Uzbekistan, Pakistan Strengthen Counterterrorism & Regional Cooperation Efforts

Feb 26, 2025, 16:20 GMT

The leaders of Uzbekistan and Pakistan have reaffirmed their commitment to combating terrorism, extremism, and security threats while enhancing regional cooperation.

Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif underscored the importance of coordinated counterterrorism measures and strategic partnerships during their meeting in Tashkent.

•

Taliban Publicly Flogs Three In Bamiyan Amid Ongoing Crackdown On Civil Liberties

Feb 26, 2025, 14:58 GMT

The Taliban’s primary court in Yakawlang district, Bamiyan province, has publicly flogged a woman and two men on charges of “fleeing and aiding in an escape from home.”

According to a statement issued on Wednesday, the court sentenced the individuals to prison terms ranging from six months to one year, in addition to administering 39 lashes in front of local officials, court attendees, and members of the public.

This latest instance of corporal punishment follows a similar case in Khost province, where on Monday, the Taliban flogged 18 individuals, including four women, on various charges. Those punished in Khost were also sentenced to prison terms ranging from one to seven years, in addition to receiving 39 lashes.

Despite international condemnation of public punishments and calls to end torture, the Taliban continues to administer corporal punishments across Afghanistan, with public floggings becoming a routine occurrence in multiple provinces.

UK MPs Condemn Taliban’s ‘Horrific’ Treatment Of Women & Girls, Urge Stronger Action

Feb 26, 2025, 14:09 GMT

Members of the UK Parliament have strongly condemned the Taliban’s treatment of women and girls in Afghanistan, calling their policies “horrific” and urging increased international pressure on the group.

During a parliamentary session on Tuesday, Anneliese Dodds, the UK Minister for Women and Equalities, stated that the Taliban has severely undermined the lives of Afghan women and girls, particularly in education and basic rights.

“We are determined to support girls in Afghanistan, including when it comes to education,” Dodds affirmed, reiterating the UK’s commitment to advocating for Afghan women.

She added, “We condemn the Taliban’s appalling treatment of women and girls in Afghanistan. The Taliban must reverse their barbaric decrees, and we continue working with international partners to maintain collective pressure.”

Dodds also welcomed the UK’s political support for the initiative to refer Afghanistan’s case to the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

Meanwhile, Wendy Morton, a member of the UK Parliament, also addressed the issue, describing the Taliban’s treatment of Afghan women and girls as “disgusting” and calling for greater international action against the regime.

This parliamentary session comes amid growing calls from the international community to hold the Taliban accountable for their gender-based oppression. Previously, 24 countries had warned the Taliban leadership that they would file a formal complaint at the ICJ in The Hague if the group failed to reconsider its policies against Afghan women.

Torkham Border Remains Closed For Fifth Day As Talks Fail To Yield Results

Feb 26, 2025, 12:56 GMT

The Torkham border crossing between Afghanistan and Pakistan has remained closed for the fifth consecutive day, with negotiations between Taliban and Pakistani border officials failing to reach a resolution.

According to Pakistan’s Geo News, customs officials estimate that the closure of this crucial trade route has resulted in losses of approximately $12 million over the past four days.

On Wednesday, Pakistani immigration authorities reported that thousands of travellers are stranded on both sides of the border. Before the closure, an estimated 10,000 people crossed daily, highlighting the significant impact on trade, commerce, and humanitarian travel.

Meanwhile, The News Pakistan reported that multiple rounds of negotiations between Taliban and Pakistani officials have so far failed to resolve the standoff.

The border was shut down by Pakistan on Friday night following a dispute over the installation of a signboard by Pakistani officials and the Taliban’s subsequent construction of a security checkpoint.

This is not the first time the Torkham crossing has been closed since the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan. The border has frequently been used as a political tool by Pakistan amid ongoing tensions with the Taliban, with closures often triggered by clashes between Taliban and Pakistani border forces.

Floods In Helmand & Kandahar Claim 15 Lives, Leave Dozens Injured

Feb 26, 2025, 11:50 GMT

At least 15 people have died and 19 others have been injured following severe flooding in Helmand and Kandahar provinces, Taliban officials confirmed. The heavy rainfall and resulting floods have also caused extensive financial and infrastructural damage in both regions.

On Wednesday, the Taliban’s police command in Kandahar issued a statement reporting that floods had struck several districts, including Maiwand, Shah Wali Kot, Zhari, and the 5th, 6th, and 7th security zones of the province. The disaster claimed the lives of nine people, including three children.

The statement added that nine others were injured, while 12 homes were completely destroyed. Additionally, over two hectares of farmland were submerged, causing further financial losses.

Meanwhile, in Helmand, the Taliban’s Directorate of Information and Culture reported that floods on Tuesday had devastated multiple districts, including Qala, Gereshk, Babaji, Nawa, Sangin, and Washir. According to Abdul Bari Rashid, the head of the directorate, six people lost their lives, and ten others sustained injuries.

The floods also inflicted significant financial damage, including the destruction of 1,500 solar panels, a critical energy source for residents.

In a related incident, Farah province also experienced severe flooding on Tuesday, resulting in at least 21 deaths and multiple injuries.

The recent surge in heavy rainfall and flash floods across southern and western Afghanistan has raised concerns over the lack of disaster preparedness and emergency response infrastructure. Many affected communities remain without adequate support, increasing the risk of further casualties and economic devastation.

Taliban Reviews Fighter Clearance Amid Rising ISIS Threat

Feb 26, 2025, 10:47 GMT

The Taliban’s commission to purge “people of bad character” from their ranks has launched a reassessment of clearance forms for its fighters in southeastern Afghanistan.

The region is considered a stronghold of the Haqqani network. This review follows a surge in ISIS attacks in Kabul and other provinces.

Sources told Afghanistan International that this process, overseen by the deputy governors of Khost, Paktia, Paktika, Logar, and Ghazni provinces, began last week.

According to informed sources, “All those who filled out clearance forms but did not participate in combat will be dismissed from their positions. Additionally, individuals recruited through family connections will be removed.”

The commission to purge “people of bad character” from the Taliban ranks has compiled a list of all Taliban fighters in these provinces and is requiring commanders to identify those who were recruited through personal connections.

A source in Khost province stated that the commission, led by the deputy governor, is holding interviews and assessments to validate the fighters’ credentials.

Sources added that in Khost, former governor and senior Haqqani network member Mohammad Nabi Omari had issued clearance forms based on tribal and ethnic affiliations for many senior fighters. These forms are now being reassessed for validity.

According to one source, “It is likely that many Taliban clearance forms in Paktia will be revoked.”

Since taking power, the Taliban has sought to appoint its fighters and commanders to government positions, leading to an administration dominated by its members.

The Taliban’s purge Commission was established by order of the group’s Prime Minister and consists of members from the ministries of defence, intelligence, and interior. It is centrally overseen by the Defence Minister, while at the provincial level, deputy governors are responsible for its implementation.

At the provincial level, the commission includes the deputy governor, police chief, military corps commander, a mufti or representative from the military court, and the head of the religious scholars’ council. These officials are tasked with evaluating clearance forms and deciding whether to approve or revoke them.

The purge commission has restarted its internal vetting process in an area considered the primary stronghold of Sirajuddin Haqqani, the Taliban’s Interior Minister.

Haqqani recently left Afghanistan due to ongoing disputes with the Taliban’s supreme leader, Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada, and is currently residing in Dubai.