AGP Executive Report

Women’s Rights Under Pressure in Herat: Taliban morality police dress-code crackdowns are hitting Herat’s markets hard, with shopkeepers saying female customers have stayed away and turnover has reportedly halved since detentions earlier in June. Humanitarian Alarm for Afghan Children: UNICEF warns 3.7 million children under 5 face heightened malnutrition risk, driven by poor diets, disease outbreaks, low immunization, and gaps in water, sanitation, and hygiene. UN Urges Pakistan to Stop Forced Deportations: UNHCR again calls for Afghan returns to be voluntary, safe, and dignified as Pakistan’s deportation push accelerates at border points. Afghanistan-India Agriculture Push: Afghanistan’s agriculture minister Mawlawi Ataullah Omari wrapped up talks in India with commitments to expand cooperation on irrigation, livestock, seed systems, and climate-resilient crops. Security and Violence Update: An 11-year-old girl was killed in a knife attack in Sar-e Pol, while separate reports highlight ongoing deadly incidents across provinces.

Polio & Health Crisis: WHO says over 22 million people in Afghanistan need humanitarian health help, with funding shortfalls forcing 150 health facilities to suspend operations; WHO also warns polio remains endemic and needs sustained vaccination and stronger primary care. Women & Aid Cuts: UN Women reports at least one million women and girls have lost access to life-saving support as global funding drops, with Afghan women among those most at risk. Returnee Pressure: UNHCR chief Barham Salih urges continued engagement as returnees from Pakistan and Iran strain cities and services, while UN warns Afghanistan faces one of the world’s biggest displacement crises. Kunar/Nuristan Vaccines: A seven-day polio campaign has started in Kunar and Nuristan, targeting nearly 250,000 children with oral drops and injectable doses. Road Safety: Taliban authorities report two separate traffic crashes—12 killed and 15 injured in Nangarhar and Samangan. Afghan-India Ties: Kabul and New Delhi highlight expanding agricultural cooperation, with Afghan officials calling for modern tech to move farmers beyond traditional methods. Cricket Loss: Afghanistan mourns fast bowler Shapoor Zadran, who died at 38 after a prolonged illness.

Forced Returns & UN Concern: UNHCR says Pakistan’s “forced” repatriation of Afghans is driving daily returns of over 10,000 people at border points like Landi Kotal, with special worry for women and girls; officials warn returns must be voluntary, safe, and dignified. Population Pressure: Afghanistan’s population is estimated at 37.2 million (up 2.2% year-on-year), while UN projections put it at 48.6 million—raising alarms about jobs, services, and city strain as millions have already returned from Iran and Pakistan. Health System Strain: WHO reports funding shortfalls have shut or suspended operations at 570+ health facilities since 2025, cutting services for 3.3 million people and threatening vaccination and maternal care. Women’s Rights Diplomacy: Pakistan hosts the 9th OIC ministerial meeting on women’s affairs in Islamabad, focusing on political, economic, and digital inclusion, while the Taliban have not confirmed participation. Security & Justice Abroad: Pakistan’s Operation Shaban in Balochistan says 11 more militants were killed; meanwhile, an ex-Afghan general and lawmaker, Abdul Zahir Qadeer, was extradited from Kenya to the US on drug and firearms charges. Road Safety: Four children died after a vehicle crash in Panjshir, with the driver taken into custody. Sports & Culture: Afghanistan cricket mourns fast bowler Shapoor Zadran, who died at 38 after treatment for a rare immune condition.

Polio Response: Afghanistan Free of Polio says a new vaccination push starts tomorrow in Kunar and five districts of Nuristan, using both injectable and oral polio vaccines to boost immunity and stop spread. Cross-Border Strikes: UN OCHA warned that Pakistani strikes inside Afghanistan killed 36 civilians (including women and children) and injured 163, saying fear and trauma among children are rising. Humanitarian Funding Shock: UN Women reports at least one million women and girls have lost access to essential aid since January 2025 as global cuts strain local women’s groups. Safety on the Roads: Taliban authorities say a bus and cargo truck crash in Helmand killed five and injured 16, blaming poor roads and reckless driving. Justice and Extradition: U.S. prosecutors say former Afghan parliament figure Abdul Zahir Qadeer was extradited from Kenya to face drug and weapons charges. Afghan-India Ties: India and Afghanistan held their fourth joint foreign office coordination meeting, covering humanitarian, trade, visas, and development cooperation. Women’s Rights at UNAMA: UN appoints Rabab Fatima as head of UNAMA, signaling a renewed focus on women’s participation.

