U.S. Continues Weekly Fund Transfers To Afghanistan, Says Former SIGAR Chief

Sources at Torkham confirmed to Afghanistan International on Monday that discussions between senior officials from both sides regarding the reopening of the vital crossing ended without resolution.

Meanwhile, the Afghanistan-Pakistan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry issued a statement on Monday, warning that the prolonged closure has left thousands of passengers and approximately 5,000 cargo trucks stranded on both sides of the border.

Zia-ul-Haq Sarhadi, deputy of the chamber, stated that many of the stranded trucks are carrying perishable goods such as meat, poultry, vegetables, and fresh fruits, which risk spoilage if the border is not reopened immediately. Officials from the chamber have urged both Pakistan and the Taliban to resolve the issue swiftly.

Pakistan closed the Torkham border crossing late on Friday night. Pakistani media, citing a government official at Torkham, reported that tensions escalated after Pakistan’s border forces installed a signboard at the crossing, known as “Pakistan Gate.” In response, Taliban border forces constructed a security post, leading to clashes between the two sides and the subsequent closure of the border.

Torkham is the most critical border crossing between Afghanistan and Pakistan, facilitating the majority of trade between the two nations. Since the Taliban’s return to power, the crossing has been closed multiple times due to border clashes, severely impacting traders—particularly Afghan exporters of fresh produce to Pakistan—who suffer significant financial losses with each closure.

Speaking on Monday at the Herat Security Dialogue in Madrid, Crocker expressed deep concerns over Afghanistan’s security situation, warning that terrorism remains a significant threat in the country.

He further emphasised that the worst course of action for the international community would be to grant recognition to the Taliban government.

Crocker, who served as the U.S. ambassador in Kabul from 2011 to 2012, highlighted the extensive restrictions imposed by the Taliban since their return to power in August 2021. He noted that the group has reinstated oppressive policies, particularly targeting freedom of expression and women’s rights, echoing the repressive measures of their first rule in the 1990s.

The 12th Herat Security Dialogue, an annual conference organised by the Afghan Institute for Strategic Studies, commenced on Monday in Madrid, Spain. The event has brought together experts, former Afghan government officials, human rights activists, and politicians to discuss Afghanistan’s security outlook and future.

Several U.S. diplomats and regional political figures are also participating in the discussions at the Herat Security Dialogue.

Sheehy, a Montana senator and veteran of the war in Afghanistan, is spearheading the effort to ensure that the Taliban does not benefit from U.S. humanitarian assistance. If enacted, the No Taxpayer Funding for Terrorists Act would impose strict oversight measures to prevent American taxpayer funds from reaching terrorist organisations.

In a statement, Sheehy expressed his commitment to stopping U.S. funds from being misused. “After years of fighting terrorists, I am honoured to lead the effort to prevent them from using American taxpayer dollars,” he said. “For those of us who lost friends in these wars, it is infuriating to see our money ending up in the hands of Hamas, Hezbollah, Iran, and the Taliban.”

Sheehy, alongside Senators Tommy Tuberville and Bill Hagerty, formally introduced the bill in the Senate, stressing the urgency of ensuring that taxpayer funds do not support terrorist groups. He further highlighted the importance of fiscal responsibility, stating that the U.S. national debt had reached $36 trillion and was continuing to rise, making it even more critical to eliminate unnecessary expenditures.

The Senate bill mirrors legislation introduced in the House of Representatives in January by Congressman Tim Burchett. That legislation mandates the U.S. government to report on the management of cash assistance programmes in Afghanistan and outline the safeguards in place to prevent funds from reaching the Taliban.

If passed, the bill will require the U.S. Department of State to establish a formal policy opposing any form of aid to the Taliban. Additionally, it mandates the compilation of a report identifying countries that have provided financial assistance to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan since 2021. The legislation also calls on the U.S. government to collaborate with international partners to prevent financial support from reaching terrorist organisations.

Members of Congress are working to advance the bill and send it to President Donald Trump for final approval. Trump has previously cut multiple U.S. foreign aid programmes, particularly those related to Afghanistan.

On Monday, the organisation published its findings on security developments in Afghanistan over the past month. According to the report, the number of incidents attributed to anti-Taliban groups declined significantly compared to December, dropping by 17 cases. In its previous report, the organisation had documented 39 security incidents in December, primarily linked to opposition groups such as the National Resistance Front and the Afghanistan Freedom Front.

The latest report detailed that ISIS conducted three attacks in January—two in Baghlan province and one in Takhar province. Additionally, at least three attacks in Kabul, Takhar, and Herat were classified as “unknown,” with no confirmed perpetrators.

The report also noted that security incidents were concentrated in Herat, Kabul, Baghlan, Kunduz, Parwan, Takhar, Kapisa, and Khost.

Furthermore, Afghanistan Security Watch reported over 500 various incidents occurring within Taliban-controlled executive institutions across the country. However, the organisation did not disclose further details regarding the nature of these incidents.

Speaking at the 12th Herat Security Dialogue in Madrid on Monday, Spanta stressed the need for both peaceful and resistant approaches, stating, “At times, people have no choice but armed resistance.”

He emphasised that the proposed assembly should include all segments of Afghan society—women, men, and various political and social movements that share a vision of a free, independent, and united Afghanistan.

Spanta urged the formation of a strong and inclusive political coalition, arguing that such an alliance could pave the way for a transitional government that enjoys both domestic and international support.

He highlighted that while the pursuit of peace is essential, resistance becomes unavoidable when conflicts are imposed on the people.

“A united front can work towards building an Afghanistan free from terrorism, extremism, discrimination, illiteracy, and hostility to progress. It is time for concrete steps to be taken in this direction,” he asserted.

Addressing the rise of multiple political factions following the Taliban’s return to power, Spanta pointed out that their disunity and lack of a cohesive national agenda have hindered meaningful progress.

He also noted that the international community and regional powers have yet to adopt a unified policy on Afghanistan. Geopolitical rivalries and ideological differences, he said, have resulted in conflicting approaches towards the country, further complicating the path to peace.

“Global and regional power struggles have made securing Afghanistan’s future even more challenging,” Spanta remarked.

The Herat Security Dialogue is an annual conference that gathers representatives from various nations to discuss Afghanistan’s security and political challenges. Last year, the event was held in Tajikistan.

This year’s conference, titled “Afghanistan: Reviving Hope; Synergetic Efforts,” commenced on Monday and will continue for two days, bringing together key political figures, analysts, and policymakers focused on Afghanistan’s future.