AGP Executive Report

Humanitarian Urgency: The ICRC warns Afghanistan is slipping from global attention as funding cuts force clinic closures; it says 1 million children face life-threatening malnutrition and 3.7 million suffer acute malnutrition, urging the world “not to abandon Afghan communities.” Diplomacy & Recognition: Afghanistan’s Red Crescent chief Sheikh Shahabuddin Delawar says the U.S. committed 3,000 violations after the Doha Agreement and argues Washington’s engagement amounts to recognition of the Islamic Emirate. Refugees & Returns: Taliban officials say 1,625 migrants (322 families) returned to Afghanistan in one day via Torkham, Spin Boldak, Nimruz and Islam Qala crossings. Regional Spotlight (SCO): Leaders gather in Bishkek for the SCO’s 25th anniversary summit, with Afghanistan listed as an observer and regional security, connectivity and counterterrorism on the agenda. Aid for Food Security: The EU adds €15 million with WFP to strengthen livelihoods, school feeding and climate-resilient agriculture in Afghanistan. Cross-border Trade Pressure: Reports say closures of Afghanistan-Pakistan transit routes have hit both sides financially, with traders under severe strain.

Afghanistan Security & Border Claims: Afghan authorities, via Zabihullah Mujahid, rejected claims that Afghanistan threatens neighboring states, saying borders are fully controlled and concerns are driven by misinformation, after CSTO statements about strengthening the Tajik-Afghan border. Durand Line Tensions: Badakhshan police also denied reports of clashes in Zebak district, saying any fighting was on Pakistani territory and that security is maintained at the “zero point.” Taliban Outreach to the US: The Taliban is publicly inviting Washington to invest in Afghanistan’s minerals and normalize ties, including calls to reopen a US embassy—framing the shift as an end to the “chapter of war.” Humanitarian Pressure: UN-linked reporting highlights severe gaps in Afghanistan health and nutrition support, including closures of child malnutrition clinics and funding shortfalls for shelter response. Earthquake Update: A reported 4.9-magnitude earthquake hit Afghanistan with no damage reported. Regional Spotlight (SCO): Afghanistan is discussed around the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek, where leaders focus on security, connectivity, and the Iran war—while analysts watch how the bloc handles Afghanistan-related concerns.

Abbey Gate anniversary: Gold Star parents Mark and Jaclyn Schmitz spoke on Fox News as The Freedom 13 Foundation marked five years since their son, Marine Lance Cpl. Jared Schmitz, was killed in the 2021 Kabul airport attack, with plans for 13 homes for veterans and Gold Star families. U.S.-Afghanistan ties: Former Afghan general Haibatullah Alizai told “Face the Nation” the withdrawal was the “worst situation” of his life, while Kabul’s foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi said Afghanistan wants to normalize relations with the U.S., with “recognition” as the next step. Security claims: Afghanistan’s Interior Ministry says no evidence has been provided for security threats from Afghan territory, and denies groups like Daesh can pose domestic or cross-border threats. Education under the Islamic Emirate: Officials highlighted one-year education “achievements,” while a spokesperson said the girls’ education issue beyond grade six remains under review. Earthquake: A 4.9 quake hit Afghanistan near the Hindu Kush border with no immediate damage reported. Local incidents: Taliban detained about 30 worshippers in Panjshir after an explosion during evening prayers, and a six-year-old girl’s body was found in a sack in Herat.

Energy & Local Development: Afghan authorities inaugurated a 41 million afghani power supply network in Paktia, aiming to bring reliable electricity to 1,000+ households and local businesses in Gardez, as the country still relies heavily on imported power. US Deportations & Afghan Allies: The US deported an Afghan man—protected by a judge over Taliban persecution fears—to the Central African Republic, with advocates saying the move follows secret third-country arrangements that can bypass asylum protections. Humanitarian & Rights Pressure: UN experts urged ICC member states to defend the court after fresh US sanctions on senior officials, warning the pressure undermines justice for atrocity crimes. Regional Diplomacy: Uzbekistan reiterated a constructive approach toward Afghanistan, saying it will keep pushing economic diplomacy and hopes for peace and stability. SCO Focus on Afghanistan: SCO leaders are set to discuss Afghanistan at the Bishkek summit, with border security, counterterrorism, and drug trafficking expected to feature. Afghan Economy & Jobs: In Bamyan, the Taliban-run municipality shortlisted 121 applicants for a night watchman post, highlighting how educated Afghans are being forced into low-skilled work amid worsening unemployment. Sports (Afghanistan-linked): Afghan international Amin Nabizada scored for Watford in a 1-1 draw against West Ham, extending the Hammers’ search for a first Championship win.

