The Week of October 28-November 3
Security and Conflict
Afghan Security Watch Summary of Incidents – According to Afghanistan Security Watch, 124 security incidents were reported in the third quarter of this year across 22 provinces, predominantly in Kabul, Herat, Badghis, and Parwan. These incidents were largely led by anti-Taliban groups such as the National Resistance Front (responsible for 94 attacks) and ISIS-K. Civilian casualties rose by 70%, with 38 deaths and 51 injuries, mainly attributed to ISIS-K. Notably, ISIS conducted its first attacks in Daikundi and Bamiyan, signaling an expanded regional presence.
Explosion in Sar-e Pul – An explosion occurred in Sar-e Pul city on Sunday around 1:30 a.m., killing two people and injuring over ten others. The blast, likely caused by an IED placed on a motorcycle, took place on Gazer Shahan Road. The Taliban have not released a statement, and no group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
Human Rights and Civil Liberties
‘Moral Corruption’ Arrests – The Taliban’s Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice reported that its "urban monitors" arrested seven individuals, including two women, in Kabul across the city’s 22 districts on charges of "moral corruption." Following preliminary investigations, the detainees were transferred to relevant Taliban authorities. The Ministry also announced the detention of six more individuals—five men and one woman—in Kabul and Farah provinces on similar charges of “moral corruption,” specifically related to alleged illicit relationships. Similar arrests had previously been reported in Kandahar.
Former ANSF Detained – The Taliban intelligence agency reportedly detained a former military officer, Hashmatullah Abid, from Abedkhil village in Parwan’s Jabal al-Saraj district. This marks his third detention since the fall of the republic; since then, he had been farming with no known ties to any group.
Former Head of Panjshir Council Sentenced – The Taliban sentenced Abdul Karim Abbasi, the former head of the Panjshir council, to 12 years in prison after detaining him for nine months. Abbasi, who had previously been detained in 2021–2022, stayed in Afghanistan post-collapse and opened a gemstone shop. Recently transferred from Pul-e-Charkhi to Bagram prison, his arrest has gone without Taliban comment.
Floggings – The Taliban carried out a series of public floggings across multiple provinces this week: on Monday, one woman and three men were flogged in Parwan; on Tuesday, three men and one woman in Nangarhar; on Wednesday, one man in Paktika; on Friday, two people in Ghazni; and on Sunday, another person in Ghazni.
Talib Kills Woman over Land Dispute – In Darqad, Takhar, 55-year-old Gol Bibi died after being beaten by a Taliban police commander over a land dispute. She and other women resisted the Taliban and a local land grabber’s efforts to seize their fields. Her death led to protests in Darqad, which were met with forceful suppression by the Taliban.
Students Expelled from University over Beards – At Nangarhar University, the Taliban’s morality police expelled several male students for lacking beards or turbans, enforcing strict new rules. Morality officers monitored the campus, barring non-compliant students and inspecting dormitories. Professors, staff, and students are now required to wear turbans, maintain untrimmed beards, and attend congregational prayers, with noncompliance subject to punishment.
Internal Politics
New Restrictions on Firearms – The Taliban’s Ministry of Interior has imposed new restrictions on firearm possession, now requiring permits exclusively from its Criminal Investigation Department unit and declaring all other permits invalid. Additionally, both government officials and citizens must obtain authorization to use vehicles with tinted windows, following a directive from the Taliban leader.
Criticism of Taliban Salary Policies – Taliban insiders, including religious scholars, have criticized the regime's high taxes and the excessive salaries granted to senior officials, calling them unjust and contrary to Sharia law. Key criticisms include directors earning 200,000 AFN per month and governors receiving 5,000,000 AFN for expenses. Allegations also involve officials using funds for multiple marriages and personal purchases. While some are advised to stay silent for safety, others defend the leadership’s authority.
International Developments
Fourth Doha Meeting Announced – Qatar’s Foreign Ministry has announced an upcoming fourth round of international talks on Afghanistan to be held in Doha, with a focus on cooperation between Qatar and the UN for Afghan stability and crisis resolution. The meeting aims to build on outcomes from the previous Doha 3 summit, though the date has not yet been set.
Taliban Request British Help in Healthcare – TThe Taliban have requested the UK’s assistance in Afghanistan’s healthcare sector, calling it essential. Taliban-appointed Health Minister Noor Jalal Jalali discussed the matter with Robert Dixon, the UK chargé d'affaires for Afghanistan, focusing on improvements to cancer and drug addiction treatment facilities. However, the World Health Organization and the UN have noted that restrictions on female health workers have already led to reduced aid and worsened Afghanistan's humanitarian crisis.
