The Week of October 6-October 12
Security and Conflict
Pakistan Drone Strikes in Kabul – On Thursday, two powerful explosions were reported in Kabul around 9:50 a.m., heard across several neighborhoods including Karta-e-Now, Shahr-e-Naw, Khair Khana, and Taymani. Sources said the blasts resulted from an airstrike targeting a Land Cruiser at the Abdul Haq intersection, reportedly carried out by Pakistan. Drones were seen patrolling the area afterward. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed the explosions and said an investigation was underway, with no casualties yet reported. Pakistani media linked the strike to an attempt to kill TTP leader Mufti Noor Wali Mehsud, though later reports indicated he survived. Afghanistan’s Defense Ministry condemned the airstrikes in Kabul and Paktika as “an unprecedented and violent act,” accusing Pakistan of violating Afghan sovereignty and warning of consequences. Pakistan has not officially confirmed involvement, saying it is “looking into the matter.”
Pakistan Drone Strikes in Paktika – On Thursday, following the explosions in Kabul, additional airstrikes were reported around midnight in the Margha Bazaar area of Barmal District, Paktika Province. The strikes, allegedly conducted by Pakistani fighter jets, destroyed about ten shops, including grocery and medical stores, causing extensive property damage but no casualties. Residents reported multiple explosions lasting several minutes, and video footage shows significant destruction in the marketplace. The Taliban’s Ministry of Defense later confirmed that Pakistan carried out airstrikes in Paktika and Kabul, describing them as bombings of civilian markets. Islamabad has not officially commented, and the Pakistani Army spokesperson avoided providing details when questioned.
Drone Strikes in Kandahar and Helmand – On Sunday, Pakistani drones carried out strikes on targets in southern Afghanistan, hitting areas of Spin Boldak district in Kandahar and Bahramcha, Helmand province. Multiple explosions were reported, with unconfirmed reports of casualties. The strikes, which Pakistani media claimed targeted militant hideouts. In Kabul, there have been numerous reports of drone patrols, particularly near the Ministry of Defense and Darul Aman.
Border Clashes – On Friday, clashes were reported along the Durand Line, where Afghan Taliban and Pakistani border forces exchanged fire near the Ghulam Khan crossing in North Waziristan. Unverified videos shared on social media by pro-Taliban accounts appeared to show burning military installations in Dera Ismail Khan amid a reported Pakistani Taliban assault.
On Saturday, heavy cross-border fighting erupted between Taliban and Pakistani forces along multiple sections of the Afghanistan–Pakistan frontier following Pakistan’s recent airstrikes on Kabul and Paktika. The Taliban’s 201st Khalid bin Walid Corps confirmed launching retaliatory attacks on Pakistani border posts in Kunar and Nangarhar provinces, with intense clashes continuing in Nari district’s Duklam area and the Dur Baba region. In southern Afghanistan, Taliban forces attacked Pakistani outposts in Helmand’s Bahramcha district, Zabul, and Paktia, capturing several checkpoints. Security sources confirmed that 12 Pakistani soldiers were killed in Bahramcha, while five others surrendered in Kandahar. Additional clashes were reported in Khost, Paktika, and Badini near the Balochistan–Zabul border.
Across the Kurram border in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, heavy shelling in Gavi and Tiri villages left two Pakistani border officials and one civilian dead, with another civilian injured; three Afghan border guards were also reported killed. Both sides have placed their border units on high alert amid escalating hostilities.
Fighting continued into Sunday. The Taliban administration claimed that at least 58 Pakistani soldiers were killed in retaliatory attacks on Saturday night, while Pakistan’s military acknowledged 23 fatalities among its troops and asserted that 200 Taliban and affiliated militants were killed in response.
Political Commentator Shot in Kabul – On Thursday, Afghan political analyst Salim Paygar, known for his televised commentary supporting some Taliban policies while criticizing school closures and internet restrictions, was shot at his home near Hanzala Mosque in Kabul. Two men posing as visitors returning from Canada opened fire as they left; neighbors captured one while the other escaped. Paygar was shot in the head and remains in a coma at Emergency Hospital. The Taliban’s Interior Ministry confirmed the attack, citing “personal motives.”
