Tajikistan's Interior Ministry announced the arrest of nine people suspected of involvement in an international drug trafficking network transporting illegal shipments from Afghanistan.
The ministry said the group smuggled drugs into Tajikistan before transferring them to other countries.
The ministry said on Thursday, 5 November, that police officers had recently discovered and seized 24 kilograms of hashish during a search of a hideout belonging to the suspects.
According to investigators, the shipment had been transported from Afghanistan to Tajikistan, where it was being prepared for onward smuggling across international borders.
Tajikistan's Interior Ministry identified a 44-year-old man named Muzafar Azamov as the suspected leader of the group. According to police, Azamov established the trafficking network after being released from prison in 2025.
A video released by Tajikistan's Interior Ministry shows Azamov confessing that the group had transported between 20 and 25 drug shipments since 2025, with a combined weight of approximately 550 to 600 kilograms.
Another detainee said members of the group had been promised $2,500 for each bag of drugs transported across the border.
However, Tajikistan's Interior Ministry did not identify the destination countries to which the drugs were being trafficked.
Criminal proceedings have been initiated against all nine suspects, who remain in custody.
If convicted, they could face prison sentences ranging from 12 to 20 years.
Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission, said the European Union has not recognised the Taliban and that any change in relations with the group would depend on significant progress in human rights, particularly women's rights.
Virkkunen made the remarks in response to statements by Baktash Siawash, a former Afghan lawmaker, at the European Parliament.
Siawash accused the European Union and the international community of applying double standards towards Afghanistan during Thursday's meeting. He called for the recognition of gender apartheid, an end to diplomatic relations with the Taliban and the group's designation as a terrorist organisation.
The European Commission's Executive Vice-President said the EU continues to support Afghan women and consistently criticises the Taliban's policies towards women and girls. She added that human rights violations, particularly the situation of Afghan women, remain among Brussels' main concerns.
Speaking at the meeting, Virkkunen said the European Union had not recognised the Taliban despite continuing to provide humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan. She explained that the EU had maintained its official presence in Kabul to monitor developments in the country closely.
She added that the EU's presence in Kabul did not constitute endorsement or recognition of the Taliban. Instead, its purpose was to engage with different sections of Afghan society and hear their perspectives, particularly those of women.
Describing the situation in Afghanistan as involving systematic human rights violations, Virkkunen said the EU's policy was based on engagement with the Taliban but stressed that such engagement should not be interpreted as recognition of the Taliban government.
She emphasised that maintaining contact allows the European Union to address issues including the formation of an inclusive government, combating drug trafficking and counterterrorism.
The senior European official also referred to ongoing discussions about using the term "gender apartheid" to describe the situation in Afghanistan, saying the European Union does not currently use the term.
Virkkunen said that we use the term gender-based persecution to describe the Taliban's treatment of women, but we are interested in and are following the legal and political discussions surrounding the concept of gender apartheid.
She added that meetings on crimes against humanity and human rights violations were expected to take place soon at the United Nations in New York, where the issue of gender apartheid would also be discussed.
The European Commission's Executive Vice-President further stressed that any future steps towards recognising the Taliban would first require substantial and measurable progress on women's rights and human rights.
According to her, combating terrorism and drug trafficking would also be among the important preconditions for any such move.
In another part of her remarks, Virkkunen highlighted efforts to establish an independent investigative mechanism for Afghanistan, saying the European Union had allocated funding to support its implementation.
She added that further financial contributions from EU member states and other countries could help strengthen accountability for human rights violations in Afghanistan.
Responding to Siawash's call for the Taliban to be designated a terrorist organisation, Virkkunen said the European Union had not currently listed the group as a terrorist organisation.
She explained that such a designation would require specific legal procedures and decisions by competent authorities in EU member states or partner countries.
Virkkunen also recalled that the European Union implements UN sanctions against individuals and entities linked to terrorism in Afghanistan.
She added that the EU had also placed five individuals on its human rights sanctions list for their involvement in serious violations of the rights of Afghan women and girls.
Baktash Siawash, a former Afghan lawmaker, criticised the international community's approach to the Taliban during a European Parliament meeting, accusing countries of applying double standards towards Afghanistan, particularly women.
He urged the EU to decide whether it stands with the Afghan people or the Taliban.
The former Afghan parliamentarian called for the recognition of gender apartheid in Afghanistan and urged countries to suspend diplomatic relations with the Taliban and designate the group as a terrorist organisation.
He also called on European lawmakers to adopt more concrete measures against the Taliban.
Siawash delivered his remarks on Thursday, 5 November, during a meeting of the European Parliament's Committee on Petitions.
He said more than 1,908 days had passed since the Taliban began implementing restrictive policies against Afghan women and girls. According to him, these policies have deprived millions of women and girls of their fundamental rights, including education, employment and participation in public life.
