Saudi Arabia Resumes Diplomatic Operations in Kabul

General Munir asserted that the Taliban and their supporters will pay the price for their “evil acts” against the state of Pakistan.

The statement came during General Munir’s visit to Wana, South Waziristan, on Sunday, following a deadly attack by the TTP in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province that resulted in significant casualties among Pakistani soldiers.

During his visit, General Munir reiterated the military’s commitment to eradicating terrorism in all its forms. He emphasised that with the resolute support of the people, the Pakistani Army, along with law enforcement agencies, will restore lasting peace and stability across the nation. He also honoured the memory of soldiers killed in recent attacks, assuring that their sacrifices will not be forgotten.

The TTP has claimed responsibility for the recent assault on a military checkpoint in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, reporting that 35 soldiers were killed and 15 injured in the attack.

The Pakistani Army, however, confirmed the loss of 16 soldiers during the clashes with the TTP, stating that eight militants were also killed during the operation.

This attack marks the latest in a series of violent confrontations between the TTP and Pakistani forces in South Waziristan, a volatile region along the Afghan border that has long been a centre of militant activity.

In a statement released on Sunday, 22 December, UNDP reported that these women-led initiatives have directly and indirectly benefited an estimated 4.5 million Afghans. The programme highlighted that these businesses were established with financial backing from Japan and the European Union, facilitated by UNDP.

Earlier, on 2 December, UNDP revealed that since 2021, Japanese funding alone has provided employment for over 856,000 people in Afghanistan, including 225,000 women. Additionally, the programme has enabled more than 1.7 million people to access improved services.

UNDP operates in 170 countries, working to eradicate poverty and protect the environment. The organisation supports communities by enhancing skill development and encouraging active participation in social and developmental projects.

He emphasised that unless these individuals are accused of crimes under the current Taliban regime, they should be presumed innocent.

In a decree issued on Sunday, 22 December, Akhundzada instructed that all cases involving such individuals, whether prosecuted or convicted by previous governments, must be expunged from administrative and electronic systems.

The decree mandates that relevant institutions delete the names and records of these individuals from biometric databases, administrative documents, court rulings, intelligence and security archives, and electronic systems. Akhundzada further asserted that these individuals should remain innocent in the eyes of the Taliban authorities unless proven guilty of new offences.

There are concerns, however, that this directive could enable the Taliban to erase or destroy administrative documents deemed unfavourable by its officials.

This latest move is consistent with previous efforts by the Taliban to protect former collaborators. Over the past three years, the group has also provided special benefits to the families of their supporters, including those who carried out suicide attacks.

According to the Coast Guard, the boat sank during an attempt to flee from authorities. In a subsequent rescue operation, 18 individuals, including 12 men, three women, and three children, all from Afghanistan, were saved. Some of the survivors were hospitalised, with one reportedly in critical condition.

Greek authorities announced on Saturday, 21 December, that two Turkish nationals, aged 23 and 19, were arrested on suspicion of smuggling the migrants.

Greece remains a key entry point for migrants attempting to reach the European Union. Many undertake dangerous sea crossings, with a significant number losing their lives in the process.

In recent years, non-governmental organisations have criticised Greece for alleged pushbacks of migrants. However, the Greek Coast Guard has defended its actions, stating that it adheres to international laws and respects human rights.

The decree instructs the Ministry of Interior to apprehend traffickers involved in smuggling young people out of Afghanistan and hand them over to military courts for prosecution.

The six-article directive, issued on 21 December, outlines prison sentences ranging from one to three years for human traffickers. First-time offenders will face one year in prison, with sentences escalating to two years for a second offence and three years for a third.

The Taliban’s leader tasked the Ministry of Interior with spearheading efforts to arrest human traffickers and collaborating with the group’s intelligence directorate to identify and prevent such activities. The intelligence directorate has been directed to coordinate with other government bodies to tackle the root causes of human trafficking.

The decree also calls upon the Ministries of Information and Culture, Communications, Tribal affairs, and Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, as well as religious scholars, to raise public awareness about the dangers and adverse consequences of illegal migration.

This move follows reports of a surge in Afghans seeking to leave the country since the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021. The International Organisation for Migration previously reported that nearly eight million Afghans emigrated between 2020 and 2024. Of these, one million sought asylum in European nations, while 85% migrated to neighbouring countries.

The Taliban’s crackdown on human trafficking comes amidst growing concerns over the safety and well-being of Afghans resorting to illegal migration due to economic hardship and political instability.