Afghan Deportations in Focus: Germany has allowed Taliban technical teams and consular-linked representatives to enter the country to prepare documents for deportations of Afghans, with Berlin citing the need for “technical requirements” to increase returns. Human Rights and Media Freedom: In Kabul, the Afghanistan Journalists Center urged the Taliban to reopen the Lapis Media Office after its shutdown and equipment confiscation, warning independent media face intimidation. Security Claims: Afghanistan’s Interior and Defense ministries both say there is no threat from Afghan soil, rejecting claims by neighbors and stressing border guarding. Refugee Returns: Afghan officials report 439 families (2,071 people) returned from Iran and Pakistan in one day, with transport and cash assistance provided. Humanitarian Pressure: UNICEF says severe child malnutrition is rising, pushing hospitals and requiring more flexible, sustainable funding. Community Voices: Afghan Shia scholars renewed calls for representation and respect for community rights during Prophet’s Birthday events in Kabul.

Blast & Injuries: A gas-cylinder explosion in a rickshaw hit Rahmani Square in Mehtarlam, Laghman province, injuring at least 14 people; officials say the investigation is ongoing. Women’s Trade: Herat Women’s Chamber reports nearly 100 tons of women’s handicrafts exported in five months, worth about $175,000, reaching the US, Europe, Turkey and nearby markets. Fuel Costs in Kabul: Petrol prices in Kabul jumped from 80 to 87 afghani per liter and diesel from 75 to 79 afghani over the week, continuing a two-month rise that drivers say is squeezing livelihoods. Education & Courts: Pakistan’s Islamabad High Court questioned a petition seeking visa extensions for 87 Afghan students, with the judge noting Pakistan is in a state of war with Afghanistan. Returns & Aid: Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said Afghanistan is “undoubtedly” better off after the US withdrawal, while acknowledging serious ongoing challenges. Regional Security: UN reports say Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan’s Paktia killed at least 22 civilians and wounded 47, including children, with Pakistan citing militant targets.

Humanitarian Aid: The EU provided €15 million to the World Food Programme to boost climate resilience and local food systems in Afghanistan, including support for women and youth livelihoods and school meals, as UN agencies warn of severe funding gaps. Taliban Rule & Rights: A new report and coverage highlight how Taliban restrictions are tightening space for civil life, with allegations of harsh enforcement and bans on protests. Security in the North: Taliban forces in Baghlan reportedly shot and displayed the bodies of two young men after accusing them of links to the National Resistance Front, underscoring ongoing fear and repression in contested areas. Health & Aid Pressure: Afghanistan’s humanitarian situation remains dire, with WFP and other UN-linked reporting pointing to worsening child malnutrition risks amid reduced assistance. Five Years After Withdrawal: Multiple pieces mark the fifth anniversary of the US pullout, with Taliban officials saying Afghanistan is “undoubtedly” better off while acknowledging major challenges ahead.

Food Security Crisis: A new REACH analysis warns emergency-level food insecurity will hit 4.7 million people in Afghanistan in 2026, with 17.4 million facing acute hunger and 21.9 million needing humanitarian help. Education Strain: Students in Zabul say textbook shortages persist two years after Taliban curriculum revisions, with classmates using different editions and lacking stationery. Health Watch: WHO reports Afghanistan’s polio cases have risen to 19 in 2026, after four new cases were detected. Humanitarian Returns: Afghan deportees from Iran and Pakistan say they’re stuck in unemployment and poverty; the Afghan Red Crescent in Herat provided cash to 321 families. Security & Borders: Pakistan says it’s open to state-level talks with Kabul on terrorism, but only if Afghanistan takes “tangible and verifiable” action against militants. International Focus: The UK and Pakistan discussed regional security and the Indus Waters Treaty, while questions remain about the UK’s Afghanistan withdrawal five years after Kabul’s fall.

