AGP Executive Report

Women’s Rights Crackdown in Herat: Afghan police and Taliban morality forces dispersed a protest against women’s dress-code detentions in Herat, with eyewitnesses reporting gunfire, injuries, and dozens of arrests; the UN special rapporteur Richard Bennett urged restraint and accountability, while Taliban officials denied some claims and said fines/mediation led to releases. Taliban Smartphone Ban: Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada reportedly issued a verbal order banning smartphones for Taliban members and government employees, warning violators could face military court action; the ban also extends to students and earlier restrictions on phone use at universities. UN Security Council on Afghanistan: Countries stressed protecting women’s rights and keeping UNAMA active, while the US called for a review of UNAMA’s value and costs ahead of mandate renewal. Afghan Humanitarian Pressure: UN reporting highlighted education and rights strains, including millions of girls out of school, as security incidents rise. Regional Security Spillover: In Pakistan’s Peshawar area, TTP militants killed six paramilitary personnel and abducted eight after an attack on a checkpoint, underscoring cross-border tensions. Afghanistan-India Ties: India’s MEA reiterated continued humanitarian and development support for Afghanistan, while India also condemned Pakistan’s strikes on Afghan territory at the UN. Mine/UXO Risk: A blast in Paktika killed seven, including five children, after an unexploded shell was reportedly handled for scrap. Aviation Link: Etihad Airways will double Kabul flights to twice daily starting July 15, citing strong demand.

UN Security Council Tensions: India sharply rebuked Pakistan at the UN over Islamabad’s “Fitna al-Hindustan” label for militant groups, calling it “officially sponsored misinformation” and saying Pakistan is trying to shift blame for its own security failures. Taliban Women’s Rights Crackdown: In Herat, residents and UN officials reported multiple women detained by Taliban morality police for alleged dress-code violations, with UNAMA warning the arrests raise serious human rights concerns. UN Warns on Afghanistan’s Future: UNAMA said Afghanistan looks stable under Taliban rule, but warned of worsening humanitarian and economic pressures, severe restrictions on women and girls, and a “lost generation” risk as millions remain out of school. Humanitarian Pressure from Iran War: The UN food agency WFP warned the Iran conflict is pushing millions more toward hunger, including an estimated 2.3 million in Afghanistan. Islamic Emirate Law: Afghanistan’s Ministry of Justice says a new law on preserving “jihadi heritage” has been published, setting up a directorate to collect and organize materials from the 20-year jihad. Pakistan Blames Afghanistan for Terror: Pakistan’s UN envoy warned that terror attacks in Pakistan linked to groups operating from Afghanistan threaten world peace and urged Taliban action against banned outfits.

Women’s Rights Crackdown: UNAMA says Taliban morality police detained multiple women in Herat over alleged non-compliance with dress rules, warning the arrests raise “serious human rights concerns” and urging equality before the law. Taliban Governance & Economy: Taliban officials say they’ve identified nearly 600 mining sites in Panjshir, citing mineral wealth and thousands employed in extraction, as critics question transparency. Security & Law Enforcement: Afghan police report seizing 21 kg of illegal drugs and destroying drug-processing labs in Uruzgan and Farah. Regional Diplomacy: EU appoints a new Chargé d’Affaires for Afghanistan, while UN calls for a Security Council meeting on Afghanistan. Culture & Sports: An Afghan skiing documentary, “Champions of the Golden Valley,” wins an Emmy; meanwhile India’s one-off Test vs Afghanistan dominates sports coverage, with India’s spinners and debutant Manav Suthar in focus.

Women’s Rights Crackdown in Herat: Taliban authorities in Herat began arresting women over dress-code violations, using mobile inspectors and warning that detained women’s government-employed guardians could be dismissed. UN Humanitarian Funding: Luxembourg pledged €300,000 to the Afghanistan Humanitarian Fund as OCHA warns only 16% of the $1.72bn appeal is funded, with 17.5m people needing help and acute hunger rising. Governance Push in Kandahar: A meeting of governors from Afghanistan’s seven regional zones focused on implementing directives, strengthening security, anti-corruption, police-community relations, and counter-narcotics. EU Engagement: The European Commission said it is still pursuing plans to invite Afghanistan’s Islamic Emirate representatives to Brussels, while naming Nicola Bellomo as its new Chargé d’Affaires for Afghanistan. Financial Scam Warning: Da Afghanistan Bank urged Afghans to verify licenses after “Gold BS” faced allegations of blocking withdrawals and trapping investors. Taliban Deny Security Claims: The Islamic Emirate rejected reports of foreign “terrorist camps” inside Afghanistan, calling them propaganda. UNFPA Staff Death Case: Taliban police said preliminary findings indicate UNFPA employee Freshta Emady died by suicide, while other accounts dispute the cause.

