5%), education (33.4%), and health (24.1%). The report calls for coordinated action to improve access to services and infrastructure. It highlights that 887 million people worldwide face direct climate hazards, linking environmental risks to worsening inequality, particularly in fragile states like Afghanistan. The full report can be accessed Here
Freedom of the Press
Individual Detained in Badakshan Over Facebook Post – On Saturday, Taliban intelligence detained Hojatullah Hamed Ahmadi, a recent Takhar University graduate from Chashma Bider village, about a week ago in Faizabad, Badakshan. According to the sources, his arrest followed Facebook posts criticizing mine looting and regional conflicts. The Taliban intelligence directorate in Badakhshan has denied knowledge of his detention.
Regional Developments
Torkham Closure Impacts Trade – The Torkham border crossing between Afghanistan and Pakistan has been closed for 20 days, halting trade and leaving hundreds of trucks carrying perishable goods stranded. Afghan traders report millions in losses as fruits and vegetables spoil. Business leaders warn the closure could sharply affect both economies, while the Taliban government says it is maintaining trade through alternative routes, including Chabahar, Bandar Abbas, and Central Asia. No progress has been reported on reopening the crossing.
Iran/Taliban Agreement of Prisoners – On Monday, Iranian state media reported that Tehran and the Taliban have reached a preliminary agreement to protect the consular rights of Iranian citizens imprisoned in Afghanistan. The agreement followed meetings in Kabul between Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi and Taliban official Shamsuddin Shariati. Discussions included prisoner transfers, extradition, and consular access. The Taliban have not confirmed the agreement, and details on the number and status of Iranian detainees remain undisclosed.
Governor of Balkh Travels to Uzbekistan – On Tuesday, Balkh governor Mohammad Yousuf Wafa visited Termez at the invitation of Uzbek authorities, meeting with Governor Ogilbek Qosimov and other officials. The discussions focused on strengthening trade, cultural, and security cooperation; facilitating business visas for Afghan traders; expanding rail transport for imports and exports; and reinforcing border and diplomatic ties.
Taliban Sign Trade Agreement with Kazakhstan – On Wednesday, the Taliban’s Ministry of Industry and Commerce announced more than $360 million in trade agreements between Afghan and Kazakh companies following business meetings attended by Taliban minister Nuruddin Azizi and Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister Serik Zhumangarin. Fifteen companies took part in the deals.
Six Afghans Arrested in India for Forged Documents – On Monday, Indian police arrested six Afghan nationals who had been living in India using forged documents after entering on medical visas between 2015 and 2019. All six allegedly used fake Indian identities to work. Five detainees are from Kabul and one from Kandahar. They were transferred from Mumbai to New Delhi for deportation.
Afghanistan/China Trade Numbers Released – On Saturday, Afghanistan’s Ministry of Industry and Commerce reported that bilateral trade with China reached $745 million in the first nine months of 2025. Afghan exports totaled only $18 million—mainly pine nuts, dried apricots, and gemstones—while imports worth $727 million consisted primarily of textiles, solar panels, electronics, and raw materials.
US Visa Processing Information/US Legal Information (updated 10/16/25):
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 – No major changes have been reported. 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 also maintain valid legal status (e.g., a resident or visit visa) in their host country. Before requesting a case transfer, applicants should verify local visa requirements, processing times, living costs, and renewal options. Many embassies are dealing with significant backlogs and may refuse transfers. Do not relocate until receiving written confirmation from both the NVC and the U.S. embassy approving the transfer and interview date. Obtaining multi-entry visas for nearby countries may provide added 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 Thursday, the Trump administration’s 2026 Presidential Determination set the U.S. refugee admissions cap at a historic low of 7,500, with most slots reportedly reserved for white South Africans. The refugee ban remains in effect, permitting resettlement only through limited exemptions. No refugees have been admitted this month, and none from Afghanistan are expected under the new plan. Critics warn that the policy abandons vulnerable groups, including Afghans who assisted U.S. forces, leaving many already-vetted applicants in limbo and marking a significant departure from past humanitarian commitments. A limited number of refugee cases covered by Pacito v. Trump may still be contacted by IOM for resettlement. Those eligible will be contacted directly. Please note: Afghans remain subject to the travel ban, and wider refugee processing is still halted.
ICE Information – ICE detentions are a growing concern for Afghans in the United States, including Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs). Following a recent Supreme Court ruling lifting restrictions on immigration enforcement in Los Angeles, ICE officers may now conduct stops based on factors such as appearance, language, employment, or location. Reports indicate that even Afghans with legal status—including LPRs and individuals 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, and prepare for possible encounters with ICE. Information on rights is available here.
