AGP Executive Report

Security Update: Pakistan’s ISPR says security forces killed 22 terrorists in a North Waziristan “sanitisation” operation after May 17 intelligence reports, with the area cordoned off and the hunt continuing. Regional Trade: Uzbekistan and Afghanistan signed a memorandum to expand trade, investment, logistics and business forums, while Uzbekistan’s foreign-enterprise data shows China leading investment there. Afghanistan Economy & Daily Life: Taliban officials say domestic pharmaceutical production is rising as imports slow, but citizens complain about costly, tightly controlled taxi repainting rules and bureaucratic hurdles for business licenses. Humanitarian Pressure: Reports from Ghor describe families pushed toward selling children to survive as hunger deepens. Migration: IOM says 174,972 Afghans returned from Pakistan in Q1 2026, mostly voluntarily, driven largely by fear of arrest. Policy/Border: India added passport-disclosure requirements for citizenship applicants from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan.

Taliban Family Law Backlash: Afghanistan’s Taliban has issued a new 31-article decree on marriage and divorce that rights groups say effectively legalizes child and forced marriage, including a rule that treats a “virgin girl’s” silence after puberty as consent—sparking calls for repeal. Polio Security in KP: In Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, two police officers protecting polio vaccinators were shot dead in Bajaur as a new nationwide campaign began, underscoring how militants target health drives. Regional Diplomacy: Qatar’s ambassador to Kabul says Doha is working to reduce tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, while Iran’s president publicly thanked Afghanistan, Iraq, and Pakistan for preventing their territory from being used against Iran. Aid and Connectivity: The ADB is reportedly likely to approve about $1.2bn to rehabilitate Pakistan Railways’ ML-1, with sources noting Afghanistan-linked routes remain blocked since 2021. Cultural Spotlight: International Museum Day in Afghanistan highlighted the National Museum’s 60,000+ artifacts—much of it still stored due to space limits.

US Aid Shock: The U.S. is moving to slash foreign assistance as part of a broader budget-cut push, raising fears that humanitarian and stabilization work tied to Afghanistan will be hit hard. Pentagon Tensions in Europe: A GOP senator warned that reported changes at U.S. Army Europe and Africa headquarters could weaken readiness during a troop drawdown. Kabul Jobs Pressure: Young people in Kabul say unemployment is rising and hiring is increasingly tied to Taliban connections, pushing many toward migration or low-paid work. Taliban Rules Spark Outrage: The new Taliban family law regulation—allowing “virgin girls’” silence to be treated as consent in some cases—has drawn renewed criticism from rights groups. Culture and Health: Afghanistan says it blocked 142 artefacts from smuggling and launched a second-round polio campaign for 8.3 million children. Regional Trade: Uzbekistan and Afghanistan discussed cotton projects, while Uzbek firms arrived to expand business ties.

US-Iran Pressure Escalates: Trump says “the clock is ticking” for Iran, warning “there won’t be anything left of them” as nuclear talks stall; Iran counters with its own conditions, including sanctions relief and ending regional military operations. Pakistan as Mediator: Pakistan’s PM Shehbaz Sharif calls Islamabad an “honest mediator” after a Pakistan-brokered ceasefire and hopes for another round in Islamabad, while Iran’s president credits neighbors—including Afghanistan—for blocking misuse of their territory. Afghanistan Connectivity Push: Afghanistan’s Public Works Ministry says new transport corridors could turn the country into a key trade hub linking Central Asia to South Asia, with rail and port routes already in place. Taliban Rights Backlash: The Taliban’s new family law rules on “virgin girls” and child marriage trigger fresh international criticism. Humanitarian & Governance Signals: UNAMA disputes how civilian harm is assessed in Taliban-controlled combat zones, and WFP warns hunger and malnutrition are worsening. Telecom Expansion: Afghanistan’s telecom ministry says SIM registration is nearing completion and mobile/internet access is growing, despite complaints about cost and quality.

