AGP Executive Report

Pakistan-Afghanistan Security Fallout: A suicide car-bomb and gun attack on Kohat’s Old Police Lines complex killed at least 31 people, including 16 police, with fighting still ongoing as militants reportedly holed up inside the Special Branch section. Afghan Rights & Education: Pakistan’s Lahore High Court extended a suspension of a directive forcing Afghan medical students to leave, after lawyers sought more time. Afghan Economy & Industry: Afghanistan’s Deputy PM for Economic Affairs Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar broke ground on industrial parks in Kunduz and Baghlan, aiming to expand investment and local production. Cross-border Humanitarian Pressure: UN experts urged Pakistan to halt deportations of at-risk Afghans, as reports continue of forced returns. Afghan Connectivity: Afghanistan activated an internet exchange center to improve speed and security. Regional Diplomacy: Kabul’s Mujahid said Afghanistan seeks stronger ties with Saudi Arabia while keeping dialogue with Pakistan.

Pakistan Attack Near Afghan Border: A vehicle bomb ripped through a mosque by police offices in Kohat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, during Friday prayers, killing at least 21 people (including 15 police) and injuring about 80; gunmen then tried to storm the compound and a suicide attacker hit a nearby intelligence office, with officials suspecting the Pakistani Taliban amid rising militant violence near the Afghanistan frontier. Afghanistan-Pakistan Tensions: Turkey’s intelligence chief visited Pakistan after a trip to Afghanistan, urging efforts to ease disputes; Pakistan says terrorism from Afghan soil must stop, while Kabul denies sheltering militants. Cyber Threats Linked to Afghan Targets: A Pakistan-aligned hacking group, Transparent Tribe (APT36), is reported to be using new Rust-based tools and private GitHub repositories to target government and defense organizations in India and Afghanistan. Afghanistan Economy & Services: Kabul fuel prices rose in recent days, pushing up household costs, while Afghanistan’s communications ministry activated an Internet Exchange Center to improve speed, security, and domestic hosting capacity. Human Rights Focus: UN rights groups urged renewing the UN Human Rights Council mandate on Afghanistan, calling for continued reporting on women and girls and scrutiny of marginalized communities.

Afghanistan Humanitarian Crisis: China urged the international community to boost aid and engagement as Afghanistan’s humanitarian situation worsens, warning nearly half the population still needs help and women’s rights remain under pressure. Education & Rights: Afghans studying medicine in Pakistan are fighting expulsion orders in court, after Pakistan’s medical council said they must return home for the current academic session. Security & Extremism: A UN-linked warning says al-Qaeda is regrouping in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan, keeping regional terror concerns alive. Governance & Restrictions: UN reporting highlights continued restrictions on women and girls and ongoing detentions and media clampdowns. Economy & Aid: UNSC discussions spotlight Afghanistan’s economy and the need for stronger international engagement as reintegration stalls. Regional Tensions: Pakistan again accused the Taliban of failing to act against terror groups tied to cross-border attacks, while calling for self-defence responses if needed.

Women’s Rights Pressure: Forty-two UN member states and the EU urged the Taliban to immediately lift restrictions on women and girls, calling the policy “systematic gender discrimination” and warning of arrests and reprisals. UN Security Council Focus: At a separate UNSC discussion, UN officials said Afghanistan’s economy remains fragile despite some macro stability, with foreign aid cuts and nearly 1.2 million returns from Iran and Pakistan raising humanitarian risks. Economy & Aid: UNAMA said the 2026 humanitarian plan is only 30% funded, with health and women’s protection services among the programs being scaled back. Counterterror & Governance: A report by South Asia Times said Taliban rule has failed on Doha commitments and that over 20 militant groups, including TTP, ISKP and al-Qaeda, remain active in Afghanistan. Drugs Watch: The U.S. named Afghanistan among 23 major drug transit/producing countries for FY2027, and designated it as having failed demonstrably on counternarcotics efforts. Regional Engagement: Kazakhstan backed “pragmatic engagement” with Afghanistan at the UN, stressing help for economic self-reliance without isolation. Sports (Afghanistan in the spotlight): India’s Abhishek Sharma smashed a record 30-ball T20I century as India swept Afghanistan 3-0 in Delhi.