USCIS Moral Character Requirements – USCIS has expanded its “good moral character” criteria for green card holders seeking U.S. citizenship, allowing officers to review applicants’ social media activity, community reputation, and potential “anti-American” affiliations. The broadened screening considers online behavior, neighborhood relationships, and general conduct when determining naturalization eligibility. Afghans and other applicants are advised to be cautious with public posts, avoid controversial or misleading content, and maintain clear records of positive community involvement and lawful conduct.
NEXT WEEK
Despite continued rhetoric and tension between Pakistan and Afghanistan over the past week, the coming week is expected to remain relatively calm as both sides wait for the next round of negotiations, scheduled to begin on Thursday. Most border crossings between Afghanistan and Pakistan remain closed to regular travel and trade, opening only for returnees and deportations. Borders are likely to remain closed at least until talks resume.
In Pakistan, TTP attacks have continued, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and the group has warned against movement after sunset in Bajaur. Individuals in border areas should exercise caution, as further attacks remain likely. Pakistan has also intensified deportations of Afghans, with crackdowns reported in Sindh and Punjab provinces and the closure of refugee camps. Those detained are being held in centers near the border prior to deportation. All Afghans in Pakistan are urged to ensure they possess valid visas; however, even those with valid documentation may still be subject to detention or extortion.
In Afghanistan, the situation remains largely unchanged, and no major shifts are expected in the coming week. Recent deportees remain vulnerable to surveillance, detention, torture, and killings—particularly individuals with past affiliations to resistance groups or the former government.
In the United States, courts have ruled that the Trump administration cannot suspend SNAP benefits, though it remains unclear whether the administration will comply with the order. Afghans currently receiving SNAP support should be aware of the possibility of temporary disruptions. Local food banks, community organizations, and mosques may be able to provide assistance during any gap in benefits. More information can be found here
REGIONAL ROUNDUP
IRAN
Afghan Executed in Iran – On Tuesday, Iranian authorities executed 59-year-old Afghan national Eslam Mir Saeed at Yazd Central Prison for drug-related offenses. Saeed’s 21-year-old son remains imprisoned, serving a nine-month sentence for alleged involvement in the case. Two additional Afghans were executed on Saturday, though details remain limited.
PAKISTAN
Torkham Opens to Return Afghans – On Friday, Pakistan temporarily reopened the Torkham border crossing to allow Afghan migrants to return home, following its closure amid recent clashes between Taliban and Pakistani border guards. Trade and pedestrian movement remain halted, and no timeline has been announced for a full reopening. Afghan detainees without legal documents had been held in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during the shutdown.
ISKP Commander Killed in Peshawar – On Tuesday, an alleged ISKP commander, identified as Nusrat Pahlawan, was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Nusrat was a key planner behind attacks in Kabul in 2022–2023 and led the group’s “Pahlawan” center in Pakistan. ISKP has not commented.
Attack in Kurram – On Wednesday, at least six Pakistani soldiers were killed, 14 injured, and three reported missing after a bomb attack and subsequent ambush in Sultan Kalay, Central Kurram district. The Pakistani Taliban claimed responsibility. The military’s media wing, ISPR, stated that seven militants linked to the group were later killed in retaliatory operations, while security forces continue to check for additional explosives.
Senior TTP Deputy Chief Killed – On Thursday, Pakistani officials announced that Qari Amjid, also known as Mufti Muzahim, a top TTP leader and former deputy chief, was killed in an intelligence-based operation in Bajaur district. Muzahim previously served as the group’s shadow defense minister and a leadership council member. The U.S. State Department designated him a Specially Designated Global Terrorist in November 2022. The TTP confirmed the deaths of Muzahim and his aide Commander Yasir but rejected claims that Muzahim was killed near the Afghan border, saying he died in a “treacherous operation” during an internal mission between Bajaur and Dir.
TTP Warns Against Nighttime Travel in Bajaur – On Saturday, the TTP warned residents of Bajaur district to avoid road travel after sunset, claiming its fighters have planted landmines and explosives in multiple areas. In an audio message, TTP deputy governor Bilal Bajauri warned the group would not be responsible for casualties. The warning follows the recent killing of senior TTP leaders in clashes with Pakistani forces.