Iranian Dissident Shot in Herat – On Wednesday, Iranian dissident Rostam Ejbari, a Baloch activist living in Herat, Afghanistan, was shot twice in the head by unidentified gunmen in a central district. He died of his injuries on Saturday. Ejbari, known for his criticism of Iran’s government, had fled from Khorasan to Afghanistan. Following the attack, Iranian-linked media labeled him a Jaish al-Adl leader—claims his family strongly denied.
Phone Searches in Herat – On Wednesday, residents in Herat reported that Taliban officials from the Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice inspected citizens’ mobile phones, stopping mostly young people at several city intersections to check phone content for violations.
Human Rights and Civil Liberties
Taliban Release 72 Prisoners – On Monday, the Taliban freed 72 prisoners and reduced the sentences of 95 others in Sar-e-Pul on orders from their leader, but excluded political detainees and those accused of anti-Taliban “propaganda.” Relatives said many of those released had Taliban links. The move coincides with a U.S. human rights report accusing the Taliban of systematic repression, enforced disappearances, and abuses possibly amounting to crimes against humanity and genocide.
Environmental Official Detained in Daikundi – On September 15, Taliban intelligence officers detained Arif Siddiqi, the public awareness officer at the Daikundi Department of Environment, in Nili. He has been held without charge or family contact for over 20 days. Relatives were told he is under interrogation, but authorities have provided no reason for his arrest or information about his condition.
Floggings – On Monday, three men and two women were flogged in Kapisa. On Wednesday, two people were flogged in Takhar, two in Khost, and one in Ghazni.
Internal Politics
Mullah Hibatullah’s Speech – On Tuesday, Mullah Hibatullah addressed a three-day seminar in Kandahar attended by provincial governors and district chiefs from all 34 provinces, emphasizing sincerity, humility, and discipline in governance. He urged officials to serve honestly, uphold Islamic law, and view public service as the “true form of jihad.”
In a key clarification, Mullah Hibatullah explained that his decrees do not concern matters of Fardh (obligatory religious duties) or Wajib (essential religious acts), which are already defined in Islamic law. Instead, they relate to Ijtihadi and Mubah matters—issues open to scholarly interpretation or actions deemed permissible but not obligatory or forbidden.
He said such directives aim to prevent internal disputes and promote unity. Mullah Hibatullah reaffirmed that appointments and dismissals within the Taliban administration are his exclusive authority, exercised as a matter of trust and divine will.
Mullah Hibattulah Radio Speech – On Saturday, in a rare radio address from Kandahar, Mullah Hibatullah urged all security officials, including provincial and district governors, to personally participate in night patrols to enhance public safety. Calling vigilance a religious duty, he described night guard duty as “a great form of worship,” warning officials to report any negligence directly to him.
Afghan Embassy in Iran Stops Issuing Tazkera – On Saturday, the Taliban-run Afghan Embassy in Tehran suspended the issuance of new electronic ID cards for Afghans in Iran, citing “new conditions.” Previously processed cards remain available for collection. Iranian media warned that the move could hinder Afghans’ access to public and banking services. The Taliban have not clarified the reason, prompting concern among Afghan residents over increased bureaucratic and financial hardships.
Meeting Held on Human Trafficking – On Wednesday, the Taliban’s Ministry of Information and Culture met with media representatives and analysts in Kabul to discuss enforcing decrees against “immoral practices and human trafficking.” Deputy Minister Mujahir Farahi urged media cooperation in shaping public awareness and promoting moral reform. Rights groups, however, warned that Taliban restrictions on press freedom make such initiatives contradictory, as journalists face censorship and bans on criticizing Taliban governance.
International Developments
UN Approves Independent Human Rights Mechanism for Afghanistan – On Monday, the UN Human Rights Council unanimously approved a landmark resolution creating an independent mechanism to investigate grave human rights violations in Afghanistan, including crimes under Taliban rule. Introduced by the EU, the measure will collect and preserve evidence of war crimes and gender persecution, complementing the work of Special Rapporteur Richard Bennett, whose mandate was extended despite being barred from Afghanistan. The new body will cooperate with the ICC and scrutinize abuses by all actors, including the Taliban. Rights groups hailed the move as a decisive step toward accountability after years of advocacy for justice and documentation.