UN Security Council: UNAMA says the UN Security Council will hold a special meeting on Afghanistan on June 8, with a report on Taliban restrictions on women’s education and employment and the impact of declining aid. EU Diplomacy: The EU appointed Italian diplomat Nicola Bellomo as Chargé d’Affaires for its Afghanistan delegation, keeping an “engagement without recognition” approach. Humanitarian Pressure: WFP warns prolonged conflict and aid shortfalls are worsening hunger, with millions facing severe food insecurity in Afghanistan. Rights and Monitoring: Shia Rights Watch reported anti-Shia violations across seven countries, including Afghanistan, citing pressure on Shia clerics and other abuses. Security Inside Afghanistan: Sources say Taliban governors met in Kandahar, with concerns raised about deteriorating security in the north, drug trafficking expansion, and armed activity in Herat. Connectivity and Economy: Ariana Afghan Airlines launched daily Kabul–Delhi passenger and cargo flights, aiming to boost trade and access to markets. Sports (Afghanistan focus): Afghanistan made history in the India one-off Test as Rahmat Shah became the first Afghan to reach 1,000 Test runs, while India dominated Day 2 after declaring 564/8.

Afghan-Iran Trade: Iran’s consul general in Nangarhar says a joint Afghan-Iranian products exhibition will be held in Jalalabad to connect traders and expand business ties. Humanitarian Aid Logistics: WFP says fortified biscuits for Afghanistan reached via a longer detour after the Afghanistan–Pakistan border and the Strait of Hormuz were closed, with delivery through multiple countries and the Torghundi border; the shipment is set for 172,000 schoolchildren. Food Security Pressure: The UN food agency warns the Iran war is pushing millions toward acute hunger, including an estimated 2.3 million in Afghanistan. UN Diplomacy: The UN Security Council will hold its quarterly open briefing on Afghanistan on June 8, with UNAMA and humanitarian officials expected to brief members. Regional Engagement: Afghanistan’s spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid and the economy ministry urge the country’s inclusion in all regional meetings to shape decisions on regional stability and cooperation. Security and Detentions: Taliban authorities detained a former Afghan soldier in Balkh’s Zari district, with his family reporting no information on his whereabouts. Natural Disasters: A 4.0 quake struck Afghanistan’s Hindu Kush region, with no immediate damage reports.

Humanitarian Pressure: Canada convened UN talks on Afghanistan ahead of a Security Council review, with UN and ICRC briefings warning 21.9 million people need aid in 2026 as funding gaps and restricted access bite. Education Clampdown: Taliban-run Kankor university entrance exams began for Kabul-area candidates, but girls are again barred from participating for the fourth straight year. Women’s Rights: UN rights bodies and UN Women warn restrictions are deepening exclusion for women and girls, including risks of gender-based violence. Security & Crime: Taliban authorities reported a month of arrests tied to robberies, theft, weapons smuggling, kidnapping, and narcotics trafficking. Food Crisis Spillover: The WFP says the Iran war is pushing millions more toward acute hunger, including an estimated 2.3 million in Afghanistan. Returns Home: Over 3,500 Afghan refugees reportedly returned in one day, mostly from Pakistan. Local Development: A water supply network was inaugurated in Logar’s Baraki Barak to serve 512 families. Sports (Afghanistan vs India): India dominated Day 1 of the one-off Test against Afghanistan, reaching 368/3; Afghanistan coach Richard Pybus said Rashid Khan’s Test availability remains uncertain.

Food Security: The UN World Food Programme says the Iran war is pushing millions toward acute hunger, warning that higher oil prices and fertilizer shortages could hit Afghanistan hard, with an additional 2.3 million people at risk of not meeting basic food needs. Humanitarian Returns: UNHCR reports more than 700,000 Afghans have returned from Iran and Pakistan since the start of 2026, including about 400,000 from Pakistan, as return waves strain shelter, jobs, and healthcare. UN Diplomacy: Ahead of UNAMA’s mandate renewal, UNAMA’s acting head met the UAE’s UN deputy, with both sides stressing protection of women and girls’ rights and the need for a clear, renewed mandate. Regional Connectivity: At the Termez Dialogue in Tashkent, officials discussed linking Central and South Asia through Afghanistan, including progress on the Afghan-Trans railway feasibility study and the role of stability in boosting trade and security. US Courts/Immigration: A US judge struck down Trump-era immigration restrictions affecting people from 39 countries, ordering asylum and other processing to resume—an issue that also touches Afghan cases.