Taliban Family Law Backlash: Afghanistan’s Taliban has introduced new family law rules that reportedly recognize child marriages under “specific conditions,” including a clause critics say treats a “virgin girl’s” silence after puberty as consent, while also requiring annulment through Taliban courts and expanding male guardians’ authority—sparking protests from rights groups demanding an immediate repeal. Women’s Rights Under Pressure: Activists warn the regulation could lock girls into marriages arranged in childhood and make it harder to challenge unions later, as Afghanistan’s broader restrictions on women’s freedoms continue to draw international condemnation. Regional Security Links: In a separate development, CENTCOM called Pakistan a “critical counter-terrorism partner” in the fight against IS-K, stressing that threats tied to Afghanistan remain a key concern for partners across the region. Humanitarian Strain: WFP is seeking $350 million as hunger and malnutrition worsen, with mothers and children hit hardest.

Humanitarian Alarm: WFP says Afghanistan’s hunger and malnutrition crisis is worsening fast, urgently seeking $350 million as nearly 5 million mothers and children need treatment and clinics are turning people away for lack of supplies. Taliban Law & Rights: The Taliban has legalized child marriage through new rules, including procedures tied to “virgin girls,” while the Supreme Court chief urges fighters to stop mistreating prisoners and visitors. Justice & Detention: UK envoy Richard Lindsay calls for transparency after the Taliban detained three journalists in Kabul without clear charges. Cross-border Pressure: Pakistan’s PM is publicly celebrating peacemaking, but Zalmay Khalilzad warns mistrust after a deadly attack could derail talks; meanwhile, a Pakistan High Court ordered Pakistan Origin Cards for five Afghan-origin families and barred forced deportation. Diplomacy & Economy: Afghanistan-Russia talks in Kazan focused on trade, transport, energy, and mining, with officials calling results “tangible.” Local Life: Herat launched a 10-day Eid exhibition for women entrepreneurs, with nearly 200 women selling clothing, sweets, dried fruits, and handicrafts.

Border Security: Militants in Pakistan’s Bajaur district rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into a border outpost, then opened fire, killing at least 8 troops and injuring 35; Pakistan says the attack threatens the wider Afghanistan ceasefire picture. Taliban Detentions: In Kabul, the UK’s Afghanistan envoy Richard Lindsay urged “transparency and justice” after the Taliban detained three journalists, with UN officials also pressing for clear charges and due process. Sectarian Crackdown Claims: A prominent Shiite cleric in Kabul says Taliban authorities summoned and beat him after officiating a temporary marriage contract, underscoring rising tensions in minority communities. Terror Risk Watch: A leaked EU assessment warns the EU faces a high terrorism threat, flagging spillover risks tied to Afghanistan and Iran and warning of possible proxy networks. Regional Diplomacy: Afghan and Iranian officials met at the Sheikh Abu Nasr Farahi border to expand transport and trade cooperation, aiming to cut obstacles for traders and cargo vehicles.

Civilian harm row: A U.S. watchdog says the Pentagon quietly dismantled a legally required civilian-death prevention program, with lawmakers accusing the administration of violating the law and leaving conflict zones without adequate safeguards. UNAMA pressure: A Notre Dame study argues UNAMA’s mandate is too broad and should refocus on politics and mediation, while UN officials again urge Taliban authorities to clarify the detention of three Afghan journalists. Security spillover: In Pakistan’s Bajaur, militants hit a security compound with an explosives-laden truck and gunfire, killing at least nine paramilitary officers; Pakistan and Afghanistan trade blame over militant safe havens. Regional diplomacy: Russia and the Islamic Emirate traded messaging over security concerns, while China and Qatar held talks with Kabul and Russia/Uzbekistan advanced Trans-Afghan railway feasibility work. Humanitarian strain: WFP warns malnutrition is worsening as funding drops and families are turned away for lack of nutritious supplements. Taliban governance: The Taliban approved a new law to resell seized residential properties and regulate land titles, amid ongoing property-rights fears.