UN To Assist with Banking Sector – Roza Otunbayeva, head of UNAMA, reportedly pledged support for Afghanistan’s financial sector during a meeting with Noor Ahmad Agha, the Taliban-appointed central bank governor. Otunbayeva emphasized strengthening banking to aid economic recovery, according to the bank's statement. UNAMA has not yet confirmed or commented on these statements.
Richard Bennett Statement – In a recent statement, UN Special Rapporteur Richard Bennett called on countries that exited Afghanistan to uphold their commitments, citing a worsening human rights situation, especially for women, girls, minorities, and civil society. In a report to the UN General Assembly, he condemned severe repression and violence against women by the Taliban, urging a cohesive international strategy centered on the Afghan people’s needs. Bennett highlighted credible reports of abuses, including sexual violence in Taliban prisons, and emphasized the need for urgent action.
Canadian Envoy Statement on NRF – David Sproule, Canada’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, expressed support for the National Resistance Front's (NRF) political position but ruled out backing any military actions against the Taliban. He criticized Taliban restrictions, particularly on women, as oppressive and advocated for a power-sharing framework. While acknowledging the Taliban’s likely continued rule, Sproule noted growing internal and external pressures on the regime.
Freedom of the Press
AJSO Statement on Censorship – The Afghanistan Journalists Support Organization (AJSO) has accused the Taliban of intensifying censorship, threats, and violence against Afghan media since 2021. In a statement marking the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, AJSO emphasized the lack of Taliban protections for journalists and called for global action. Afghan journalists, including those in exile in Pakistan and Iran, continue to face severe threats and restricted rights.
AFJC Report on Violence towards Journalists – The Afghanistan Journalists Center (AFJC) released a report documenting nearly 450 cases of violence against journalists since the Taliban's 2021 takeover, including 220 detentions and three deaths. The report underscores a decline in press freedom, “unprecedented restrictions,” and a prevailing culture of impunity. The AFJC urged the Taliban to end repression, repeal restrictive media laws, and hold perpetrators accountable, noting that press freedom is essential for Afghan society’s development.
Regional Developments
Taliban Islamabad Chargé d'Affaires Statement – On Tuesday, the Taliban’s chargé d'affaires in Islamabad, Sardar Muhammad Shaqib, referred to Pakistan as the Taliban’s "second home" and denied accusations of destabilizing the country. Shaqib stated that the Taliban prohibits Afghan soil from being used for terrorism against other nations and that regional instability adversely affects Afghanistan. However, Pakistani officials allege that the Taliban supports TTP activities within Pakistan, a claim Shaqib refuted. Addressing trade challenges, Shaqib pointed to outdated trade agreements, customs restrictions, and frequent border closures. He proposed enhancing infrastructure, customs procedures, and transport networks, including railways and roads, to boost trade and regional connectivity.
Pakistan reject Taliban Proposal for Talks with TTP – Pakistan's Foreign Ministry dismissed the Taliban’s suggestion for negotiations with the TTP, calling it disrespectful to victims of TTP violence. Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch emphasized Pakistan’s unwillingness to negotiate with terrorist groups and urged the Afghan Taliban to counter TTP activities within Afghanistan. Pakistan maintains that the Afghan Taliban harbors TTP operatives, a claim the Taliban denies.
Fortification on Afghanistan- China Border – The Afghanistan-China border remains heavily secured as Beijing expresses concerns about Uyghur fighters in Afghanistan’s Badakhshan province. Although the Taliban have attempted to establish land connections with China, progress has been limited. Local reports mention Chinese patrols at the border, with residents facing significant travel obstacles due to poor infrastructure. While China provides economic support to the Taliban, it remains hesitant to invest in transport projects linking Afghanistan to Xinjiang, fearing security risks related to Uyghur fighters reportedly sheltered by the Taliban.
Aviation Agreement with Qatar – The Taliban's Ministry of Transport and Aviation announced a new agreement with QThe Taliban's Ministry of Transport and Aviation announced a new agreement with Qatar to facilitate direct flights. Signed by Deputy Minister Abdulsalam Haidari and Qatar Aviation Authority head Mohammed Falah Al-Hajri, the agreement grants increased air traffic rights and allows airlines from both nations to offer direct flights, enhancing transit facilities for passengers.