Humanitarian Crisis: The UN World Food Programme says the Middle East conflict is pushing millions closer to hunger, with higher fuel and transport costs and aid shortfalls hitting Afghanistan hard; it warns 17.4 million people could be affected by food insecurity in 2026, with millions more at risk if disruptions continue. UN & Rights: The UN confirmed the death of UNFPA staffer Freshta Emady in Afghanistan, offering condolences but not details; meanwhile, UN reporting also highlights worsening risks for women and girls as restrictions and conflict deepen vulnerabilities. Taliban, Diplomacy & Europe: A German deportation flight for men to Afghanistan was cancelled after Taliban authorities refused to cooperate, with Germany citing stalled coordination. Security & Military Ties: Russia has agreed to repair and restore Afghanistan’s Soviet-era military hardware under a new deal, a move seen as strengthening Taliban military capacity. Education: Afghanistan’s university entrance exams (Kankor) began in Kabul without girls for the fourth straight year, as Taliban rules keep women barred from higher education. Sports: Afghanistan coach Richard Pybus expects a spin-heavy Test vs India and says Rashid Khan will miss due to injury and workload management.

UXO Tragedy in Paktia: Two children died after finding an unexploded ordnance device while playing in Spena Takhta, Rohani Baba district, Paktia, as officials warned Afghanistan remains at high risk from landmines and remnants of war. Afghan Women’s Education Clampdown: A new report says Taliban restrictions have pushed female academics out of universities and jobs, with girls’ education banned beyond age 12 and women barred from most work, deepening a wider economic and social crisis. Kabul Power Strain: Reports highlight worsening blackouts and slow internet in Kabul, adding pressure on students and businesses already struggling under restrictions. Humanitarian Fallout from Regional Conflict: WFP warns the Middle East crisis and higher energy costs are worsening food insecurity, including pushing millions more in Afghanistan toward acute hunger. Afghan Refugees in Iran: Rights groups and aid updates say Afghan refugees face growing hardship and protection risks as forced returns and displacement pressures rise.

Regional Security & Diplomacy: Russia has signed a military-technical cooperation deal with Afghanistan’s Taliban leadership, deepening Moscow’s engagement even as it raises new regional security questions. Humanitarian Pressure: Afghanistan has been ranked among the world’s most neglected displacement crises, with the Norwegian Refugee Council warning that shrinking attention and funding are worsening hunger and service collapse. Governance & Reconciliation: Taliban supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada told provincial officials to prioritize unity, patience, and forgiveness, framing the 2021 general amnesty as a way to prevent revenge and restore stability. Women’s Rights: UN reporting highlights Afghanistan’s ongoing gender restrictions, including barriers to education and work for women and girls. Afghan Migrants Abroad: Kabul condemned the killing of three Afghan migrants burned alive in Italy, urging justice as Italian prosecutors arrest suspects. Connectivity: Afghanistan’s commerce ministry reiterated the country’s role as a bridge between Central and South Asia at the Termez Dialogue, pushing transit and rail links. Sports: India’s camp says Mohammed Siraj is “absolutely fine” for the one-off Test vs Afghanistan, while Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi stressed the need for more red-ball cricket.

Afghan-Russia ties: Taliban officials say a new military cooperation pact with Russia is meant mainly for maintenance and training, not air defense—raising fresh questions as Kabul deepens security links while tensions with Pakistan simmer. Pakistan-Afghanistan fallout: Pakistan-linked border closures and wider regional strain are blamed for about $850 million in trade losses, with traders on both sides warning the disruption could worsen. Kabul jobs pressure: Daily wage laborers in Kabul complain unemployment is biting hard, with low pay and rising rent pushing more people into the capital. Refugee access to the U.S.: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio says an executive order after a National Guard attack blocks new Afghan refugee admissions, though he says the U.S. is working with at least five countries to resettle stranded Afghans elsewhere. Women’s education and work: UNICEF warns that bans on girls’ secondary education are draining Afghanistan’s future workforce, hitting health and teaching capacity. Tourism in Nuristan: Residents urge visitors to respect local culture and avoid damaging farmland during Eid travel.

