Over 250 New Emerald Mines Discovered In Panjshir, Says Taliban

In a statement released Tuesday, 1 July, the National Resistance Front (NRF) said Iran should “avoid harsh treatment” of Afghan refugees, warning that many Afghans view migration to neighbouring countries as a matter of survival under Taliban rule.

“The dire situation in Afghanistan leaves our people with little choice,” the NRF said, thanking the Iranian public for hosting Afghan refugees and pledging to pursue migrants’ concerns “seriously and through reasonable and effective channels.”

Separately, the Jamiat-e-Islami party, led by former foreign minister Salahuddin Rabbani, urged Iran to factor in Afghanistan’s ongoing political and economic crises when handling return of refugees. The party said deportations should be conducted “wisely and in full compliance with international standards,” and called on the global community to help improve Afghan refugees’ legal status in Iran.

Jamiat-e-Islami’s statement cited what it described as a “lack of legitimacy” in Afghanistan’s governing structure, a severe economic downturn and the dominance of “irresponsible groups” threatening domestic security.

The appeals come amid a surge in deportations from Iran. Rights groups have reported rising detentions and expulsions of undocumented Afghans in recent weeks, drawing criticism from Afghan civil-society groups and opposition factions. Last week, the Afghanistan Freedom Front also condemned mass returns as violations of international law and basic human dignity.

In a statement released Tuesday, 1 July, UNAMA confirmed that the meetings began on Monday and brought together representatives from various countries, international organisations, the Taliban, and independent experts.

The sessions, part of the ongoing Doha Process, were convened to review progress in supporting Afghanistan’s private sector and in counter-narcotics initiatives, while setting out new areas for cooperation with the Taliban.

UNAMA noted that the meetings build on earlier work from the third session of special envoys and are designed to strengthen what it called a “coherent, coordinated and structured engagement process” with the Taliban for the benefit of the Afghan people.

A seven-member Taliban delegation, including representatives from the Ministries of Public Health, Interior, Foreign Affairs and Agriculture, attended the meetings.

The Doha Process has emerged as a key diplomatic platform for facilitating international dialogue with the Taliban following their return to power in August 2021.

Local sources told Afghanistan International on Tuesday that Taliban fighters opened fire on protesters during a second day of unrest, killing at least one person and injuring ten others. Health officials in Badakhshan confirmed the casualties, with three of the wounded reported to be in critical condition.

The violence began on Monday when Taliban forces attempted to destroy poppy fields in the area, a move that sparked resistance from locals. That initial confrontation resulted in at least four deaths and ten injuries, according to local sources.

Clashes erupted again on Tuesday during the funeral procession for those killed the previous day. Eyewitnesses reported further gunfire by Taliban forces. While some sources said as many as eight protesters were killed, medical officials confirmed five fatalities.

As tensions escalated, protesters blocked roads leading into Khash District. In response, the Taliban reportedly deployed additional forces by helicopter and cut off all telecommunications in the district.

Taliban officials have not yet commented on the ongoing situation.

In its latest advisory, the FAO urged residents to stay hydrated and to limit outdoor activities, particularly in the agriculture and construction sectors, during the period of extreme heat.

In a post on the social media platform X on Tuesday, 1 July, the organisation again called on the public to take extra precautions, especially for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, the sick, pregnant women and children.

The FAO also advised the public to protect livestock by keeping them in shaded areas and ensuring they have access to sufficient water.

Earlier, the organisation warned that temperatures could exceed 45°C in parts of the country, particularly in the southern, eastern and northern regions.

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has also noted that climate change is contributing to the increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves across South and Central Asia.

The violence reportedly erupted during the burial ceremony of four individuals killed a day earlier in similar clashes. Health officials in Badakhshan confirmed Tuesday’s casualties, adding that three of the injured are in critical condition.

The unrest began on Monday after Taliban fighters attempted to destroy poppy fields in Khash, prompting resistance from local residents. That confrontation resulted in the deaths of four civilians and injuries to at least ten others.

Local sources said tensions escalated further on Tuesday, 1 July, as mourners gathered for funerals. Another clash broke out between Taliban forces and villagers, again resulting in civilian casualties.

Amid the growing unrest, Taliban reinforcements have reportedly been deployed to the area. Protesters, meanwhile, have blocked roads leading to Khash district in an attempt to prevent further military access.

As of Tuesday, Taliban officials had not issued any public statements regarding the incident.