Counterterrorism at the UN: India used a UN Security Council meeting on Afghanistan to warn that 9/11 “architects” were found in settled areas in Pakistan—not “caves or badlands”—and argued that permissive environments still help groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed. Humanitarian pressure from returns: India also condemned involuntary repatriation of millions of Afghans, citing UN figures showing 2.9 million returns in 2025 and another 1.15 million by August 22, 2026, calling for voluntary, safe, dignified returns and stronger humanitarian support. Terror threat assessments: The Atlantic Council warned Afghanistan is again functioning as a sanctuary for terrorist networks under Taliban rule, saying the Taliban’s claimed control doesn’t match its ability to stop groups from operating. Afghan migrants back from Iran: Reuters reported Afghan families returning from Iran amid a deepening economic crisis, with currency losses wiping out savings and women facing severe restrictions on education, travel, and work. US deportation case: The US Homeland Security announced the first use of its Alien Terrorist Removal Court to remove an Afghan national tied to an ISIS-inspired Election Day 2024 mass-shooting plot. Afghan security incidents: A separate UN-linked update said security incidents in Afghanistan are rising, with growing risks for civilians and rights.

Diplomacy: Afghanistan’s foreign ministry says Kabul wants formal ties with the United States and argues Washington should normalize relations after foreign forces withdrew. UN Security & Rights: UN officials warn Afghanistan’s “apparent stability” masks rising security and human-rights risks, citing a sharp rise in incidents, continued restrictions on women and girls, and growing humanitarian pressure. Humanitarian Pressure: UNAMA says nearly 1.2 million Afghans returned from Pakistan and Iran this year, while the 2026 aid plan is only about 30% funded—raising fears of instability as resources tighten. Women’s Education: Panama urged the UN Security Council to reject claims that women’s education conflicts with Afghan culture, calling Taliban policies a systematic removal of women from public life. Counterterrorism: An ISIS-K operative linked to the Abbey Gate bombing was sentenced to 20 years in a US court. US Policy: The US kept Afghanistan on its major drug list while removing Venezuela from the “failed” category, citing renewed security cooperation. Security Incidents: UN reports record 2,947 security incidents from May to July, up 11%, as risks mount.

UN Security Council: The UN Security Council is set to meet today on Afghanistan, with UNAMA chief Raba Fatima expected to brief members on the latest political, humanitarian, security and human rights situation, including conditions for women and girls. Diplomacy Debate: Australia is urged to engage with the Taliban government without letting engagement turn into “quiet normalisation,” with calls for an inclusive government before any wider acceptance. Afghan Terrorism Watch: A UN report and renewed commentary highlight concerns about al-Qaeda regrouping in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan and the risk of renewed attacks. Women Under Crackdown: Reports describe a new Taliban crackdown on women in Kabul, including detentions and beatings tied to morality rules. Education & Rights: Pakistan’s court action has been reported as suspending an order affecting Afghan medical students’ ability to complete studies, while Afghan media groups face closure concerns. Regional Humanitarian Pressure: Rights groups report Afghan migrants dying of thirst en route to Iran, underscoring the dangers facing people trying to flee.

Taliban Diplomacy: Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi asked Kyrgyzstan to back Taliban positions at the UN Security Council after Bishkek’s 2027 seat, while also discussing expanded trade and political ties. Doha Process Critique: Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said the UN-backed Doha Process has “failed” to meet its social and economic objectives and remains incomplete. Explosive Remnants: In Khost, a 15-year-old boy was killed and two girls injured after an unexploded ordnance blast, underscoring ongoing landmine and explosive hazards. Migration Tragedy: A rights group says at least 17 Afghan migrants died of thirst near the Iran border in Saravan, with families among the victims. Roads Reality Check: Taliban-run statistics say 92.6% of Afghanistan’s roads are unpaved, with major gaps in mountainous provinces like Daikundi and Ghor. Regional Security: Afghanistan’s Shia Commission leadership was reportedly detained in Kabul amid wider tensions. Humanitarian/Policy: UN and partners announced new support for Afghan farmers and agribusinesses, as aid access remains a key concern.

