AGP Executive Report

Pak-Afghan Cross-Border Security: Pakistan rejected India’s “preposterous” criticism of its strikes against terrorist infrastructure in Afghanistan, saying the actions were “legitimate, targeted and proportionate,” while accusing India of backing militants from Afghan soil. Refugee Rights in Pakistan: A Peshawar High Court order bars authorities from arresting or deporting about 140 Afghan petitioners for 60 days, directing the government to determine their refugee status. Earthquakes in Afghanistan: A magnitude 5.5 quake hit near Jurm in Badakhshan, with no immediate damage reports, while a separate 5.3 quake shook Islamabad and parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab. Humanitarian & Health: MSF warns severe child malnutrition is rising in southern Afghanistan, and UN-linked reporting highlights Afghanistan’s worsening humanitarian funding gap. Economy & Aid: UNDP’s Afghanistan representative met Taliban-controlled central bank officials to discuss expanding microfinance cooperation. Healthcare Access: The Afghan-Uzbek Joint Market Hospital in northern Afghanistan says it has treated over 134,000 patients in two years through specialized departments.

Afghan-Pak Tensions: Afghanistan’s Taliban-led government says Pakistani cross-border strikes in eastern provinces (Paktia, Paktika, Kunar) killed at least 36 civilians and injured 163, while Pakistan says it targeted militant infrastructure and disputes the civilian toll. Drone Clash: Pakistan’s military says it shot down four drones launched from Afghanistan into Balochistan, as Kabul claims airstrikes hit ISIS-linked targets inside Pakistan—each side accusing the other of enabling terrorism. Humanitarian Pressure: UN OCHA warns mine clearance in Afghanistan is badly underfunded, with only $3.6m secured against $14.5m needed, and says most victims are children. Food Support: WFP says Indonesia-donated nutritious biscuits are reaching about 170,000 Afghan primary students, helping children stay in school amid severe hunger. Industry & Mines: Deputy PM Abdul Salam Hanafi urged regional cooperation over war, calling conflict a dead end and highlighting Afghanistan’s industrial push at a Kabul mines and industry exhibition. Sports: Shpageeza Cricket League begins in Khost as defending champions Amo Sharks open with an eight-wicket win.

Afghanistan–Pakistan Border Tensions: Russia urged Islamabad and Kabul to end the armed conflict and settle disputes through diplomacy after renewed cross-border violence. Drone Clash in Balochistan: Pakistan’s military said it shot down four rudimentary drones launched from Taliban-controlled areas in Afghanistan, warning of a “swift, decisive” response to future provocation. UN Pushback on Civilian Toll: The UN rejected Pakistan’s claims, saying 29 civilians were killed in Pakistan’s airstrikes in Afghanistan (with dozens more injured), while Afghan authorities reported higher civilian deaths. New Escalation Claims: Afghanistan said it struck ISIS-linked targets inside Pakistan’s border areas, escalating a cycle of retaliatory strikes. Human Impact: Reports also highlight the heavy burden on women and children in the strikes, with UN-based findings describing large numbers of child casualties over months. Local Development: An animal health complex opened in Nangarhar with services for livestock and disease prevention, costing AFN 50 million. Economy Pressure: Kabul fuel prices jumped nearly 14% in days, raising transport and daily living costs.

Afghanistan–Pakistan Tensions: The Taliban-led Afghan government lodged a “strong and resolute protest” with Pakistan after cross-border airstrikes and ground operations in Paktia, Paktika and Kunar reportedly killed 36 civilians (including women and children) and injured 163, with UN officials also urging an immediate halt and protection of civilians. Diplomatic Fallout: Afghanistan and Pakistan exchanged protests through summoning each other’s chargés d’affaires, while UNAMA said at least 28 civilians were killed in preliminary figures. Humanitarian Pressure: UN agencies warned of displacement and called for urgent steps to reduce tensions and prevent the conflict from spreading. Women and Children’s Daily Burden: OCHA highlighted how women and children in Afghanistan spend long hours fetching water amid severe shortages, underscoring the strain on basic services. Public Health & Drugs: WHO marked World Drug Day by stressing that “every effort to prevent drug use counts,” as synthetic drug use among young people remains a concern. Local Governance & Aid: UN STFA/UN Women reported support for women-led civil society groups in Afghanistan, reaching more than 8,000 people. Security & Crime: Afghan police said they seized 16 kg of methamphetamine and other drugs, arresting smugglers, as authorities intensify anti-drug operations.