Taliban Rights Crackdown: Human Rights Watch says a new Taliban police law bans all protests, calling it a “ruthless” move to suppress dissent. Trade & Connectivity: Afghanistan cut air cargo fees at international airports to slash export costs, with discounts for scheduled and special cargo flights. Regional Energy Deals: Work on the TAPI gas pipeline in Herat is set to finish within two months, while Kabul and Moscow discussed a special economic zone at Hairatan port. Security & Cross-Border Tensions: Pakistan says any bilateral mechanism with Kabul hinges on “concrete and verifiable” counterterrorism action, not promises. Armed Resistance Claims: The Afghanistan Freedom Front says it killed and wounded Taliban members in attacks across Kabul, Badakhshan and Kunar. Health Watch: UNICEF warns 1 million Afghan children face deadly malnutrition risks. Afghan Economy & Jobs: A new HCI+ analysis highlights how youth NEET rates are extremely high in Afghanistan, with major barriers shaping policy needs.

Islamic Unity: The 40th International Conference on Islamic Unity opens in Tehran, bringing leaders and scholars from about 40 countries to push Ayatollah Khamenei’s vision of Muslim cohesion. Afghanistan Cricket & Identity: An Afghan journalist says the national men’s cricket team does not represent the Taliban, stressing players compete under Afghanistan’s flag and anthem. Afghanistan Premier League: The Afghanistan Premier League is set to return after eight years, with the T20 season scheduled to start on December 27. Humanitarian Crisis: UNICEF warns 1 million Afghan children face deadly malnutrition, as aid shortfalls deepen. Abbey Gate Anniversary: The U.S. marks five years since the Kabul airport Abbey Gate bombing, honoring 13 service members and renewing criticism of the Afghanistan withdrawal. Regional Disaster: Nepal and Tibet face catastrophic flooding after a glacier collapse, with hundreds missing and major infrastructure damage.

Humanitarian Funding: UN OCHA says Afghanistan’s Shelter, Land and Site response faces a $153 million shortfall, with only 4.7% of the needed budget received so far, as millions still need emergency shelter amid displacement and returns. Security & Accountability: Former Afghan and US officials urged continued international engagement with Afghanistan, backing women and civil society while calling for stronger accountability as the Taliban enters its fifth year in power. Counterterrorism: The US offered rewards up to $18 million for information on two Daesh-Khorasan leaders, targeting the group’s operations and finances. Afghan Sports: The Afghanistan Premier League T20 unveiled its first three franchises—Axcel United Kabul, Balkh Zwanan, and Kandahar Warriors—and the “Koh-E-Zafar” trophy, with player draft dates set for late August and September. Afghan Economy: Afghanistan’s Chamber of Commerce says the country is now self-sufficient in producing more than ten construction materials, urging further investment to meet quality standards.

Humanitarian Crisis: UNICEF says 3.7 million Afghan children are suffering from acute malnutrition, with about 1 million facing life-threatening severe acute malnutrition and hospitals in some southern areas seeing multiple severe cases per available bed. Aid & Logistics: UNICEF praised Pakistan Customs for seamless facilitation of humanitarian cargo to Afghanistan, with transit of 355 containers via land routes including Torkham. Security & Rights: The Taliban has banned all demonstrations across Afghanistan under a new police law, expanding police powers and tightening restrictions on filming executions and detentions. Regional Tensions: Pakistan’s information ministry says Taliban claims about Badakhshan clashes are misleading and fabricated, arguing the violence reflects internal Afghan resistance and governance failures. Terror Watch: The U.S. offered up to $8 million for information leading to ISIS-K leader Sanaullah Ghafari, underscoring ongoing threats in Afghanistan and neighboring regions. Sports (Afghanistan): Afghanistan named Ibrahim Zadran to lead in the India T20I series as squads and schedules draw attention.