Ceasefire under pressure: A deadly militant assault on a Pakistan security outpost in Bajaur—an explosives-laden vehicle followed by a gun battle—killed at least nine paramilitary officers and wounded dozens, with the TTP claiming responsibility, raising fears the already-fragile Islamabad–Taliban truce could unravel. Russia–Taliban security push: At the SCO, Sergei Shoigu warned Afghanistan remains a major terror and drug threat, citing 18,000–23,000 militants across 20+ groups and thousands of ISIS-linked fighters, while Russia also moves to deepen ties with the Taliban. Forced returns accelerate: Taliban authorities say more than 19,000 Afghans returned from Pakistan in four days as Islamabad intensifies crackdowns, mostly via Torkham. Humanitarian strain persists: The Red Cross says 221,000 people in quake-hit eastern Afghanistan still need urgent help six months on. Rights and repression: UN-linked reporting highlights detention pressure on Afghan journalists and growing fear inside the country. Diplomacy in motion: Qatar and China’s Afghanistan envoys met to discuss stability and humanitarian efforts.

Press Freedom Under Pressure: The UN says the Taliban detained at least three Afghan journalists, including TOLOnews staff Imran Danish and Mansoor Niazi, and is demanding the legal basis and charges be clarified after reports of harassment and confiscations. Humanitarian Alarm: WFP warns Afghanistan’s malnutrition crisis is worsening as funding cuts, border closures, and spillover from regional conflict leave mothers and children turned away for lack of supplies. Security and Violence: Reports of three women found dead in Kabul and Kandahar highlight a rise in violent crime, while Taliban authorities say an unexploded device killed a child in Nangarhar—another reminder of deadly war remnants. Regional Diplomacy: Russia’s security chief Sergei Shoigu says Moscow is building a “full-fledged partnership” with the Taliban and urging wider regional engagement. Health Focus: Rotary says polio remains endemic mainly in Afghanistan and Pakistan, with a push to eradicate it globally by 2029.

TAPI Push: Afghanistan’s Ministry of Mines and Petroleum says construction on the TAPI gas pipeline has advanced by 55 km, with 125 km of groundwork and road prep in place, while officials say work in Herat for the extension is on track to finish by year-end and gas could be used for electricity. Russia-Taliban Pivot: Sergei Shoigu says Russia is building a “full-fledged partnership” with the Taliban, urging SCO states to revive an Afghanistan contact group and warning against new foreign military infrastructure near Afghanistan. Pakistan Tensions, Mediation Offer: Russia’s ambassador to Pakistan warns rising Kabul-Islamabad tensions are harming civilians and says Moscow is ready to mediate. Press Freedom Under Pressure: UNAMA calls on the Taliban to clarify the legal basis for detaining journalists after TOLOnews-related arrests and raids. Water Crisis Worsens: UNDP reports drought nearly doubled in 2025, with water access deteriorating sharply and drinking water sufficiency falling. EU Deportation Talks: The EU plans Brussels talks with Taliban officials on repatriating Afghan migrants.

Pakistan-Afghanistan Tensions: Pakistan’s defense minister Khawaja Asif escalated the rhetoric, warning Kabul that if militants keep striking from Afghan territory, Islamabad will respond “with an open war,” saying Afghanistan has become India’s proxy and that Pakistan is “on the same page” with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa against terrorism. Press Freedom: The Taliban confirmed it has detained two TOLOnews journalists in Kabul, with their cases “under review,” while media watchdogs say the arrests target reporting. Humanitarian Crisis: A UNDP update warns Afghanistan’s poverty is deepening as population growth outpaces economic gains, with most people unable to meet basic needs and women’s participation tied to whether aid keeps flowing. Governance & Land: Afghanistan’s Ministry of Justice published a new law on selling and distributing state-owned land plots and issuing construction permits. Environment: In Badakhshan’s Wakhan, a committee was formed to curb wildlife hunting, deforestation, and illegal mining in Wakhan National Park.