People’s Tribunal Begins Hearings – The People’s Tribunal for Afghan Women convened in Madrid on October 9–10, 2025, to investigate and document Taliban crimes against women since their 2021 return to power. Organized by Afghan and international rights groups, it accuses 11 senior Taliban leaders—including Mullah Hibatullah , Sirajuddin Haqqani, and Mullah Yaqoob—of gender-based persecution constituting crimes against humanity. Survivors recounted forced marriages, torture, sexual abuse, and the denial of education and healthcare. Prosecutors described Taliban policies as gender apartheid. Shaharzad Akbar of Rawadari said the tribunal seeks justice, accountability, and an end to the normalization of Taliban brutality toward Afghan women.
German Envoy in Kabul – On Monday, a senior German envoy met Taliban officials in Kabul to discuss the deportation of Afghan nationals convicted of crimes in Germany. The talks, involving Interior Ministry representative Mohammad Nabi Omari, focused on future repatriation procedures and logistical options for deportations. Taliban spokesman Abdul Mateen Qani confirmed the meeting, calling it “positive,” and said deportees would be biometrically registered and dealt with under Sharia law upon return.
Trump’s Statements on Afghanistan – On Monday, U.S. President Donald Trump renewed his criticism of the Afghanistan withdrawal, saying the United States “would have won Afghanistan easily” if it had not become “politically correct.” Speaking at a Navy anniversary event in Virginia, Trump reiterated his demand to regain control of Bagram Air Base, calling it strategically vital near China. The Taliban swiftly rejected the idea, with spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid insisting that Bagram “will never be handed over.”
Freedom of the Press
Social Media Restrictions – On Tuesday, the Taliban reportedly restricted access to major social media platforms—including Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat—across several Afghan provinces: Kabul, Herat, Balkh, Samangan, Parwan, and Faryab. Users say the sites are now accessible only through VPNs on mobile networks such as Afghan Wireless, Etisalat, Roshan, Salaam, and Atoma, while fixed-line internet remains largely unaffected. Sources within the Taliban’s Communications Ministry confirmed the implementation of content filters on Facebook, Instagram, and X, citing “inappropriate content.” Advocates report that information related to women’s rights, human rights, civil liberties, and music has been restricted. Some residents also noted limits on apps like Snapchat and Instagram. Telecom firms were reportedly ordered by the Ministry of Communications to enforce the restrictions.
Internet Shutdown in Kandahar – On Tuesday at 4:30 p.m., internet restrictions were reimposed in Kandahar, where the Taliban cut fiber-optic connections for households while maintaining access for public offices, banks, and money exchangers. The Taliban administration has yet to comment on the renewed internet curbs.
Internet Issues in Kunduz – On Monday, internet services in Kunduz Province were disrupted overnight due to a fiber-optic network outage. Authorities denied an intentional shutdown, citing a technical fault. The provincial communications directorate said the issue was resolved by 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, restoring all internet and telecommunications services to normal.
Afghan Journalists Suspended from Facebook – On Sunday, The Afghanistan Media Support Organization (AMSO), based in Germany, criticized Meta Platforms for suspending the Facebook accounts of several Afghan journalists, particularly those working in exile with diaspora media. In a press release, AMSO described the suspensions as a serious infringement on freedom of expression and urged Meta to reinstate the accounts, provide explanations, and create an appeals process. The organization also called on international media and rights groups to support Afghan journalists and defend press freedom.
Regional Developments
India Upgrades to Full Embassy in Kabul – On Friday, India upgraded its technical mission in Kabul to a full embassy, signaling deeper diplomatic engagement with Afghanistan. The announcement was made by Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar during talks with Afghan Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi in New Delhi. Officials said the move aims to enhance diplomatic, humanitarian, and development cooperation. India had reopened its technical mission in June 2022 after the Taliban takeover.
Moscow Format Meeting – On Tuesday, the 7th Moscow Format Consultations on Afghanistan were held in Moscow, gathering representatives from 10 countries, including Russia, China, Iran, India, Pakistan, and the Taliban—attending as a full member for the first time. Participants reaffirmed support for a stable, independent Afghanistan and rejected any foreign military presence, referencing U.S. calls to retake Bagram Air Base. The joint statement labeled terrorism a major threat and urged stronger counterterrorism cooperation and economic engagement. Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov pledged broad assistance to the Taliban in combating terrorism and narcotics, while all sides emphasized regional trade, integration, and humanitarian aid free from politicization.
