AGP Executive Report

Cricket Build-Up: India begin red-ball grind for the one-off Test vs Afghanistan on June 6 in New Chandigarh, with Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna bowling hard in nets despite heat, while Harsh Dubey gets extra batting time and Auqib Nabi Dar is called to bowl in the nets after selection debate. Selection Fallout: Reports say Siraj’s availability is still under medical review, and Nabi’s Ranji-winning form (60 wickets) keeps fueling calls for a bigger role beyond backup. Humanitarian Update: OCHA says Iceland has contributed $402,000 to the Afghanistan Humanitarian Fund as UN agencies warn of widening needs amid funding gaps. Women’s Rights Diplomacy: Spain’s Feminist Foreign Policy conference reiterated sustained support for Afghan women and condemned Taliban restrictions on public life. Refugee Resettlement: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told lawmakers the administration does not want stranded Afghans in Qatar forced back to Afghanistan, and says talks are underway with other countries. Security/Returns: Pakistan’s Frontier Constabulary says 149 illegal Afghan nationals were arrested from Chaghai and deported back to Afghanistan. Eid Tourism: Afghanistan’s culture ministry reports nearly 4 million domestic trips during Eid al-Adha holidays, urging visitors to protect sites and cleanliness.

Afghan Women’s Sports: The Afghan women’s football team is back on the international stage after escaping the Taliban’s 2021 ban, with players rebuilding their careers in exile. Humanitarian Crisis: UN agencies warn Afghanistan faces severe aid gaps and worsening conditions, including rising risks of gender-based violence for tens of thousands of women and girls in the east. Refugees & Resettlement: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio says more than 1,100 Afghans stranded in Qatar will be moved to third countries, as the U.S. seeks new host nations. UN Security Council: A new UN Security Council report highlights deep splits among major powers over how to engage Afghanistan and the Taliban, with the U.S. prioritizing security and detainees while Russia and China push for dialogue and unlinked aid. Taliban Economy: The Taliban has opened five new oil wells in Jawzjan’s Amu Darya basin, signaling continued push to expand production. Sports (India-Afghanistan): India’s cricket camp ramps up for the one-off Test in New Chandigarh with spin-bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule and net bowlers including Auqib Nabi and Prince Yadav.

Cricket Focus: India has started final preparations for its one-off Test vs Afghanistan in New Chandigarh (June 6-10), bringing in seven net bowlers—Auqib Nabi, Prince Yadav, Gurjapneet Singh, Shivang Kumar, Saransh Jain, Zeeshan Ansari—while Sairaj Bahutule was appointed India’s spin-bowling coach ahead of the match. Human Rights & Women: UN Women warns that about 50,000 Afghan women and girls in conflict-hit eastern areas face rising gender-based violence as healthcare access deteriorates. Humanitarian Funding: The UN says only 16% of Afghanistan’s humanitarian appeal is funded, threatening life-saving aid. Security & Diplomacy: UN Security Council is set to review UNAMA’s mandate amid ongoing Afghanistan-Pakistan tensions and rights concerns, while Pakistan’s defense minister Khawaja Asif says Taliban “mixed signals” on TTP support are dangerous. Civil Society Pressure: Over 80 rights groups urge the EU not to host Taliban representatives in Brussels, warning it could normalize the regime.

Child Rights Under Fire: The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child condemned Afghanistan’s de facto authorities over Decree No.18 (2026), saying it legitimises child marriage and treats a girl’s silence after puberty as consent—calling it a grave, systematic breach of international law and urging an immediate repeal. Humanitarian Access: UN officials also warned that Taliban restrictions are pushing child marriage deeper into crisis, while OCHA reports mothers and newborns face barriers to life-saving services. UN Watch on UNAMA: The UN Security Council is set to meet on Afghanistan as UNAMA’s short mandate nears expiry, with a decision on renewal expected mid-June. Migration Pressure: Jan Egeland of the Norwegian Refugee Council warned that more than four million Afghans in Iran are among the most vulnerable, as returns rise but Afghanistan lacks capacity to absorb them. Regional Security & Diplomacy: Russia offered to restore Soviet-era military equipment held by the Taliban as part of a new defense cooperation push, signaling deeper military-technical ties. Tourism at Home: Kapisa reported over 100,000 visitors during Eid al-Adha, highlighting domestic travel to waterfalls and parks.