Sports & National Pride: India begins its one-off red-ball Test vs Afghanistan on June 6 in New Chandigarh, with the squad hitting nets and managing player fitness ahead of the match. Humanitarian Funding: OCHA says Iceland has pledged $402,000 to the Afghanistan Humanitarian Fund as needs remain massive. Women’s Rights Diplomacy: Spain’s FM says Afghan women’s voices will be heard despite Taliban restrictions, as feminist foreign policy talks in Madrid renew support. Food Security Warning: WFP warns the Middle East crisis could push up to 2.3 million more Afghans into food insecurity, on top of 13.8 million already struggling. Child Marriage Condemnation: UN bodies again condemn Taliban-linked moves that legitimize child marriage and treat girls’ silence as consent. Migration & Aid Pressure: Rubio says the US is still seeking third-country resettlement for Afghans stranded in Qatar, while humanitarian groups flag worsening conditions for displaced people. Urban Life in Kabul: Residents complain about rising civic and environmental strain as more people move into the capital.

Taliban Oil Push: Afghanistan’s Taliban opened five new oil wells in Jawzjan’s Amu Darya basin, signaling a bigger push into energy production after the U.S. withdrawal. Refugee Resettlement: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said more than 1,100 Afghans stuck in Qatar will be moved to third countries, with talks underway with at least five options. UN Security Council Rift: A new UN Security Council report highlights sharp differences among permanent members on how to engage Afghanistan—Russia and China favor dialogue and aid without pressure, while the U.S. prioritizes security and detained Americans. Women’s Rights Under Taliban: UN Women warns 50,000 women and girls face rising gender-based violence, as reports continue on Taliban restrictions including education and legal barriers. Security & Terror Concerns: Pakistan and the EU urged Taliban action against terrorist groups using Afghan territory, amid ongoing cross-border violence. Humanitarian Strain: OCHA says only 16% of Afghanistan humanitarian funding is secured, deepening shortages as needs grow. Road Tragedy: A deadly truck crash involving Afghan returnees from Pakistan killed at least 22, including children, underscoring persistent transport risks.

UN Rights Watch: The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child condemned a Taliban decree that legitimises child marriage and treats a girl’s silence as consent, calling it a grave, systematic rights violation. Humanitarian Pressure: UN Women warned that about 50,000 Afghan women and girls in conflict-hit eastern areas face rising gender-based violence as healthcare and services deteriorate. EU-Taliban Row: Over 80 rights groups urged the EU not to host Taliban talks in Brussels, warning engagement could normalize the regime amid deportation-linked discussions. UN Security Council: UNAMA’s mandate is set for review as the Security Council weighs Afghanistan’s security, humanitarian crisis, and worsening rights—especially for women and girls. WFP Leadership: Carl Skau assumed the role of Acting Executive Director of the UN World Food Programme as acute hunger surges and funding gaps widen. Taliban vs TTP: Pakistan’s defence minister Khawaja Asif said Taliban support for TTP remains intact and warned against trusting “mixed signals.” Cybersecurity: Researchers say a Pakistan-aligned SideCopy group used Xeno RAT in a spear-phishing campaign targeting Afghanistan’s Ministry of Finance and revenue offices. Local Life: A charity-backed mass wedding in Kabul helped hundreds of couples marry despite costly traditions. Sports Hope: After years of Taliban bans, the Afghan women’s soccer team is set to return to international competition following FIFA eligibility.

Child Marriage Crackdown: The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child condemned Afghanistan’s Taliban decree that legitimizes child marriage and treats a girl’s silence as consent, urging an explicit ban and restoration of girls’ education and rights. UNAMA Mandate: The UN Security Council is set to decide on extending UNAMA’s mission on June 16 after a shorter, three-month renewal, with a June 8 meeting ahead of the vote. Returnee Tragedy: At least 22 Afghan returnees from Pakistan were killed after a truck crash in eastern Afghanistan, with dozens more injured. Humanitarian Access: Norway Refugee Council chief Jan Egeland warned that millions of Afghans in Iran face extreme vulnerability amid conflict, while Afghanistan struggles to absorb large-scale returns. Tourism Boost: Kapisa reported more than 100,000 tourists during Eid al-Adha, with visitors flocking to Nijrab waterfalls and other parks. Afghan-Russia Trade: Afghanistan-Russia trade nearly doubled in 1404, rising to about $590 million, though exports from Afghanistan remain small.