The politician added that the international community had largely remained a spectator to developments in Afghanistan, while the Taliban continued to expand restrictions and pressure on women. He said the world's response had been largely limited to issuing political statements.
Siawash also accused the Taliban of supporting and harbouring terrorist groups, saying the group had eliminated opportunities for political activity, suppressed the media, music and cinema, and prevented opponents from operating freely.
He described the current situation in Afghanistan as "gender apartheid", saying Afghan women had been deprived of normal lives and participation in society. He argued that the situation amounted to organised and structural discrimination against women.
The former Afghan lawmaker also criticised Western countries for issuing visas to Taliban officials and facilitating their participation in international meetings while simultaneously expressing concern about women's rights.
He said that the world's double standards are unacceptable.
Siawash urged the international community to stand for justice and human values and take practical measures to support the people of Afghanistan.
In another part of his speech, he stressed that Afghanistan's future must be based on the sovereignty of its people and that the country needs a political system in which citizens can determine their own future.
Siawash also called on European institutions to increase parliamentary and political pressure on the Taliban.
Recently, the secretariat of the European Parliament's Delegation for Relations with Afghanistan informed Siawash in a letter that it would cooperate in advancing efforts to secure recognition of gender apartheid within the European Parliament.
The secretariat said discussions concerning a new convention on crimes against humanity were continuing.
The European Union has repeatedly expressed concern over the deteriorating human rights situation in Afghanistan and strongly condemned the severe, institutionalised gender-based discrimination and repression faced by women and girls.
The EU recently told the Third Committee of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly that systematic violations of women's and girls' rights in Afghanistan could amount to gender-based persecution.
The United States acknowledged Pakistan’s concerns regarding terrorism from Afghanistan during a speech at the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Summit in Atlanta. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said, “we agree with Pakistan and we don’t want them to be targets of terrorism.”
This has diplomatic significance as Pakistan often highlight the need for effective action to be taken against the various militant groups operating in Afghanistan.
When asked about Pakistan’s security concerns, Rubio acknowledged that Islamabad are concerned with the Afghans Taliban not doing enough to stop terrorism from their country. “We agree with Pakistan. We don’t want them to be targets.” This shows that Washington acknowledges Pakistan’s concerns, how this translates into policy will depend on how they move forward with the concern.
Cross-border terrorism has been a major issue for Pakistan with frequent attacks on security forces, police forces and civilians. Islamabad have constantly asked the Afghan Taliban authorities to ensure militant groups are not using their country to plan, organise or conduct attacks. Pakistan argue that for true stability to be achieved in the region there must be effective action taken against groups.
There is a concern regarding whether the Afghan Taliban authorities can ensure militant groups aren’t operating in their country. Pakistan have often raised concerns over the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and their increased attacks on the Pakistani state. Pakistan argue that having militant safe havens means they have the space to conduct attacks.
The Afghan Taliban authorities have been constantly questioned regarding their commitment to terrorism. Whether they are capable and willing to stop armed groups from operating affects not just Pakistan but the whole region. If they don’t show they are taking the concerns seriously it will cause issues between Kabul and Islamabad, meaning there will be weaker security along the border. Having effective counter-terrorism measures in place will benefit both countries by reducing violence.
Rubio’s comments were significant as they acknowledge Pakistan’s concerns. Comments from high-ranking US officials can help create common ground over security issues. However, this won’t remove militant attacks. There must be ongoing engagement, trust and effective measures to ensure armed groups can’t plan or conduct attacks.
This issue presents a security issue for Washington. Stability in Afghanistan is linked to their neighbours. Constant militant activity can cause issues and prevent effective measures to be put in place to prevent transnational terrorism networks from re-emerging. The United States are interested in ensuring their territory isn’t used to threaten other countries. Acknowledging Pakistan’s concerns aligns with their aim to reduce terrorism threats.
However, this situation requires careful diplomacy. Pakistan and Afghanistan share a long border and have strong social and economic ties. They have mutual security interests and increasing tensions can cause issues with trade, preventing people from travelling across the border and causing worse conditions for people living close to the border. Any long-term solution should include effective border controls, direct engagement, clear expectations and verifiable measures against militant groups.
Pakistan argue that there must be effective measures to ensure commitments to counter-terrorism are achieved. Measures must be in place to stop militants moving around, disrupting recruitment and funding. They must also ensure they aren’t using safe havens and those responsible are held accountable. Collaboration between relevant authorities can help with these issues.
The acknowledgment from Washington could give an opportunity to increase collaboration with Islamabad regarding counter-terrorism. This could include sharing relevant intelligence, diplomatic engagement and supporting efforts to prevent terrorist networks using the region to cause instability. This should be looked at on a case by case basis.