SPOTLIGHT ANALYSIS
Where Afghanistan Fits in Iran’s Changing Regional Playbook
Sayed Basim Raza and Mohammad Shoiab
The recent cross-border clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan have once again exposed the challenges to regional stability. Both sides may have achieved a fragile ceasefire – facilitated by regional players – but tangible tensions remain.
Negotiations between Islamabad and Kabul are going nowhere. Afghanistan’s Taliban government continues to resist signing on to any written guarantees regarding the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other militant groups targeting state apparatus and civilian forces, mainly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces, the latter of which shares a border with both Afghanistan and Iran.
For Tehran, a willing potential facilitator of Afghanistan-Pakistan negotiations, the ongoing talks between two of its neighbors are a central concern. Iran is a net beneficiary of the status quo and, therefore, will render support for maintaining it.
For Iran, peace and stability in the neighborhood have become pivotal after the war with Israel in June 2025. Since the war, its concerns have been redirected inward rather than outward, clearly shown in its quiet involvement in promoting calm between two of its neighbors. Concerns about stability and security on its borders preoccupy decisionmakers in post-war Tehran who desire regime security and predictability, especially in Afghanistan.
Afghanistan occupies a central position in Tehran’s changing playbook, as the country presents as both a risk and a buffer. A strong, confident Iran may be risk-acceptant, but a vulnerable Iran is risk-averse and seeks “stability through managed engagement.” Iran’s ideological ingress and desire to maintain a sphere of influence inside Afghanistan, through the Shi’ite population in the country, can wait.
AFGHAN NEWS
AFJC
Over the past two decades, approximately 130 journalists and media workers in Afghanistan have tragically lost their lives due to war-related incidents and organized crimes. Despite these grave losses, a persistent culture of impunity has prevented justice from being served in the majority of these cases. Moreover, restrictions on media activities and journalism have reached unprecedented levels, severely impacting press freedom and the safety of journalists.
Today, November 2, 2025, marks the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists. According to the AFJC’s data, since 2001, at least 130 journalists and media employees, including 20 women, have been killed in the country. Our investigations reveal that in over 90 percent of these cases, justice has not been upheld, perpetuating a dangerous cycle of violence and silence.
Three Afghan Returnees Die After Being Stranded for Two Weeks at Torkham Border
Kabul Now
Three Afghan refugees, a woman and two infants, died on Saturday after being stranded for days at the Spin Boldak border between Pakistan and Afghanistan, local sources in Kandahar told KabulNow.
The two children, aged two and three months, reportedly died of starvation, while the woman succumbed to illness after being trapped at the border for 15 days. They passed away in the Pukhta Pul district shortly after finally re-entering Afghanistan via the Spin Boldak crossing.
REGIONAL NEWS
Pakistan Denies Turning Down Taliban’s Offer to Deport Militants
Kabul Now
Pakistan has rejected the Taliban’s claim that Islamabad refused Kabul’s offer to deport militants targeting Pakistan, calling the statement “false and misleading.”
In a post on X, Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said it “categorically rejects the deliberate twisting of facts” by Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid regarding the recent Istanbul talks.
The ministry clarified that Pakistan had asked the Taliban side to control or arrest militants operating from Afghanistan.
Pakistan expels nearly 8,000 Afghan migrants in a single day
Siyar Sirat
Amidst a surge in crackdown by Pakistani police on Afghan migrants, figures by the Taliban-run commission for refugees show that at least 8,000 immigrants were expelled from Pakistan on Sunday, Oct 27, marking one of the highest daily deportation figures in recent months.
The commission said the migrants were deported through the Spin Boldak and Bahramcha border crossings in southern Afghanistan.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
At least 49 relatives and colleagues of Afghans in data leak have been killed, study suggests
Diane Taylor
At least 49 family members and colleagues of Afghans affected by the MoD’s mass data breach have been killed, according to research submitted to a parliamentary committee.
The first on-the-ground research into 350 affected people in Afghanistan, the UK or elsewhere has found that, of the 231 respondents who received notification from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) that their data had been leaked, 49 responded that either a colleague or a family member had been killed as a result of the data breach.
Trump’s 7,500 refugee cap; echoing restrictive US immigration history
AlJazeera
US President Donald Trump has announced that he will limit the number of refugees entering the US to 7,500 for the fiscal year 2026.
This is a record low since the 1980 Refugee Act when a cap on refugees entering the country was set at 50,000 per year, but could be changed. That was the same year that the US refugee resettlement programme was launched. Currently, the cap sits at 125,000, set by former President Joe Biden.
Afghani to US Dollar: $1 – 66.61 AFN (As of November 2)