Taliban Bans Journalists From Filming Shalimar Festival In Kandahar

During the meeting, both sides highlighted the importance of maintaining dialogue on Afghan-related matters. Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that the meeting took place on Monday, 12 May. According to the ministry’s statement, the two sides not only addressed regional issues but also stressed the need to expand bilateral cooperation on Afghanistan-related matters.

The ministry added that both Uzbekistan and EU representatives called for continued, regular, and constructive dialogue to tackle issues concerning Afghanistan, reaffirming the need for ongoing consultations.

While Uzbekistan has not formally recognised the Taliban government, it aims to preserve and strengthen its relations with the group and has held multiple meetings with officials from various countries on this matter.

Recently, Uzbekistan’s Special Envoy for Afghanistan also met with the Polish Foreign Ministry’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, where both sides emphasised the importance of enhancing cooperation on Afghan-related issues.

According to the Taliban’s statement, the man was sentenced to 39 lashes by the group’s primary court, with the punishment carried out publicly.

The flogging took place on Tuesday, 13 May, in the courtyard of the Taliban’s district police headquarters in Yaftal, attended by local Taliban officials and residents of Badakhshan.

The Taliban's Supreme Court announces incidents of corporal punishment almost daily. The United Nations and various human rights organisations have repeatedly urged the Taliban to cease such practices.

Rights groups have criticised the Taliban’s judicial system, noting that it lacks proper standards, and that defendants are denied access to fair trial procedures, including legal representation.

In a post on the social media platform X on Tuesday, 13 May, the UK Mission stated: "46 percent of married Afghan women face physical abuse, 34 percent emotional abuse, and 6 percent sexual violence." It stressed the crucial role of men in ending such violence. Quoting a 29-year-old man from Paktika, Afghanistan, named Adam, it added: "Supporting women and girls is not a sign of weakness, it is a mark of true character. We must be their allies, friends, and advocates for their rights."

These concerns follow a recent report by the Afghanistan Analysts Network, which revealed that divorce has become nearly impossible for women under Taliban rule. The report noted that divorce remains a source of shame in Afghan society.

Furthermore, the situation for women continues to worsen due to domestic violence and the severe restrictions on their fundamental rights and freedoms.

Qadir’s lawyer has requested a 14-day stay on the ruling, seeking time to file an appeal. The appeal is expected to be submitted within the next two weeks, the lawyer confirmed. Jalal Qadir, the former lawmaker's nephew, told Afghanistan International that the decision was made on Tuesday.

Qadir was arrested in Nairobi on 18 April at the request of the US government, facing charges of attempting to traffic narcotics and illegally transferring weapons. The court has ordered that he remain in police custody pending the commencement of extradition proceedings.

In response to the ruling, Qadir’s family has renewed its appeal for intervention from the Taliban, urging the group to act in securing his release. The Taliban had previously pledged to investigate the case, with acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi stating that efforts would be made "as far as possible."

The move, rooted in a policy shift initiated during the Trump era, has sparked strong criticism from refugee advocates and Afghan-American organisations.

The DHS stated that conditions in Afghanistan have “improved” to the extent that TPS is no longer warranted, and Afghan nationals should begin returning home. As a result, TPS for approximately 14000 Afghan nationals currently residing in the United States will expire in 60 days.

In a statement, US Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem said the administration’s latest assessment determined that Afghan refugees no longer meet the criteria for TPS. She cited improved security, a stabilising economy, and a rise in foreign tourism particularly from Chinese nationals as indicators that it is now safe for Afghans to return.

TPS is a humanitarian programme designed to offer temporary legal status and work authorisation to individuals from countries affected by conflict, natural disaster, or other extraordinary conditions. Afghan nationals have benefited from TPS for decades, particularly following the fall of Kabul in 2021.

Refugee and human rights groups, however, condemned the decision. The Afghan-American Foundation called it a “betrayal” of individuals who had risked their lives in support of US forces during the two-decade war. The foundation’s president noted:

“The sacrifices America’s Afghan allies made were not temporary; the protection we offer them must also be permanent.”

Shawn VanDiver, president of the non-profit organisation Afghan Evac, argued the decision damages US credibility and puts vulnerable lives at risk.

“Afghanistan remains under Taliban control. Human rights abuses, arbitrary detentions, and violence against women are widespread. Ending TPS won’t improve security, it will break up families and worsen instability,” he said.

Since the Taliban takeover in August 2021, approximately 80000 Afghans have arrived in the US under various evacuation and resettlement programmes. Many are in the process of obtaining permanent residency through asylum claims or Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs), while some have already received US green cards. However, around 14600 remain protected solely under TPS and now face the prospect of deportation.

Some of those affected have already received formal notices instructing them to leave the country. Miriam Woods, a schoolteacher in Des Moines, Iowa, described the psychological toll the policy shift is having on her Afghan students.

“One student told me they cry every night. They’re terrified,” she said.

The decision comes amid mounting international concern over the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. Reports continue to highlight severe human rights violations, including bans on education and employment for women, persecution of minorities, and widespread food insecurity.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) last month warned against the forced return of Afghan refugees, stating that such actions could exacerbate the already dire situation and trigger further displacement.

The policy reversal underscores a broader debate over America’s long-term responsibility to its Afghan allies and the role of humanitarian protection in US immigration policy.