Humanitarian Crisis: WHO warns 3.7 million Afghan children under 5 face acute malnutrition in 2026, including about 95,000 likely to develop severe acute malnutrition, with preventable child deaths a major risk. Maternal Health: UN-linked reporting says Afghanistan has one of the world’s highest maternal mortality rates, driven by limited access to skilled care and shortages of female health workers. Aid Operations: OCHA reports 309 humanitarian organizations active across Afghanistan in the first three months of 2026, operating in 401 districts, as agencies face funding pressure and rising needs. Road Safety & Returns: At least 22 Afghan returnees from Pakistan were killed and 36 injured after a truck overturned in Laghman; officials say the driver fell asleep. Food & Agriculture: Farmers in Herat report a sunn pest infestation damaging wheat harvests, blaming ineffective pesticides and lack of government support. Governance & Rights: Taliban issued a new decree giving the leader final say over opponents’ assets, raising further concerns for rights and due process.

UN Security Council Role: Kabul welcomed China taking the lead on Afghanistan consultations and drafting UN resolutions, with the Islamic Emirate saying Beijing understands the region and can review issues impartially. Regional Diplomacy: Iran and Afghanistan discussed expanding economic cooperation, including work visas, border trade, and passenger transport links. Health & Trade: Russia’s Pharmasyntez says it will start medicine exports to Afghanistan this summer after an agreement with the Ministry of Public Health. Cross-Border Tensions: Afghanistan’s deputy spokesperson says dialogue with Pakistan remains open, rejects claims that Afghan soil is used against other countries, and calls TTP a Pakistan internal matter. Humanitarian Shock: A truck carrying Afghan returnees from Pakistan crashed in Laghman, killing at least 22 (including 10 children) and injuring dozens; officials say the driver fell asleep. Security Measures: Afghanistan’s Interior Ministry announced a new procedure for firearm licenses aimed at tighter regulation and reducing gun ownership culture. Social Harm Allegations: Reports again spotlight “bacha bazi” and sexual abuse of boys in Afghanistan, despite Taliban claims of bans.

Road Safety Crisis: A truck carrying Afghan returnees from Pakistan crashed in Laghman, killing at least 22 people (including 10 children) and injuring about 36; officials say the driver fell asleep. Humanitarian Pressure: WFP warns Afghanistan’s hunger emergency is worsening as aid funding falls—17.4 million need urgent food help, with millions more at risk of malnutrition. Women’s Rights & Education: WHO marks World No Tobacco Day in Afghanistan, while separate reports highlight Taliban restrictions—an audio from a senior cleric says girls’ schooling is “forbidden,” and activists renew calls to reopen schools and universities. Security & Regional Fallout: Pakistan says 13 TTP members, including two Afghan nationals, were killed in a clearance operation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Sports (Afghanistan A): Ruturaj Gaikwad replaces injured Riyan Parag in India A’s Sri Lanka tri-series starting June 9, with Afghanistan A included.

Road Safety Crisis: A truck carrying Afghan families returning from Pakistan overturned on the Kabul–Jalalabad highway in Laghman province, killing at least 18 people including 10 children and injuring dozens; later reports put the toll at 20–22 dead with 29–36 injured, as authorities cite poor roads, reckless driving, and weak enforcement. Humanitarian Pressure at Borders: The crash comes as Pakistan’s crackdown on undocumented migrants and wider expulsions push more families to travel back home in overcrowded trucks. Regional Engagement: An Afghan delegation joined Uzbekistan’s 65th Namangan International Flower Festival, aiming to showcase Afghan products and expand trade links with regional investors. Security and Diplomacy: Afghanistan’s defense minister said Kabul and Russia will begin practical work under a newly signed military-technical cooperation agreement, framed as support for repair and improvement of Russian-made equipment. Social Note: A South Africa group urged parents to keep children out of family disputes after a case where a father attacked his children, highlighting the long-term harm of domestic conflict.

