Iran Prioritises Deportation of Nearly 2 Million Undocumented Migrants

Saimumin Yatimov issued the warning during the 56th meeting of the Council of Heads of Security Agencies and Special Services of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), held on Friday, 16 May, in Dushanbe.

According to Russia’s TASS news agency, Yatimov described international terrorism as one of the most significant threats confronting CIS member states. He stressed that the transnational nature of terrorism, coupled with emerging security flashpoints near CIS borders particularly in Afghanistan necessitates joint action, timely information exchange, and continuous refinement of operational tactics and intelligence-gathering methods.

Representatives from Russia, Tajikistan, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan attended the meeting, with Turkmenistan participating as an observer.

Yatimov underscored the importance of such gatherings in facilitating the exchange of perspectives and expertise on regional security, describing the CIS council as a critical platform for enhancing cooperation among member states.

Tajik President Emomali Rahmon also addressed the session, urging CIS members to bolster collective efforts to address mounting security challenges across the region. He identified terrorism, extremism, radicalism, drug trafficking, arms smuggling, and cybercrime as the primary threats facing the bloc.

Tajikistan, which will hold the rotating presidency of the CIS in 2025, has prioritised enhanced security cooperation as a central objective during its term.

Speaking to RIA Novosti on Friday, 16 May, Kabulov confirmed that the nominee’s name has been submitted and is currently undergoing review by the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other relevant government agencies. While he did not disclose the identity of the nominee, Kabulov expressed hope that the approval process would soon conclude with a formal agreement.

Earlier this month, during a meeting with Kabulov, Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi announced that the group would soon appoint an ambassador to Russia.

At present, the Afghan embassy in Moscow is headed by Jamal Nasir Gharwal, who was appointed by the Taliban and serves as chargé d’affaires.

The nomination follows Russia’s recent decision to suspend its designation of the Taliban as a terrorist organisation. In the wake of that move, the Russian Foreign Ministry stated its intention to elevate the Taliban’s diplomatic representation in Moscow from chargé d’affaires to ambassador level.

According to RIA Novosti, Kabulov noted that the arrival of a Taliban ambassador in Moscow could pave the way for potential recognition of the Taliban-led government in Afghanistan.

They are punished on charges of same-sex relations between men, fleeing from home, and extramarital sex.

According to a statement issued on Friday, 16 May, the individuals were sentenced to lashes and prison terms ranging from six months to one year. The punishments were carried out in public, in the presence of local officials, court staff, attendees, and residents, after being approved by the Taliban’s Supreme Court.

Over the past 10 days, the Taliban has publicly flogged at least 55 people across Afghanistan for various alleged offences, continuing its enforcement of strict interpretations of Islamic law.

The group refers to public flogging as the implementation of “Islamic Sharia.” However, international human rights organisations have repeatedly condemned such punishments as forms of torture and violations of international law.

Just a day prior, Taliban-controlled courts also carried out public floggings of 12 individuals in the provinces of Bamiyan, Ghazni, and Parwan.

Despite widespread international criticism, the Taliban continues to impose corporal punishment and public executions as part of its judicial system, drawing concern from global rights advocates and foreign governments.

The arrests mark a continued crackdown on digital content deemed inappropriate under the group’s strict interpretation of Islamic values.

Saif-ul-Islam Khyber, a spokesperson for the ministry, released videos of two detained TikTok users expressing regret for their actions. One of them, known online as “Haroon Pakora,” appears in what seems to be a forced video confession, stating he was detained for speaking with women during TikTok livestreams. In the video, he pledges not to interact with women again and urges women in Afghanistan and abroad not to join his live broadcasts.

The circumstances under which the video was recorded remain unclear. Some social media users have alleged that the Taliban shaved Haroon’s head during his detention.

Khyber urged content creators to use social media platforms for “education, reliable news, and legitimate business,” warning that activities involving ideological deviation, insults, ethnic discrimination, or behaviour contrary to religious values are considered crimes.

Meanwhile, Taliban intelligence forces in Baghlan province arrested another prominent TikTok user, Sher Ali Mubarez, on Tuesday, 13 May. Mubarez was known for hosting live entertainment programmes featuring humour and satire. He was detained on charges of “inappropriate activity” on social media.

The ministry reiterated that “no one has the right to use social media for inappropriate and immoral purposes.” On the same day, it declared that the “illegitimate use of social media is subject to legal prosecution.”

In 2023, the Taliban banned the use of TikTok and PUBG in Afghanistan, claiming the apps were corrupting the country’s youth. Despite the ban, TikTok remains widely popular, particularly among younger Afghans.

With traditional job opportunities having largely vanished under Taliban rule, many young people in Afghanistan have turned to platforms like TikTok and YouTube to earn a living. However, growing restrictions and increased enforcement by the Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice threaten to eliminate one of the few remaining sources of income for Afghan youth.

Many Afghans viewed the diplomatic engagement as a betrayal of the Afghan people, warning that it signals India’s shift away from supporting democratic values in favour of geopolitical interests.

Nargis Nehan, former Afghan Minister of Mines, wrote on X: “Your enemy’s enemy is an attractive friend but will never be a reliable partner,” cautioning India against trusting the Taliban.

Responding to Jaishankar’s comments about India’s “traditional friendship with the Afghan people,” Nehan said that the Afghan people were no longer visible in India’s policy towards Afghanistan.

Prominent journalist Lina Rozbih also criticised the engagement, writing: “India is a victim of terrorism and yet it is engaging with a government like the Taliban that is consisted of terrorists!”

The backlash follows India’s warm reception of the Taliban’s condemnation of a recent militant attack in Kashmir. The attack was reportedly carried out by groups linked to Pakistan. While the Taliban had previously supported attacks on Indian embassies and personnel in Afghanistan, it has shifted its stance and now seeks improved relations with New Delhi following the collapse of the former Afghan government in 2021.

During the call, Jaishankar expressed “deep appreciation” for the Taliban’s condemnation of the Pahalgam attack and accused Pakistan of spreading misinformation aimed at driving a wedge between India and the Taliban. He referenced claims by Pakistan’s military that India had fired rockets into Afghan territory amid a recent border dispute.

Jaishankar stated on X that the two foreign ministers discussed “ways and means of taking cooperation forward.”

Bahar Mehr, a US-based Afghan political activist, described the phone call as “an embarrassing moment for India’s foreign policy,” alleging that the Taliban had manipulated India’s geopolitical calculations. “This is not realism; it is appeasement, and it betrays the people of Afghanistan,” Mehr wrote.

Fawzia Koofi, a former MP and women’s rights advocate, also weighed in, saying India had chosen to prioritise its geopolitical interests over shared democratic values.

The diplomatic exchange has reignited debate about international engagement with the Taliban, especially from countries like India that have historically supported democratic governance and civil society in Afghanistan.