Taliban Welcomes Border Agreement Between Tajikistan & Kyrgyzstan

The report states that the Taliban has not taken decisive action against the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU), which operates in Afghanistan. Uzbekistan considers the IMU a national security threat.

In April 2023, the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), which includes Uzbekistan, raised concerns about the presence of terrorist groups in Afghanistan. A joint CIS statement warned that organisations such as ISIS, al-Qaeda, the East Turkistan Islamic Movement, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, the Balochistan Liberation Army, Jundallah, Jaish al-Adl, Jamaat Ansarullah, and the IMU continue to pose a serious threat to regional and global security.

The ACAPS report, published on Friday, also noted Uzbekistan’s concerns over the Taliban’s construction of the Qosh Tepa water canal in northern Afghanistan. The Taliban has invested heavily in the project, which diverts water from the Amu River to Balkh, Jowzjan, and Faryab provinces.

ACAPS warned that disputes over the Amu River’s water management could escalate once the canal is completed. In September 2023, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev warned that the canal could alter Central Asia’s water balance. He stated that Afghanistan, as a new consumer, has no obligations toward neighbouring countries.

The report also discussed the Taliban’s demand for the return of Afghan military helicopters taken to Uzbekistan and later transferred to the United States. Uzbek media previously reported that seven Black Hawk helicopters, originally used by the former Afghan army, were sent to the U.S. The Pentagon determined they could be repurposed.

Following the transfer, the Taliban’s Ministry of Defence condemned the move as “unacceptable” and called on the U.S. to return the helicopters to Afghanistan.

According to spokesperson Enayatullah Alokozay, the country has a total of 26 million SIM cards, with the registration process for the remaining ones still ongoing.

Bakhtar News Agency, controlled by the Taliban, reported on Saturday that the registration process is being overseen by the ministry. The Taliban had previously instructed all telecommunications companies to comply with SIM card registration procedures to regulate mobile services.

The previous Afghan government also attempted to register SIM cards to enhance security and prevent misuse by armed groups, particularly the Taliban. However, the initiative was largely unsuccessful.

Despite the ongoing registration drive, experts and citizens have raised concerns that the Taliban could use the process to monitor communications and infringe on privacy under the guise of security measures.

A day before the video’s release, a high-level security meeting was held in Kandahar without Haqqani. The meeting was led by Defence Minister Mullah Yaqub, with Deputy Interior Minister Ibrahim Sadr attending in Haqqani’s place.

During Haqqani’s absence, Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada has made several key appointments over the past two months. On 24 February, Samiullah Hezbollah officially assumed office as the new governor of Takhar, replacing Obaidullah Aminzada.

The leadership reshuffle in northern provinces continues, with Akhundzada appointing Mullah Nik Mohammad Malang as the new police chief of Badakhshan.

During the meetings, Muttaqi requested Oman’s assistance in reducing prison sentences for Afghan detainees and helping facilitate their release.

Zia Ahmad Takal, deputy spokesperson for the Taliban’s Foreign Ministry, stated in a press release on Friday, March 14, that Muttaqi also met with officials from the chamber of commerce, investment sector, and the Minister of Religious Affairs.

Muttaqi urged Oman to support Afghan prisoners, establish direct flights between the two countries, and address challenges faced by Afghans in Oman. He also called for greater cultural exchanges to help facilitate their return home. However, it remains unclear how many Afghans are currently detained in Oman, as Omani authorities have not released any figures.

The Taliban also requested Oman’s cooperation in resolving consular issues for Afghans living in the country and coordinating with the Afghan embassy.

During the visit, Muttaqi met with Oman’s Minister of Religious Affairs to discuss expertise sharing on mosques, Hajj management, and endowments. He also sought Oman’s support in rebuilding mosques in Afghanistan.

In September 2024, the Taliban’s Foreign Ministry announced that it had taken control of the Afghan embassy in Muscat. The group described it as a step toward strengthening political and economic ties. Despite this, Oman has maintained a cautious approach, engaging only in limited diplomatic relations and refraining from officially recognising the Taliban government.

According to the agency, the exhibition showcased Afghan women’s handmade products and creative works. It was held in collaboration with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).

In a statement on Friday, March 14, the UNHCR said its activities for International Women’s Day are ongoing. The agency noted that similar exhibitions have recently taken place in Kabul.

Last year, the UNHCR launched a two-year midwifery training programme for groups of 20 women in Bamiyan and Daikundi provinces. The agency has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting and empowering Afghan women.

While international organisations work to empower women, the Taliban has imposed severe restrictions on them over the past three years. Human rights groups and global organisations continue to call for the repeal of these oppressive policies.