It is important to understand that whilst they are acknowledging Pakistan’s concerns, this does not mean they are supporting all actions taken. The comments made by Rubio show they oppose Pakistan being targeted by terrorist groups and recognise Islamabad’s concerns regarding militant activity. This doesn’t mean they have created a new security deal, given extra support or fully agree with everything Pakistan have said. However, it is important they are publicly acknowledging they have concerns.
Overall, the main issue is to ensure the understanding translates into real improvements. Pakistan need effective action to be taken against those responsible for attacks. Afghanistan have a responsibility to ensure their country isn’t used to threaten their neighbours. The United States and other relevant international parties can help by encouraging commitments to counter-terrorism and supporting diplomatic efforts to reduce risk of further escalation.
Rubio’s statement shows that Pakistan’s security concerns are being heard. How this translates into increased collaboration will depend on how engaged they are. For Pakistan the main priority is to prevent attacks, stop militant groups having space to operate and create stability through effective counter-terrorism. Long-term peace will require all relevant parties to engage in meaningful dialogue, honour their commitments and work together to ensure peace, stability and a region free from the threat of terrorism.
The Taliban announced that a two-day meeting of the Doha Process counter-narcotics working group began on Thursday, 5 November, in Termez, Uzbekistan.
The meeting is attended by representatives of the Taliban, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), international organisations and participating countries in attendance.
In a statement, the Taliban’s Foreign Ministry said discussions would focus on agricultural product standards in Afghanistan, certification and export readiness, alternative livelihoods and inclusive economic growth.
UNAMA has not yet commented on the meeting.
The Taliban’s Foreign Ministry said on Thursday that a delegation from several Taliban departments, led by Sayed Mohiuddin Sadat, an official at the Foreign Ministry, was attending the meeting alongside representatives of UNAMA, relevant international organisations, countries participating in the Doha Process, including host nation Uzbekistan, as well as private sector representatives and experts.
According to the ministry, participants are expected to exchange views on ways to strengthen the private sector, improve market access and identify opportunities for practical cooperation.
The discussions are scheduled to continue until Friday, 6 November.
However, no further details have been released about discussions concerning the cultivation, production and trafficking of narcotics in Afghanistan under Taliban rule.
The fourth meeting of the counter-narcotics working group was held last year in Kabul, hosted by UNAMA. During that meeting, the Taliban expressed concern about synthetic drugs, claiming that their sources were outside Afghanistan and warning that failure to curb their spread would threaten the region and the wider world.
The Doha Process is a United Nations-led initiative established to facilitate dialogue and coordination between the Taliban and the international community on key issues affecting Afghanistan.
The process includes specialised working groups focusing on counter-narcotics and support for the private sector.
The latest meeting comes after the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) recently reported that opium production in Afghanistan had reached nearly 1,500 tonnes in 2026, approximately five times the previous year’s level.
According to UN figures, Afghanistan’s total opium production rose from around 300 tonnes in 2025 to nearly 1,500 tonnes in 2026. The increase was attributed to both an expansion in the area under cultivation and higher crop yields resulting from improved rainfall.
The Taliban’s Interior Ministry rejected the UNODC report on Afghanistan’s narcotics situation, describing its findings as inaccurate.
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) warned that the Taliban has established an extensive system of surveillance, intimidation and repression to silence Afghanistan’s media.
The organisation said the Taliban’s intelligence agency had created a feared unit known as 015 to target journalists.
According to RSF, the Taliban’s intelligence agency established the unit five years ago to arrest and torture journalists, impose censorship and shut down media outlets.
In a report published on Wednesday, 4 November, Reporters Without Borders said the Taliban had pursued a strategy of media repression and censorship, arbitrary convictions of journalists and the closure of critical media outlets over the five years since returning to power.
The organisation stressed that the Taliban administration regarded journalists as enemies of the government simply for carrying out their professional duties.
According to the report, Unit 015 of the Taliban’s intelligence agency is responsible for conducting online propaganda campaigns and managing media activities. Several Afghan journalists told RSF that officers from the unit had arbitrarily arrested, threatened, interrogated and tortured them.
The report said Unit 015, which is deeply feared by Afghan journalists, was established within the Taliban’s intelligence agency after the group’s return to power in August 2021.
The unit has officers stationed in Kabul and other provinces. They monitor Afghan media content and take action against material they consider problematic.
According to the report, officers summon and threaten journalists whose reporting is considered critical of the Taliban. The unit’s operational personnel, working alongside officials from the Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, raid media offices, arrest individuals and confiscate media equipment.
Reporters Without Borders stated that these measures formed part of a broader strategy to suppress journalism entirely and reinforce the position of Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada as an enemy of press freedom.
The report also included accounts from several journalists who described their experiences of detention and torture by Taliban intelligence officers.
Farhad, a journalist whose account was published under a pseudonym for security reasons, said Taliban officers had placed a black bag over his head after arresting him and transferred him to an intelligence facility in Kabul.