Taliban Acting FM Travels to India – On October 9, 2025, Taliban Acting Foreign Minister Muttaqi arrived in New Delhi for talks with Indian officials on bilateral and regional matters, Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed. This marks Muttaqi’s first official visit to India since the Taliban regained power in 2021.
Muttaqi Visits Darul Uloom Deobandi – On Saturday, Afghanistan’s Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi visited Darul Uloom Deoband—India’s premier Deobandi seminary—where he was greeted by hundreds of students and senior clerics, including Maulana Arshad Madani and Mufti Abul Qasim Nomani. He was presented with a Sanad certificate and scheduled to address the gathering. During his arrival, women journalists were initially reported to have been barred from covering his press event in Delhi, prompting backlash; the seminary later denied issuing directives against female media. The Taliban’s ideology draws from the Deobandi interpretation of Islam, linking their religious legitimacy to centers like Deoband.
Pakistan Border Closings – On Friday, Afghan authorities ordered all commercial goods and vehicles to return from the Angoor Adda border crossing with South Waziristan after the Pakistan–Afghanistan border was closed indefinitely. On Sunday, Pakistan closed all major crossings along the 2,600-km Durand Line following overnight border clashes with Taliban forces. Pakistani media reported that the Torkham crossing was shut to traffic, while Afghan sources confirmed the complete closure of the Spin Boldak–Chaman crossing and said Afghan forces were on full alert. Local officials stated that, in addition to Torkham and Chaman, smaller crossings at Kharlachi, Angoor Adda, and Ghulam Khan were also closed.
Increase in Illegal Migration to Iran – Iranian border official Sardar Majid Shuja reported a sharp rise in illegal border crossings by Afghan migrants, saying the number has doubled in six months compared to last year. Speaking in Razavi Khorasan Province, he noted that arrests and deportations of Afghans attempting to enter Iran illegally increased from 19,000 to 40,000 over the same period, highlighting growing migration pressures along the Iran–Afghanistan border. It remains unclear whether the figures reflect increased movement or greater difficulty obtaining visas and traveling legally.
US Visa Processing Information/US Legal Information
New USRAP Numbers for 2026 – The U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) remains suspended until a new target is confirmed for Fiscal Year 2026, after President Trump set the intake level at 7,500—the lowest in the program’s history. Most resettlement slots are reportedly allocated to Afrikaners, while Afghan refugees continue to face a travel ban. Over 100,000 refugees with conditional approvals remain stranded pending congressional consultation once the government shutdown ends.
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. However, CARE flights have ended and will not resume, meaning 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.)
ICE Information – ICE detentions remain a serious concern for Afghans in the U.S. A recent Supreme Court decision lifted restrictions on immigration enforcement in Los Angeles, allowing ICE to resume stops based on appearance, language, job, or location. Afghans—especially those who served the U.S. or hold legal or refugee status—have reportedly been detained even during routine immigration appointments. Those at risk should carry proof of legal status, know their rights under U.S. law, and be prepared in case they are stopped by ICE. Information on rights can be found here.
USCIS Moral Character Requirements – USCIS has updated its “good moral character” standards for green card holders applying for naturalization, expanding the scope of review to include social media activity, neighborhood checks, and potential screening for “anti-American” content or associations. Officers may now consider online behavior, community reputation, and overall conduct when assessing eligibility. Afghans and other applicants should use caution with public posts and maintain clear records of positive community engagement and lawful behavior.
Miscellaneous
Kabul Mobile Libraries to Shut Down – On Tuesday, the Charmaghz Mobile Libraries team suspended operations of its 17 mobile libraries in Kabul, citing restrictions and operational challenges. Launched in 2018, the initiative reached nearly one million children and provided monthly access to books for about 40,000. Charmaghz will continue its mission under a U.S.-based nonprofit, developing a new educational program for Afghan children set to launch in 2026.