Afghanistan Humanitarian & Daily Life: Kabul residents report prolonged power cuts as summer heat rises, with electricity sometimes available only a few hours a day, worsening daily life and business operations. Afghanistan Security: The National Resistance Front (NRF) claimed an overnight attack on a Taliban brigade in Badakhshan’s Ragh district, saying two Taliban personnel were killed and three injured; the Taliban had not responded and the claims were not independently verified. Afghanistan Economy & Jobs: Work continues on the Jabal Saraj cement plant in Parwan, with officials and locals saying the project could create jobs and help stabilize the economy. Afghanistan Health & Rights: A UN Human Rights Council session highlighted women’s rights as a central focus, with multiple resolutions adopted amid ongoing rights concerns. Afghanistan Roads & Accidents: A bus-truck collision in Helmand’s Washir district killed five travelers and injured 16 others, according to provincial officials.

Cement Push in Parwan: Afghanistan’s Islamic Emirate has started work on a second Jabal al-Seraj cement plant in Parwan, with Deputy PM Baradar calling it a major step toward cement self-sufficiency and possible exports. Afghan-India Talks: India and Afghanistan held their 4th Joint Committee Meeting in New Delhi, with India reiterating support across humanitarian aid, healthcare, food security, trade, education, sports, visas and connectivity. Deportation Concerns in Germany: German daily taz reports Afghan nationals without criminal records are being held in deportation detention, raising questions about Berlin’s stated deportation focus. Returnees and UN Support: UNHCR and UNDP call for stronger support for Afghan returnees as humanitarian pressures continue. Afghan Cricket Mourning: Afghanistan marked the funeral of former pacer Shapoor Zadran, with tributes from across the cricket community. Regional Security Pressure: Pakistan’s PM Shehbaz Sharif announced an intensified counterterrorism operation in Balochistan after a surge in violence, with officials linking attacks to cross-border threats.

Health Crisis: WHO says nearly 150 health centers across Afghanistan have shut since the start of 2026 due to funding shortfalls, leaving millions with weaker access to vaccines and essential care. Food Insecurity: UN-linked reporting warns 17.4 million Afghans could face severe food insecurity this year as only 17% of needed humanitarian funding has been secured. Taliban Restrictions: Taliban morality police raided a wedding in Nangarhar, detaining 14 people for playing music, underscoring continued crackdowns on music and private gatherings. Humanitarian Rights Pressure: UN officials urged Taliban authorities to protect women’s and girls’ rights and allow full participation, including enabling female humanitarian staff to reach women and returnees. Afghan-Region Diplomacy & Trade: Afghanistan and India agreed to expand agricultural cooperation, while Kazakhstan and Afghanistan discussed banking links to support trade. Afghan Cricket Mourning: Thousands attended the funeral of former Afghanistan cricketer Shapoor Zadran in Kabul, with players including Rashid Khan paying emotional tributes.

Afghanistan Cricket & Community Mourning: Former Afghanistan fast bowler Shapoor Zadran’s mortal remains arrived in Kabul for a final goodbye, with Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi among those carrying his coffin; Zadran died at 38 in India after battling HLH, and funeral prayers are set for Eidgah Mosque before burial at Maranjan Hill. Humanitarian Returns: Afghanistan says 76,181 refugees returned from Iran and Pakistan in June, receiving food rations, drinking water, and medical services as they went back to their provinces. Cross-Border Tensions: Reports from Panjshir say the Taliban detained Abdul Qahar, accused of links to the National Resistance Front, months after his deportation from Iran—raising fears of renewed arrests of returnees. UN Leadership for Afghanistan: UN sources report António Guterres plans to appoint Rabab Fatima as the next head of UNAMA, taking over from Roza Otunbayeva. Regional Cooperation: India and Afghanistan agreed to set up a joint working group to expand agriculture and livestock cooperation, including seeds, research, education, and water-management know-how. Local Economy & Power: A Paktika businessman in Sharana says a solar project now produces 1MW and could expand to 4MW, cutting electricity costs and supporting local industry.