The officers accused him of espionage and searched his phone and computer. He was also accused of spreading propaganda against the Taliban administration because of his reporting on people’s everyday lives.
Farhad said he had been transferred to Unit 015 several days after his arrest and had spent two weeks in a small solitary confinement cell.
According to him, different officers subjected him to torture and interrogation around the clock, attempting to force him to make statements against other journalists.
He said officers had beaten him severely on his back and feet and had also used a stun gun against him. He added that he continued to suffer from the effects of the torture.
Farhad is one of 77 journalists reportedly arrested and imprisoned since 2021 in what RSF describes as a campaign of detentions intended to intimidate media workers.
Their periods of detention reportedly ranged from one week to two years.
The report said the Taliban had imposed extensive censorship on the media since returning to power.
Ahmad, another journalist identified by a pseudonym who previously worked for a private television station, said the restrictions had begun with bans on certain programmes and the silencing of female journalists.
According to him, shortly after the Taliban returned to power, his media organisation signed an undertaking with the Ministry of Information and Culture not to broadcast programmes featuring both women and men or interview individuals who opposed the Taliban.
Ahmad said the threats had gradually intensified, and he had been repeatedly summoned to Unit 015 after publishing reports that contradicted the Taliban’s preferred narrative.
He said professional journalism was effectively regarded as opposition to the Taliban.
The journalist was eventually forced to leave Afghanistan.
Abdullah, another journalist now living outside Afghanistan, said the Taliban wanted to turn media outlets into propaganda platforms serving the administration and broadcasting only content approved by the authorities.
According to Abdullah, officers repeatedly threatened him when he was summoned to Unit 015.
He said officers had instructed him not to report on women’s rights, security incidents or poverty. Instead, they had ordered him to invite individuals who supported the Taliban rather than those considered opposed to national interests.
Reporters Without Borders said it had obtained more than 20 nationwide directives and a growing number of provincial orders aimed at eliminating press freedom.
The organisation also examined audio messages in which members of Unit 015 threatened journalists.
In the recordings, officers instructed journalists not to provide airtime to individuals they considered provocative or who questioned the Taliban administration’s policies.
They also ordered media outlets to invite Taliban-approved analysts from a list provided by the authorities. One journalist said the list contained no more than 50 names.
In one of the messages, an officer said cooperation between the authorities and journalists had to be mutual.
He then instructed journalists to produce reports and interviews on topics selected by the Taliban.
According to RSF, threats against journalists continue even after they leave Afghanistan.
In one message, a journalist was warned that the Taliban would find him regardless of where he went or attempted to hide.
Torture & Mock Executions
In another section of the report, Ahmad, whose identity was concealed for security reasons, described torture and mistreatment while in Taliban intelligence custody.
He said he had been forcibly taken to Unit 015 one day and, like other detainees, had been accused of espionage during interrogation.
He added that officers had tortured him and beaten him so severely that he had lost consciousness.
The report said Unit 015 does not operate a separate prison and that most detainees are eventually transferred to Directorates 40 or 90 of the Taliban’s intelligence agency.
Ahmad said he had been allowed to see his family only twice during his prolonged detention.
He also described being subjected to a mock execution.
He said officers had taken him to a hill at two in the morning, placed a gun against his temple and told him they had killed several people like him at the same location.
The journalist was eventually tried in a Taliban court and sentenced to prison on charges of propaganda against the regime.
Several months later, he was transferred to Bagram prison.
Ahmad said his hands and feet had remained tied even when he went to the toilet, and that officers had also punished him with cold water.
He left Afghanistan after being released from prison.
However, Hamdullah Fitrat told Reporters Without Borders that the relevant departments, including Unit 015 of the intelligence agency, operated within the framework of the law. He denied that anyone was subjected to arbitrary treatment or detention.
Taliban’s Anonymous Social Media Accounts
The report said the Taliban’s efforts to control information extended beyond the repression of journalists to the online environment.
According to information obtained by Reporters Without Borders, Unit 015 has a dedicated department responsible for monitoring social media.
Officers document content they consider problematic in reports.
The organisation said one section of Unit 015 was responsible for propaganda, online disinformation campaigns and influencing public opinion.
Unit 015 also operates a studio where videos of detainees’ forced confessions are recorded.
Previously, on 10 September, Afghanistan International published documents showing that the Taliban’s intelligence agency had allocated a total of 70.7 million Afghanis for propaganda campaigns against its opponents.
According to the documents, various elements of the programme are implemented through 1,500 anonymous social media accounts, Taliban-affiliated media outlets and several private television stations.
Official letters from the Taliban’s intelligence agency indicate that the programme was developed in response to increased military and ideological activities by resistance fronts and other critics.
The documents refer to the programme as the Counter-Propaganda and Intelligence Measures Plan.