Afghan Women’s Rights & Travel Controls: A Kerala vlogger, “Backpacker Arunima,” says Taliban-era authorities in Bamyan threatened her with arrest over solo travel, citing rules that women must travel with a male companion or official guide; she claims she was eventually allowed to continue toward the Uzbekistan border after document checks and negotiations. Independent Media Under Pressure: Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) says the Taliban shut down Kabul radio station Radio Seday-e-Eslah, alleging it was linked to a banned group, while the station says it was privately licensed and operating legally. Education & Cross-Border Student Rights: Pakistan’s Sindh High Court suspended a directive requiring Afghan medical students to return home before finishing studies, ordering authorities not to deport or enforce the order until late September. Security & Extremism Context: A report on Islamic State Pakistan Province (ISPP) describes the group as smaller than ISKP but persistent, with attacks and sectarian targeting across Pakistan’s Balochistan region. Economy & Migration Pressure: Afghan families in Nimroz describe unemployment and poverty driving illegal migration routes toward Iran, despite risks like violence and harsh travel conditions.

Agriculture & Livelihoods: The EU and FAO launched a €5 million initiative to help Afghan farmers and agribusinesses reach markets, boost incomes, and handle climate and economic shocks, including support hubs, climate early-warning tools, forest/rangeland restoration, and grants for women- and community-led nurseries. Education & Health: Afghan medical students in Pakistan urged the Afghan government to stop repatriation orders, saying about 1,000 students (including 350 girls) face disruption; meanwhile, Afghanistan’s National Cancer Control Program rejected claims of 1.5 million cancer patients, saying the figure is still being finalized and that only a small number were sent abroad for radiotherapy/radiography. Security & Borders: Afghanistan’s Defense Ministry said it has stepped up border security and smuggling prevention over the past five years, claiming arms smuggling has declined while human smuggling has risen. Refugees: Torkham officials said 100–150 Afghan refugee families are returning daily from Pakistan, down from earlier months, citing pressure on refugees in Pakistan. Regional Links: PIA and Kam Air signed an interline agreement to streamline travel from Afghanistan to the Middle East via Islamabad. Terrorism & Law: The US deported an Afghan woman in a first-ever Alien Terrorist Removal Court case tied to an ISIS-style Election Day plot.

Border Security: Afghanistan’s Defense Ministry says it has stepped up border protection and cracked down on arms and people smuggling, claiming smuggling attempts have been thwarted through regular programs with other security bodies. Terrorism Claims: The Islamic Emirate rejects reports of al-Qaeda training camps in Afghanistan, calling them propaganda and saying no foreign groups operate on Afghan soil. Detentions in Badakhshan: Taliban authorities detained at least 38 people in Badakhshan during searches for former security personnel and alleged links to armed groups. Health Crisis: Afghanistan’s Cancer Foundation says more than 1.5 million people are living with cancer, with about 50,000 new cases each year. EU/FAO Support for Farmers: The EU and FAO launched a €5 million project to back climate-resilient farming, restore degraded rangelands, and support rural businesses via service hubs. Infrastructure Woes: Residents in Ghazni and Paktika complain a 41-km road project remains unfinished, slowing travel and damaging vehicles. Sports Diplomacy: India and Afghanistan’s T20 series in Delhi drew attention after Vande Mataram was played before the national anthem for the first time at an international match. US Deportation Case: The US deported an Afghan lawful permanent resident in the first use of its Alien Terrorist Removal Court, tied to an ISIS-inspired plot. Migration Tragedy: Six Afghan migrants died in a crash in Iran while trying to enter through an irregular route.

UN Security Council: The UN marked the 25th anniversary of 9/11 with fresh concerns over Afghanistan, with Russia, France and China warning that ISIS and al-Qaeda remain active and that Afghanistan could again become a “breeding ground” for terrorism. Terror threat claims: Pakistan told the UN that more than 4,700 Pakistanis have been killed by terrorism it says emanates from Afghanistan, urging tighter UN sanctions and counterterrorism gaps. Al-Qaeda regrouping: A new report says al-Qaeda has re-established bases in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan since 2021, citing a “permissive environment” for safe houses and training camps. US deportation: The US deported an Afghan woman tied to an ISIS-inspired Election Day plot, marking the first use of the Alien Terrorist Removal Court. Humanitarian reality: In eastern Afghanistan, a midwife near Tora Bora says Taliban restrictions and dwindling aid are making it harder for pregnant women to get care. Culture and heritage: Bamiyan’s culture department says UNESCO and partners have completed 12 restoration projects to protect historic sites. Sports: India begins a T20I series vs Afghanistan in Delhi, with traffic curbs around BRICS and the stadium.