Health Crisis: WHO says 150 health facilities in Afghanistan have suspended operations due to funding shortages, cutting vaccination capacity and safe maternal care as only 17% of the 2026 health plan’s $190.8m target has been received. Humanitarian Pressure: UN officials warn Afghanistan is facing one of the world’s biggest displacement crises, with millions returning and aid cuts worsening survival conditions. Rights & Deportations: Human Rights Watch urges the EU not to sign any deportation deal with the Taliban, warning forced returns could expose people to persecution and abuse. Women Under Scrutiny: Rights groups report women being arrested in Herat despite wearing hijab, as activists criticize growing official engagement with the Taliban. Justice & Safety: Afghanistan’s Ministry of Interior launches a rapid DNA identification system to speed up forensic work and improve criminal investigations. Education Access: IOM reports construction of a school in Nangarhar’s Surkhrod district for 1,294 children, with temporary jobs for locals. Sports & Culture: Afghanistan’s cricket community mourns former fast bowler Shapoor Zadran, who died in Delhi at 38 after battling HLH.

Afghan Media Rights: The Afghanistan Journalists Center welcomed the release of Peygard News Agency owner Javid Niazi, but urged the Taliban to free all remaining detained journalists and media workers, saying Niazi’s 63-day detention violated rights and that charges and acquittal details remain unclear. Cricket Loss: Afghanistan cricket mourns Shapoor Zadran, a fast-bowling pioneer who died at 38 in New Delhi after treatment for a rare immune disorder, remembered for helping build Afghanistan’s rise on the world stage. Education Hope: Afghanistan’s 2026 Kankor top scorer Rashid from Parwan earned a perfect 360 despite financial hardship, cycling daily to study and now drawing local promises of support for university costs. Power Plan: The Islamic Emirate approved a five-year electricity development plan with dozens of generation, substation, and grid projects aimed at boosting domestic supply and cutting reliance on imports. Humanitarian Pressure: UN-linked reporting warns Afghanistan faces one of the world’s biggest displacement crises, with growing survival strain as assistance gaps widen. Cross-Border Tensions: Reports say Pakistan detained Afghan doctors and students in Punjab, with fears of deportations and barriers to continuing specialist training.

Afghanistan Cricket: Former Afghanistan fast bowler Shapoor Zadran died at 38 in Delhi after months of treatment for a rare immune disorder (HLH). The Afghanistan Cricket Board called him a “foundation-laying” figure; he played 44 ODIs and 36 T20Is (2009-2020) and was Afghanistan’s leading wicket-taker at the 2015 World Cup, including the famous winning moment vs Scotland. Humanitarian & Health: UNICEF says more than six million people across Afghanistan’s 34 provinces gained access to healthcare via fixed facilities and mobile teams, alongside support for malnutrition treatment, child protection, and cash assistance. Women’s Access to Education: Shafaq Online School is helping Afghan girls keep learning despite Taliban restrictions beyond grade six, while UN officials again urge lifting bans on women’s education and work. Energy Policy: The Taliban approved a five-year electricity plan covering hydropower, solar, wind, and coal, plus transmission and distribution, aiming to cut reliance on imports. Regional Security: Taliban-linked claims and reports of militant attacks continue to raise cross-border tensions, with Pakistan reporting deadly attacks near infrastructure in Balochistan.

Humanitarian Pressure: UN officials say Afghanistan’s deepening crisis can’t be solved without women’s full participation, urging the Taliban to lift restrictions on girls’ education and women’s work as millions face return-related hardship. Aid & Recovery: UNDP and UNHCR warn that crises stack up—earthquakes, poverty, and shrinking services—while 74% of Afghans struggle to meet basic needs and recovery remains fragile. Public Health: The Afghanistan Polio-Free Initiative launched a new vaccination drive in Kandahar city, Lashkar Gah (Helmand), and surrounding districts, calling on families to vaccinate children under five. Press Freedom: Afghanistan Journalists Support Organization says Peygard News Agency head Javid Niazi was released after nearly two months in Taliban detention, while other journalists remain held. Security & Migration: Reports highlight continued arrests and detentions of Afghan migrants in Pakistan, with calls for returns to be voluntary and coordinated. Local Incidents: A 25-year-old man died by suicide in Andkhoy, with observers linking rising cases to poverty, unemployment, and mental health strain.