Uzbekistan appoints new Ambassador to Afghanistan – On Monday, Uzbekistan appointed Oybek Osmanov as the new Ambassador to Afghanistan.
Afghanistan-China Railroad Re-Opens – China and the Taliban announced the resumption of direct freight trains between China and Afghanistan. A train carrying 55 wagons of goods, including electrical equipment and clothing, recently departed from Nantong, China, and is expected to reach Afghanistan’s Hairatan port within 20 days. This route, originally established in 2016, aims to bolster trade relations.
Numbers on Iranian Exports to Afghanistan – Iran’s non-oil exports to Afghanistan grew by 31% in the first half of the Iranian calendar year, totaling over $1.07 billion, a $254 million increase from the previous year. Nearly 560,000 tons of goods, including steel, cement, and potatoes, were exported. Imports from Afghanistan also increased by 192%, reaching over $33 million.
Turkish Cement Contract – On Tuesday, the Taliban-led Ministry of Mines signed a $163 million contract with Turkey's 77 Construction to operate the Yatitaq Cement Factory in Jawzjan province.
Miscellaneous
Polio Vaccinations to Begin – A three-day polio vaccination campaign began Monday across 16 Afghan provinces, aiming to immunize 6.2 million children under five, according to Taliban health ministry spokesman Sharafat Zaman Amarkhil. This is the fourth campaign this year, launched in response to rising polio cases, with three recently reported in Helmand and Kandahar. Afghanistan and Pakistan remain the only countries where polio is endemic, driving urgent vaccination efforts.
New Polio Case – On Tuesday, a new case of polio was reported in Helmand, bringing Afghanistan’s total for 2024 to 85 confirmed cases.
NEXT WEEK
The Taliban are expected to intensify crackdowns under the vice and virtue law. Enforcement of these rules varies from province to province, so individuals in Afghanistan should exercise caution when outside their homes.
Additionally, deportations of Afghans continue from Iran and Pakistan, prompting those in both countries to be vigilant and cautious in their movements.
REGIONAL ROUNDUP
IRAN
Border Clash – Taliban and Iranian border guards clashed early Wednesday at the zero-point border between Kang district, Nimroz, and Hirmand County. The incident reportedly began when Iranian border guards at Tower 4 in Sasouli village fired on Baloch fuel smugglers, resulting in the death of 26-year-old Naeem Rigi from Khatam-e Ghaljai. No official statements have been released by Taliban or Iranian authorities regarding the confrontation.
Statement on Afghan Prisoners in Iran – Iran’s Attorney General announced that around 8,000 foreign prisoners are currently held in the country, with plans to repatriate 574 Afghan prisoners within a month. The Taliban previously reported the release of 4,000 Afghans following negotiations with Iran and continues to seek the return of remaining detainees. Although the exact number of Afghan inmates is unclear, nearly 95% of foreign prisoners in Iran are Afghan nationals.
Former Afghan Police Commander Detained – Iranian security forces briefly detained and questioned former Takhar police commander General Ikramuddin Sari, releasing him without explanation. Following the Taliban's takeover, Sari and other former Afghan security personnel fled to Iran and Pakistan. Reports indicate that some deported officers were later detained or killed by the Taliban, including Commander Izzatullah, a former ally of Marshal Dostum, who was killed after being deported.
Record High Executions – According to the Iran Human Rights Organization, Iran executed at least 166 people in October, marking the highest monthly total since 2007.
PAKISTAN
Polio Vaccinators Abducted – On Tuesday in Dabori, Orakzai district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, an attack on a polio vaccination team’s police escort left one policeman dead and another injured. Meanwhile, militants in Shewa, North Waziristan, detained a separate vaccination team at a dispensary, seizing the police escort’s weapons.
Attack on Police – On Friday, a motorcycle bomb exploded near a police vehicle in Mastung, Pakistan, killing seven people, including five children, and highlighting escalating violence in Balochistan. The attack, potentially linked to Baloch separatists, reflects rising tensions amid Chinese security concerns, as Chinese officials have urged Pakistan to protect its nationals working on Belt and Road Initiative projects.
SPOTLIGHT ANALYSIS
Summary of Countrywide Consultations with Afghan Women
This report captures the voices and concerns of women across Afghanistan as they navigate an increasingly restrictive environment for women’s rights. Since its military takeover in August 2021, the Taliban (the de facto authorities (DFA)) has implemented a series of decrees, directives, and practices aimed at systematically removing women from Afghan public life and decision-making positions – across almost all sectors. This stream of edicts has also included a ban on girls and young women pursuing secondary and university-level education in Afghanistan.