Women’s Rights & Education: Aisha Wahab, the first Afghan-American in the US House, urged Washington to keep diplomatic engagement with Kabul, saying dialogue could push human-rights and women’s-rights progress. Humanitarian Crisis: UN agencies warn that one million Afghan children face life-threatening severe acute malnutrition, with most cases concentrated in babies under two, and hospitals already seeing huge numbers of severe wasting admissions. Economy & Payments: Afghanistan’s central bank says it’s expanding non-cash payments, citing nine active companies and urging faster internet access to scale services nationwide. Governance & Restrictions: Zabihullah Mujahid told the BBC the Islamic Emirate backs women’s rights and expression “within Sharia,” while UN reporting says millions of girls are still blocked from secondary education. Security & Borders: Pakistan rejected Taliban claims of involvement in Badakhshan violence, with Kabul’s information ministry saying the accusations lack evidence and point to internal governance failures. Sports: Afghanistan’s T20I squad for India is set, with Ibrahim Zadran named captain and Naveen-ul-Haq returning.

Afghanistan–India Cricket: Afghanistan named Ibrahim Zadran as captain for a three-match T20I series vs India, with all games in New Delhi at Arun Jaitley Stadium (Sept 13, 15, 17). Naveen-ul-Haq returns to the squad, alongside Rashid Khan and Gulbadin Naib. Earthquake Update: A 4.9-magnitude quake struck Nangarhar near Jalalabad around 6 a.m., with no casualties reported so far. Taliban Health Push: Taliban officials say a $35,000 health center has been completed in Panjshir’s Jarwish village and is now operating. Women’s Rights & Daily Life: Reports highlight Taliban restrictions deepening Afghanistan’s crisis for women, including limits on education and work. Security & Community Impact: Separate reports mention unknown attackers killing road workers in Pishin, underscoring ongoing instability along the Afghanistan-linked border region. International Diplomacy: India and Russia’s top diplomats coordinated approaches on Afghanistan alongside Ukraine and Iran ahead of Putin’s BRICS summit visit.

Girls’ Education: UNICEF says more than 2.6 million Afghan girls have been denied schooling since the Taliban banned education beyond grade six, urging authorities to lift restrictions so girls can return to schools and universities. Cricket & National Pride: Afghanistan named Ibrahim Zadran as captain for the India T20I series in New Delhi (Sept 13-17), with Naveen-ul-Haq returning after injury and Noor Rahman added as second wicketkeeper. Public Health: WHO reports four new polio cases, bringing Afghanistan’s 2026 total to 19, with cases in Herat, Paktika and Kandahar. Humanitarian Funding: Germany pledged €6.8 million to the Afghanistan Humanitarian Fund as UN agencies warn the overall humanitarian appeal remains largely unfunded amid worsening food insecurity. Security Claims: Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid rejects reports of rising insecurity in northern Afghanistan, saying any issues were limited and brought under control quickly. Women’s Rights & Daily Life: Reports highlight severe shortages of female doctors and training gaps in southern provinces, leaving many patients without proper care.

Infrastructure & Jobs: Afghanistan’s government approved 21 major development projects worth about $99m (6.5bn afghanis), including hydropower dam rehabilitation, airport customs scanners, and new hospital construction—funded from the domestic budget. Health & Addiction Care: A 1,000-bed drug treatment and rehabilitation center opened in Nangarhar, with dozens of treatment rooms and medical equipment aimed at tackling Afghanistan’s drug-use crisis. Public Health Watch: WHO reported four new wild polio cases in Afghanistan, bringing 2026 total to 19, with cases logged in Herat, Paktika and Kandahar. Women Under Taliban Rule: A BBC report highlights how Taliban governance affects daily life, including restrictions on women’s education and movement, and a rare divorce case showing the pressure women face. Security & Media: Afghanistan Media Support Organization says Taliban-linked censorship and pressure on journalists have increased, including forced wording and monitoring. Regional Sports Governance: Afghanistan Cricket Board was approved for ACC presidency rotation, expanding eligibility and reshaping cricket leadership. Drugs Cross Borders: Philippines seized ~43kg of methamphetamine shipped from Afghanistan, valued at about $5.1m. Kabul Mobility: Interior Ministry says concrete barriers across Kabul will be removed, including around key ministries and diplomatic areas.