NEXT WEEK
In Afghanistan, internet restrictions—particularly on home Wi-Fi and social media apps—are expected to continue. Afghans are advised to use VPNs to maintain connectivity where possible. It remains unclear whether further restrictions will be implemented, but communications should be considered vulnerable at this time.
The security situation is extremely tense and is likely to remain so throughout the week. Pakistani strikes have heightened regional tensions, with border skirmishes and closures expected. Afghans are urged to exercise extreme caution near the Afghanistan–Pakistan border. All border crossings between Pakistan and Afghanistan are currently closed. Additionally, statements by U.S. President Trump regarding Bagram have increased internal tensions. Intensified security crackdowns—especially in northern provinces—should be anticipated, including house-to-house searches, phone inspections, and additional checkpoints. These operations appear to target former Afghan government officials, particularly those associated with the NDS, ANSF, or individuals with ties to, or potential recruitment into, resistance forces. This includes recent returnees or deportees from both Pakistan and Iran.
The Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice has also established neighborhood committees, officially to monitor moral conduct, but likely also to track anti-Taliban activity. The risk of human rights violations remains elevated.
Deportations from both Iran and Pakistan continue and are expected to increase in the coming week. In Pakistan, heightened deportations and detentions are likely as tensions with Afghanistan persist. Afghans in major Pakistani cities should be aware of potential protests, avoid crowds, and remain indoors during any civil unrest.
Afghans living abroad are advised not to travel to Afghanistan at this time. With the current tensions involving Pakistan and the U.S., the situation is highly volatile. Communications may be cut without warning, green card holders and foreign citizens may be detained, and travel to and from the country could be disrupted if fighting continues.
REGIONAL ROUNDUP
PAKISTAN
16 Soldiers Killed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa – Between Tuesday night and Wednesday, at least 16 Pakistani soldiers were killed in a TTP attack on a military post in Kurram district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, after five missing personnel were found dead. The overnight assault triggered hours of fighting, leaving several TTP fighters dead. The attack highlights Pakistan’s escalating insurgency, drawing parallels to Afghanistan’s long Taliban war. Islamabad has accused Kabul of harboring militants—a charge the Taliban denies—amid heightened regional security tensions.
5 TTP Killed in Dera Ismail Khan – On Thursday, at least five TTP members were killed in an intelligence-based operation in Musazai Shareef, Dera Ismail Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. A major injured during the raid later died at the Combined Military Hospital. Security forces recovered three bodies from the scene and continue follow-up operations in the area.
Protests in Rawalpindi and Islamabad – On Friday, violent clashes erupted in Lahore as police attempted to block thousands of Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan supporters from marching to Islamabad for a pro-Palestinian rally outside the U.S. Embassy. Police used tear gas and batons to disperse protesters, who responded with stones, leaving two people reported dead and dozens injured. Authorities sealed highways, closed schools, and suspended mobile services in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Heavy security, including 6,000 officers, was deployed as major roads and metro services were shut down, paralyzing movement across the twin cities. Protests continued on Saturday and Sunday.
SPOTLIGHT ANALYSIS
Mehdi J. Hakimi, Ewelina U. Ochab, Maria Mingo, Susanna Kelley, Emily Prey⠀
This report makes a legal assessment of acts targeting the Hazara in Afghanistan. This assessment examines the most recent attacks against the community and the ongoing dire situation, since the Taliban takeover in August 2021. It investigates whether the recent and ongoing attacks against Hazaras, carried out by various actors including the Islamic State-Khorasan Province (“IS-KP/Daesh”), the Taliban, and the Taliban-backed Kuchis, constitute genocide as per Article II of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. The report also considers historical treatment of the Hazara by multiple actors, including during the 19th and 20th centuries. The report maps the situation, considering the elements of the crime of genocide, and engages with the question of state responsibility under Article I of the Convention.
This report’s analysis reveals a reasonable basis to believe that the targeting of the Hazara in the past few years, for which the Taliban and IS-KP/Daesh have predominantly claimed responsibility, meets the legal criteria for the crime of genocide under Article II of the Convention. While the historical attacks on Hazaras in the 19th and 20th centuries cannot be analyzed in the same way, for reasons detailed in the full report, they help to clearly establish the long-standing persecution and targeting of the community and are key for establishing state responsibility.