US-Afghanistan Legal Fallout: The U.S. Justice Department used its Alien Terrorist Removal Court for the first time to deport Afghan-born Nazira Haji Zada, after she conceded she was an “alien terrorist,” marking a new, classified-evidence-heavy deportation pathway. Afghanistan Security Diplomacy: Afghanistan’s Defense and Interior delegations traveled to China for security talks, stressing cooperation on narcotics, organized crime, and smuggling while warning no country should use Afghan territory for insecurity. Regional Politics: Pakistan’s ambassador to Russia said Afghanistan’s SCO membership is unlikely “given the current regime,” while Islamabad plans to push its case in Moscow Format consultations. Education Crisis in Pakistan: The Lahore High Court suspended PMDC directives that had ordered Afghan medical students to leave and return home, allowing affected students to keep studying and access dorms pending further hearings. UN Security Council: The UNSC warned that terrorism threats persist and that ISIS-Khorasan remains active in Afghanistan, urging the Islamic Emirate to prevent Afghanistan from becoming a “breeding ground.” Local Violence: In Nangarhar’s Chaparhar district, a land-dispute clash between two families left four dead and three wounded, with Taliban police arresting suspects.

Red Sea Flashpoint: Saudi Arabia shut down a key East-West pipeline after drone attacks as Yemen’s Houthis seized Perim (Mayun) Island, tightening control at the Bab al-Mandab Strait and raising pressure on shipping and oil prices. UN Counter-Terror Update: The UN Security Council urged countries to update counter-terror strategies as militants increasingly use AI, drones, satellites and social media. Afghanistan Rights Under Scrutiny: Amnesty urged Pakistan to investigate the disappearance of Afghan journalist Sayed Qasim Hashemi and artist Hamed Ehsas after more than two months without contact. US Court Moves: The US deported an Afghan woman tied to an ISIS-inspired election plot after the first use of the Alien Terrorist Removal Court. Afghan Heritage at Risk: Nimroz residents and activists warned about damage and neglect to the 3,000-year-old Zaranj Arg (Nad Ali castle), calling for stronger protection and action against smuggling. Afghan Minerals Pitch: A report says Kabul has offered the US a rare-minerals deal and embassy opening, testing whether Washington will engage despite sanctions and regional tensions.

Afghanistan-India Trade Talks: Kabul’s chamber chief met India’s ambassador to push more export flights for Afghan goods and faster business visas, with fresh and dried fruits and figs flagged as key products. Humanitarian Pressure in Afghanistan: UN rights leadership warned that the Afghan crisis is worsening month by month as aid cuts and restrictions deepen hardship for women and children. Pakistan-Afghan Education Crisis: Lahore High Court moved against directives tied to Afghan medical students’ expulsion, while rights groups and UN voices urged Pakistan to halt the removals and allow current students to continue studies. Regional Security: Taliban defense officials met Turkmen border commanders to strengthen coordination along the northern frontier amid concerns about cross-border militant activity. 9/11 Anniversary Context: The week’s coverage also marked 25 years since the attacks, including new CIA declassifications of presidential briefings and renewed debate over the war on terror’s long fallout for Afghanistan.

Water Shortage in Nimroz: Residents in Zaranj, Nimroz, say clean drinking water is scarce and pipelines installed to homes often carry no water, with people forced to buy from private suppliers. Afghan Security Spillover: In Pakistan’s Kurram district, four militants were killed in an intelligence-based operation, including an Afghan national linked to “Fitna al-Khawarij,” as authorities vowed continued cross-border action against hostile elements. Post-9/11 War Costs: A new roundup marks 25 years since 9/11 and revisits the human toll of the post-9/11 wars, including direct and indirect deaths tied to conflicts that included Afghanistan. Regional Energy Deal with Taliban: Saudi Delta International Energy signed a $200 million contract with Afghanistan’s Taliban government to explore and extract hydrocarbons in the Kushk-Tirpul basin, raising questions about how security partnerships translate into shared interests. Agriculture Pressure in Faryab: Grape growers in Qaisar, Faryab, report falling prices, weak demand, water shortages, and export disruptions that are squeezing incomes.