UN Humanitarian Push: UNDP and UNHCR officials visited northern Afghanistan, warning that millions of returnees need jobs and basic services, with De Croo saying three in four Afghans can’t meet basic needs. Women’s Rights Under Pressure: The same UN visit highlighted the need for women’s participation, as Taliban restrictions continue to limit education, work, and UN access. Security & Internal Strains: In Badakhshan, a reported dispute over mineral resources has escalated into a standoff, with Taliban forces reportedly moving against a dissident commander—raising fears of deeper Taliban divisions. Border & Crime Crackdown: Afghan forces seized 20 pistols and four assault rifles in Paktia and arrested two people after uncovering a drug processing lab in Nangarhar. Returnee Struggles: Reports from Iran say tightened security is blocking Afghan migrants from registering vital civil status events, leaving women and children exposed to legal and social harm. State Honors: Afghanistan buried its first cosmonaut, Abdul Ahad Momand, in Kabul with full state honors.

Water Crisis in Kabul: UN-Habitat warns Kabul’s drinking water shortage is worsening as groundwater levels fall, population grows, and climate change adds pressure, with officials pointing to new infrastructure efforts. Currency Support: Da Afghanistan Bank says it will auction up to $16 million to help stabilize the afghani after it weakened against the dollar. Household Safety Tragedy: In Logar’s Pul-e-Alam, a gas cylinder fire killed two children (ages 7 and 10) and injured a 16-year-old, with officials blaming negligence and urging safer use. Humanitarian Protection: OCHA stresses civilians must never pay the price of conflict, citing fear and sleep loss among families affected by Taliban-Pakistan clashes in Khost. Health Campaign: Polio Free Afghanistan announces a vaccination drive in Kandahar and Helmand to protect children and curb spread. Drug Seizure: Afghan police in Takhar seized 60 kg of illicit drugs (opium and hashish) and arrested two smugglers.

Afghanistan–Pakistan Tensions: Afghanistan says it carried out airstrikes on ISIS-linked targets in Pakistan after deadly border attacks, while Pakistan counters that it shot down drones and accuses Afghanistan of cross-border aggression, as UN and regional voices call for restraint and civilian protection. Humanitarian Pressure: The Norwegian Refugee Council warns Afghanistan is among the world’s least funded crises, with only 30.4% of needed 2026 humanitarian money received by June 24, raising fears for displaced families. Security & Rights: A media watchdog urges the Taliban to urgently release Tamadon TV staff, while reports also highlight ongoing civilian harm concerns amid cross-border violence. Economy & Trade: Afghanistan and Iran are pushing deeper economic cooperation through industry and mining talks in Kabul, signaling new investment pathways. Afghan Sports: Fans in Khost unveiled a giant “Thank You” banner for ICC chairman Jay Shah during the Shpageeza Cricket League, boosting Afghan cricket visibility. Migration: Poland detained 54 migrants in a truck trailer near Lithuania, including 15 Afghans, with plans to return them after procedures.

Taliban Governance & Corruption: Reports say Afghanistan’s Taliban Interior Ministry is riddled with bribery and extortion, from permits and detainee releases to fuel diversion and case reviews. Security on the Ground: In Nangarhar, armed robbers killed two young men in separate incidents across Chaparhar and Jalalabad. Humanitarian Pressure: The UN warns Afghanistan’s mine-clearance work is being crippled by a severe funding shortfall, with mine explosions harming hundreds and children among the worst affected. Diplomacy & Recognition: Experts say lack of international recognition continues to weigh on Afghanistan’s economy and cooperation, even as the Islamic Emirate points to growing ties. Regional Fallout: Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi met Bangladesh’s parliament speaker in Tehran to discuss expanding trade, as both countries look to support Afghanistan’s reconstruction. Prisoner Returns: Afghanistan says about 2,650 Afghan prisoners have been transferred from Iran over five years under a bilateral agreement.