This report finds that there is a reasonable basis to believe the attacks on Hazaras satisfy the actus reusand mens rea elements of genocide. With respect to the actus reus requirement, the attacks on Hazaras amount to prohibited acts under Article II (a) (killing members of the group), Article II (b) (causing serious bodily or mental harm), and Article II (c) (inflicting conditions calculated to bring about physical destruction). With respect to the mens rea requirement of dolus specialis, the necessary intent goes beyond merely committing the prohibited act – it must also reflect a deliberate aim to destroy the group, in whole or in part.
AFGHAN NEWS
The Daily Hustle: Muhammad’s last journey – a story of survival, debt and loss
Nur Khan Himmat, Roxanna Shapour
The Islamic Emirate’s ban on poppy cultivation has reshaped life in many areas across Afghanistan, especially in Helmand province, where poppy was fundamental to the economy and to many farmers’ livelihoods. This is the story of one such farmer, Muhammad, who, having lost his main source of income following the poppy ban and finding that persistent drought was frustrating his attempts to grow other crops and pushing him into debt, took the desperate measure of trying to get to Iran for work. He left his wife and seven of his children and set out for Iran with one teenage son. But his journey ended in tragedy: Muhammad was shot dead by Iranian border police and his son was badly injured. In this instalment of The Daily Hustle, Nur Khan Himmat hears from a friend of Muhammad’s about his final journey and the family he left behind.
REGIONAL NEWS
Pakistani, Afghan forces exchange deadly border fire: What’s next?
Yashraj Sharma, Abid Hussain
Pakistani and Afghan forces have exchanged deadly fire at multiple locations along their border, and the two sides claim to have captured and destroyed border posts in one of the worst border clashes in recent years.
The Taliban administration’s spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, said at least 58 Pakistani soldiers were killed in “retaliatory” attacks on Saturday night, two days after blasts were reported in the Afghan capital, Kabul, and the southeastern province of Paktika.
Pakistan, Iran deport nearly 5,000 Afghan migrants in one day
Siyar Sirat
Pakistan and Iran deported nearly 5,000 Afghan migrants in a single day, the Taliban-run Commission for Refugee Affairs said Tuesday, as the mass return of Afghans from neighboring countries continues to accelerate.
According to the commission, 3,358 migrants were deported from Pakistan and 1,618 from Iran on Monday, Oct. 6, either forcibly or voluntarily. The returnees entered Afghanistan through the Torkham, Spin Boldak, Pul-e Abrisham, and Islam Qala border crossings.
Pakistan Army Vows to Crush Militancy As Cross-Border Attacks Rise
Kabul Now
Pakistan’s military has vowed to intensify counterterrorism operations amid a sharp rise in militant attacks, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), blaming a “political-criminal nexus” and cross-border sanctuaries in Afghanistan for fueling instability along the frontier.
Addressing a press conference in Peshawar on Friday, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said Pakistan’s armed forces would “uproot terrorism in all its forms and manifestations,” as the country faces its deadliest wave of violence in a decade.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Taliban minister confronted over women’s rights during rare press conference for female journalists
Arpan Rai
The Taliban’s foreign minister faced questions on Afghan girls and women being banned from education and work as he sat down for a rare press conference in Delhi on Sunday, attended by women journalists.
Amir Khan Muttaqi, a UN-sanctioned leader and senior minister in the Taliban’s de facto regime in Afghanistan, claimed education of girls and women was not “haram”, or declared forbidden under laws governing Islam, and has been postponed until the next order of the country’s supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada.
Trump considers cutting US refugee intake to 7,500, focusing on white South Africans, officials say
AP News
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump is considering admitting far fewer refugees into the U.S. this year — as few as 7,500, and mostly white South Africans, officials say — a dramatic new low as the administration is conducting sweeping immigration raids as part of its mass deportation agenda.
The new figures have not been finalized by the Trump administration or officially transmitted in a notification to Congress as required by last week’s deadline, according to two people familiar with the situation who were granted anonymity because they were unauthorized to discuss it with the media.
The decreased numbers of refugees would be a stark departure from the higher figures traditionally allowed into the U.S. — the Biden administration last year set a target of 125,000 refugee admissions.
Afghani to the Dollar: $1 – 66.68 AFN (As of October 12)