Afghanistan-Russia Military Ties: Russia and the Taliban signed a military-technical cooperation deal in Moscow, including arms exchanges and joint development, a move likely to unsettle Pakistan as Kabul seeks new security backing. Humanitarian Pressure: UN agencies warn aid delivery obstacles are worsening conditions in Afghanistan, while flooding and shortages continue to hit vulnerable families. Border and Regional Fallout: Pakistan-Afghanistan tensions and border closures are deepening economic strain, with calls for reopening and more balanced security policies. Women’s Rights and Education: Rights groups and UN voices highlight ongoing restrictions on women and girls, including barriers to education and growing risks of violence. Security and Media Clampdowns: Reports say the Taliban has shut down radio stations and increased pressure on religious and educational institutions. Sports (Afghanistan): Rashid Khan’s tough IPL run made headlines with a career-worst T20 economy in Qualifier 2, and Afghanistan is also set to feature in regional football and cricket events.

Afghanistan-Russia Security Ties: Russia’s first International Security Forum in Moscow ended with a Military Cooperation Agreement with the Taliban, with reports saying it includes air defence support, ground hardware and training—raising the stakes for regional security. Taliban-Pakistan Tensions: Taliban defense minister Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid told the Moscow conference that some countries are trying to destabilize Afghanistan, amid ongoing disputes with Pakistan over alleged TTP activity. Trade & Connectivity: Afghanistan says it has boosted the Uzbekistan–Mazar-i-Sharif rail corridor by opening a new freight facility on the Hairatan line, aiming to raise capacity and move goods faster. Women’s Livelihoods in Ghor: Women in Ghor report Taliban restrictions plus reduced international aid have crippled small businesses like poultry, livestock, tailoring and embroidery, leaving them without capital or support. Humanitarian & Rights Watch: UN-linked reporting highlights continued pressure on Afghan women’s rights and education access, alongside concerns about shrinking aid and worsening conditions. Sports (Youth): AFC U20 Asian Cup qualifiers draw placed Afghanistan in a group with Bahrain, Jordan and Tajikistan, with matches set for late August to early September in a new format.

Russia–Taliban Military Pact: Reports say Russia and Afghanistan’s Taliban signed a new military-technical cooperation deal in Moscow, following meetings between Russian security chief Sergei Shoigu and Taliban Defense Minister Mohammad Yaqoob, deepening Moscow’s influence in Central Asia. Border Security Claims: Afghanistan’s Ministry of Interior says coordination with neighboring border forces has increased, citing no security incidents in recent months and highlighting improved cooperation with Tajikistan. Eid al-Adha in Afghanistan: Multiple outlets report Eid prayers and celebrations across Afghanistan in a “peaceful and secure” atmosphere, with citizens gathering at mosques and sharing greetings. Women’s Cricket Escape Story: An Afghan woman from Herat recounts how Taliban takeover shut down women’s sport, forcing her family to flee after 15 attempts, before she found safety and a new life in Australia. UN Rights Watch: UNICEF warns Taliban spousal separation rules could normalize child marriage, raising concerns for girls’ rights and protections. Flood and Disaster Toll: UN-linked reporting says heavy rains and floods have killed dozens and affected thousands of families across Afghanistan, with urgent humanitarian needs growing.

Afghanistan–Russia ties: Russia and the Taliban-led Islamic Emirate signed a military and technical cooperation agreement in Moscow, with Russia calling for Western countries to unfreeze Afghan assets and take responsibility for post-occupation reconstruction. Diplomacy and regional security: Russia’s Security Council chief said US/NATO military infrastructure near Afghanistan is “unacceptable,” while Russia also offered to mediate disputes between Afghanistan and Pakistan amid border tensions. Central Asia economics: Afghanistan’s trade with Central Asia topped $1.27 billion in the first five months of 2026, with exports about $74 million, though traders cite banking gaps and costly transit. EU migration pressure: Germany’s media reports the Emirate is seeking expanded diplomatic presence in Europe in exchange for cooperation on deporting Afghan migrants. Women’s rights and health: UN Women urged protection of Afghan women’s rights and warned Taliban rules could normalize child marriage; separate coverage marked World Menstrual Hygiene Day, highlighting fear and silence around first periods. Sports (Afghanistan connection): India named spinner Harsh Dubey for the upcoming Test and ODI series against Afghanistan, while Afghanistan’s exiled women’s cricket team is set for events in England.