AFGHAN NEWS
Taliban 2.0 losing its grip on Afghanistan
Chris Fitzgerald
Afghanistan’s Taliban faces growing opposition to its three-year post-conflict rule, rising threats that are gnawing at the stability the one-time insurgent group has sought to impose on the nation.
The Islamist regime appeared to be riding high just recently in celebrating the third anniversary of its second time in power with a military parade showcasing fighter aircraft and weapons seized after the US-led coalition withdrew in chaos in August 2021.
But behind the celebration and military flexing, the Taliban is contending with potent challenges on multiple fronts. Crucially, the Taliban has wholly failed to rein in the Islamic State Khorasan (IS-K) jihadist group, which seeks to create a caliphate across South and Central Asia.
Economic hardship, family pressures drive forced labor in Afghanistan
Milad Sayar
A new field study by Amu reveals that “economic hardship” and “family pressure” are the primary drivers of a sharp rise in forced labor across Afghanistan, affecting vulnerable groups, especially children, across the country.
Conducted across eight provinces, the study highlights the limited options for millions of Afghans as they endure challenging and often exploitative work conditions to meet basic family needs.
An alarming 33.3 percent of respondents reported that children are particularly impacted, often bearing the heaviest burdens.
UNICEF Warns Kabul’s Groundwater Could Run Dry by 2030, Urges Immediate Action
Kabul Now
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has warned that Kabul’s groundwater could be fully depleted by 2030, driven by rapid urbanization and the intensifying impacts of climate change.
In a statement on Tuesday, October 29, UNICEF stressed the urgent need for immediate action to prevent a looming water crisis.
UN Report: Taliban Severely Limits Women’s Access to Justice, Leaving Them Vulnerable
Kabul Now
A joint report by UN Women, IOM and UN Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) reveals a significant deterioration in Afghan women’s access to legal services under the Taliban regime, leaving them virtually powerless within a justice system now devoid of gender equality.
The report draws on quarterly consultations, reaching 776 women across Afghanistan’s 34 provinces through online and in-person group sessions and individual telesurveys between July 17 and 29, 2024.
REGIONAL NEWS
OIC, Pakistan officials discuss efforts to engage Taliban on girls’ education
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation’s special envoy for Afghanistan, Tarig Ali Bakheet, met with Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch on Tuesday to discuss efforts for constructive dialogue with the Taliban, including on the topic of girls’ education.
In a statement, the OIC said that the meeting addressed political, economic, and humanitarian issues concerning Afghanistan, with a focus on fulfilling mandates outlined in OIC resolutions. The statement noted that the discussions “also included efforts by the OIC and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to pursue constructive dialogue with the de facto authorities on various issues, including girls’ education, counter-terrorism, and humanitarian concerns.”
Human rights lawyer Imaan Mazari, husband arrested by Islamabad police
Dawn
Human rights lawyer Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and her husband Hadi Ali were arrested on Monday, the Islamabad police said.
“Taking legal action, Islamabad police have arrested Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali as per the law and regulations for creating a security risk by interfering in state duties during an international cricket team’s visit,” the police said on X.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS RELATING TO AFGHANISTAN
Three Years of Taliban Rule in Afghanistan: The Human Rights, Humanitarian and Political Crises
Monasah University
The report summarises the discussions and outcomes of the Afghanistan Conference marking Three Years of Taliban Rule in Afghanistan: The Human Rights, Humanitarian, and Political Crises, held on August 30, 2024, in Melbourne. The conference was jointly organised by La Trobe University, Monash University, and the Middle East Studies Forum at Deakin University, and led by Abbas Farasoo, Farkhondeh Akbari, Niamatullah Ibrahimi and Arif Saba. The conference addressed the intersecting political, humanitarian, human rights, and security crises that have escalated since the Taliban assumed control in August 2021. The report covers five panel discussions and a keynote speech by Richard Bennett, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan. The panels critically discussed the challenges of diplomatic engagement with the Taliban, the dire human rights situation, risks of terrorism and insecurity for different groups and gender, the humanitarian crisis, and the roles of Afghanistan’s diaspora in addressing these challenges. The report makes concrete recommendations on addressing the multifaceted crises in Afghanistan.
Afghani to the Dollar: $1 – 66.92 AFN (as of 3 November 2024)