EU-Taliban Migration Talks: The European Commission has invited Taliban officials to Brussels for technical talks on returning Afghan migrants, stressing it’s “operational engagement” and not recognition—an escalation of EU efforts as member states push for faster removals. Pakistan-Afghanistan Tensions: Pakistan’s defense minister Khawaja Asif warned Kabul of “open war” if it doesn’t stop backing terrorists, while Islamabad also faces fresh scrutiny over claims it sheltered Iranian aircraft during the US-Iran standoff. Security Shock in the Region: A blast in northwest Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa killed at least nine and injured dozens, with police investigating it as a possible terror attack. Afghanistan Humanitarian Pressure: UNFPA reports 74% of Afghans faced food insecurity in 2025, citing weak livelihoods, rising debt, and worsening access to healthcare—especially for rural areas, women, and drought-hit regions. Governance & Services: Afghanistan inaugurated eight water supply networks in Takhar and signed a $46m deal to expand quality labs in Kabul and border ports. Rights & Restrictions: Taliban authorities detained two doctors in Kandahar for treating women without male guardians, underscoring tightening controls on healthcare access.

Market Blast in Pakistan: A massive explosion in northwest Pakistan’s Naurang/Norang Bazar market killed 10 people and wounded dozens, with police saying an improvised explosive device was used; it follows a deadly Bannu police attack that Islamabad blamed on militants based in Afghanistan, a charge the Taliban calls baseless. Afghanistan-Pakistan Tensions: The latest blasts keep pressure on both sides after months of cross-border accusations and retaliatory strikes. EU Migrant Talks: The European Commission confirmed it will invite Taliban officials to Brussels for technical discussions on returning Afghan migrants, insisting it is not recognition—while critics warn it crosses a “red line.” Food Security in Afghanistan: UN agencies say hunger remains severe, with 13.8 million people facing acute food insecurity and millions of children and pregnant/breastfeeding women suffering malnutrition. Trade Boost: Uzbekistan and Afghanistan say signed deals have topped $1.5 billion, aiming to ease regional bottlenecks affecting Kabul’s commerce.

Taliban vs. Pakistan Toll: UNAMA says 372 Afghan civilians were killed and 397 wounded in Taliban-Pakistan clashes in the first three months of 2026, with airstrikes—especially a March 16 hit on a Kabul rehabilitation hospital—driving much of the death toll. Cross-Border Security: Pakistan and Afghanistan trade blame again as UN reports document repeated incidents of cross-border violence and abuses. New Violence in Pakistan: A bomb-laden rickshaw exploded in a crowded market in Lakki Marwat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, killing at least 10 (including traffic police) and injuring dozens, in a wave that follows a deadly Bannu attack. UN Rights Watch: UN reports also highlight killings of former Afghan security personnel and ongoing arbitrary arrests and torture. Afghan Media Under Pressure: In Kabul, Taliban authorities detained two TOLOnews journalists, prompting calls for their release from rights groups. EU Migration Talks: The European Commission confirmed technical meetings in Brussels with Taliban representatives on returns and deportations, framed as non-political but still a major policy shift. Germany Internship Push: The Taliban-linked Afghan consulate in Bonn is advertising internships in Germany, drawing criticism.

Pakistan-Afghanistan Fallout: Pakistan summoned Afghanistan’s chargé d’affaires over the May 9 Bannu suicide attack that killed at least 15 police, saying its probe and “technical intelligence” point to terrorists “residing in Afghanistan,” while warning it may respond decisively if Kabul shelters militants. Diplomacy Under Strain: Islamabad also protested again over the same incident, as Taliban officials deny Afghan soil is used for attacks. Iran-US Tensions Spill Over: New reporting says Pakistan quietly let Iranian military aircraft park at Nur Khan airbase after the April ceasefire, raising fresh questions about Pakistan’s mediator role; US Sen. Lindsey Graham called for a “complete reevaluation.” EU Migration Talks: The European Commission confirmed it plans a technical follow-up in Brussels with Taliban officials on deportations and migrant returns. Taliban Media Pressure: Taliban intelligence raided TOLOnews and MOBY in Kabul, detaining journalists and confiscating phones, escalating pressure on independent media.