Afghanistan–Eid Update: Eid al-Adha prayers and greetings went ahead across Afghanistan in a “peaceful and secure atmosphere,” with security forces maintaining safety in Kabul and residents calling for reconciliation and unity. Women’s Rights: UN Women urged the Islamic Emirate to protect Afghan women and girls from violence and discrimination, warning that Taliban rules on spousal separation and education restrictions risk normalizing child marriage and cutting access to justice. Security & ISIS-K: The Islamic Emirate rejected Russia’s claims about ISIS-K activity in Afghanistan, saying ISIS has been “completely eliminated,” after Russian security chief Alexander Bortnikov warned of recruitment from Central Asian migrants. Humanitarian Pressure: The World Bank warned Afghanistan’s economy is expanding but incomes keep falling, while UN reporting highlights millions still needing aid as humanitarian funding falls short. Diplomacy & Military Ties: Russia and Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities signed a military-technical cooperation deal in Moscow, with Russian officials also pushing for unfreezing Afghan assets. Regional Mobility: A report on forced returns said over 1,000 people were sent back to Afghanistan in a single day, raising rights concerns.

Education & Women’s Rights: Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai renewed calls for reopening schools and universities for girls and allowing women to work, saying Afghanistan’s progress depends on a united, educated nation. Forced Returns: The Taliban says 868 families (1,847 people) were deported to Afghanistan via border crossings in one day, with most returning through Torkham. Women’s Safety & Marriage Law: UN Women warned a new Taliban decree on spouse separation could normalize child marriage and add legal barriers for women seeking divorce. Digital Rights: Researchers flagged the Taliban’s “National Keyboard” app as high-risk for surveillance and privacy abuse, citing an embedded AI key and text-to-external-AI processing. Humanitarian & Economy: The World Bank reports modest GDP growth but a drop in per-capita income, with poverty and food insecurity worsening as returns outpace economic gains. Security: Russia’s security chief warned ISIS-K is recruiting Central Asian migrants and workers into regional terror networks, including efforts to destabilize northern Afghanistan.

Cricket & National Pride: Afghanistan’s Test captain Hashmatullah Shahidi keeps the spotlight as the squad for India’s tour is set, with maiden call-ups for Nangyal Kharotai, Bilal Sami and Rahmanullah Zadran while Rashid Khan and Ibrahim Zadran are rested from the red-ball match. Eid & Daily Life: As Eid al-Adha nears, Kabul’s Interior Ministry urges people to avoid firecrackers, while markets across the region feel the squeeze—tomato, onion and flour prices are jumping after Hormuz-related trade shocks. Taliban Rule: Taliban authorities are tightening religious pressure on campuses, demanding private university students follow Hanafi jurisprudence. Regional Diplomacy: China’s “Urumqi process” is set to continue, raising hopes for a Pak-Afghan patch-up as Beijing pushes dialogue. Trade & Ports: Hairatan port in Balkh moves toward 24/7 customs and modernization to speed up imports and exports. Humanitarian Pressure: Aid groups and UN voices keep warning that forced returns and rights restrictions are worsening Afghanistan’s crisis.

Kabul Violence: Four people were killed in a shooting at a jewelry market near Sarai Shahzada, Kabul, with police arresting suspects and saying it may have started as a personal dispute. Eid Security: Afghanistan’s Interior Ministry says special security measures are in place across provinces for Eid al-Adha, including deployments at mosques, highways, parks and other crowded areas, while urging people not to use firecrackers. Regional Pressure on Militants: China and Pakistan issued a joint statement after PM Shehbaz Sharif’s Beijing visit, stressing that Afghan territory must not be used by militant groups and pledging close coordination on Afghanistan-related issues. Humanitarian Aid: Uzbekistan sent 320 tons of humanitarian supplies to Afghanistan ahead of Eid, and Ireland donated €3 million via the UN humanitarian fund. Economy Under Strain: Analysts warn that continued Afghanistan–Pakistan border closures are driving up prices and disrupting trade, hitting fuel and basic goods.