Afghanistan-Pakistan Border Crisis: The UN says at least 28 civilians were killed and 49 injured in Pakistani airstrikes on Afghanistan’s Paktia, Paktika and Kunar provinces, while Kabul’s Taliban officials put the toll higher at 36 dead and 163 wounded, including women and children, after strikes hit homes and rescue teams. Diplomatic Fallout: Both sides summoned each other’s chargés d’affaires over the attacks, with Afghanistan calling them violations of international law and sovereignty. Pakistan’s Claim: Islamabad says it targeted militant hideouts linked to attacks inside Pakistan and reports killing dozens of fighters, including during a ground operation. UN Call: UN chief António Guterres urged an immediate cessation of hostilities and protection of civilians. Local Impact: Hospitals in Paktia report critical injuries and transfers of wounded after the strikes. EU Migration Pressure: Separately, the EU faces criticism for talks with Taliban representatives tied to returning failed Afghan asylum seekers, as rights groups warn it risks legitimizing repression.

Pak-Afghan Border Crisis: Pakistan says it carried out ground and air strikes along the border after the Karachi Rangers attack, claiming 29 militants killed; Afghanistan’s Taliban officials and deputy spokespersons say the same operations hit homes in Paktia, Paktika and Kunar, killing at least 36 civilians and wounding 160+ and warning retaliation. Karachi Attack Fallout: Pakistan has lodged formal diplomatic protests with Afghanistan over the Karachi assault, alleging Afghan nationals were involved, while Kabul counters with its own condemnation of cross-border strikes. Deportation Crackdown: Pakistan’s Interior Ministry orders the arrest of Afghan nationals without valid visas starting July 10, directing provinces and police to speed up detentions and report numbers daily. Local Governance & Rights: Afghanistan’s Taliban government continues tightening restrictions, including a smartphone ban for civil servants, as rights groups warn of shrinking civic space. Sports: Ireland’s Heinrich Malan stepped down as men’s head coach after a historic 2-0 T20I series win over India; Gary Wilson is set to lead, with an ODI series vs Afghanistan in August.

Pakistan-Afghanistan Border Escalation: Pakistan says it launched an intelligence-led ground operation and “calibrated strikes” into border areas after the Karachi Rangers attack, killing 29 militants linked to Jamaat-ul-Ahrar and Fitna al-Khwarij; Afghanistan’s Taliban spokesperson condemned the action, while Afghan sources allege civilians were hit in Paktika, Paktia and Kunar, with dozens killed and over 100 injured. Karachi Attack Fallout: Pakistan’s military and ISPR blamed Jamaat-ul-Ahrar for the Karachi Rangers camp assault that killed three Rangers personnel, and an injured suspect reportedly claimed he was trained in Afghanistan. Diplomatic Pushback: India rejected Pakistan’s claims linking it to the Karachi attack, urging Islamabad to dismantle terror networks at home. Crackdown on Afghans in Pakistan: Pakistan’s Interior Ministry ordered arrests of Afghan nationals without valid visas starting July 10 under its repatriation plan. Humanitarian/Development: UNICEF emphasized vaccine quality in Afghanistan, while UNICEF and partners highlighted ongoing child health gaps and polio efforts. Economy & Trade: Afghanistan and Kyrgyzstan signed MoUs to boost trade, and SCO/UN talks focused on stability and humanitarian aid. Earthquake Watch: A 6.1–6.2 quake shook Afghanistan and was felt across parts of Pakistan and India, with reports of injuries and panic.

Karachi Security Crisis: Militants attacked Pakistan’s Sindh Rangers headquarters in Karachi after an explosives-laden vehicle breach, triggering a fierce gun battle. Pakistan’s military says three Rangers were killed, three attackers died, and an Afghan national was captured; Jamaat-ul-Ahrar claimed responsibility, while Pakistan warned of retaliation and said operations are ongoing. Afghanistan-Pakistan Tensions: An Afghan envoy in Islamabad urged dialogue as the “only way” to resolve issues, stressing that tensions harm people on both sides. Earthquake Shakes Region: A 6.2-magnitude quake hit Afghanistan’s Hindu Kush, with tremors felt across northern India including Delhi-NCR and parts of Pakistan; earlier reports also cited a 5.9 quake in the region with no major damage reported. Humanitarian Pressure: UN OCHA warned that climate and water stress are worsening across Afghanistan, with rainfall offering only temporary relief after years of drought. Women and Media Under Taliban Rule: Rights groups urged Germany to end engagement with the Taliban, citing legitimacy concerns and continued restrictions on women; separate reporting also highlights Taliban actions against media outlets. Youth and Culture: Afghanistan’s futsal star Mehran Gholami joined a Kabul training camp, while girls in Ghazni showcased artwork in a Muharram-themed exhibition.

Earthquakes Across the Region: A 6.1-magnitude quake hit Afghanistan’s Hindu Kush, shaking Kabul and nearby provinces and also rattling Pakistan’s Islamabad and parts of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa; separate reports put another quake at 5.9, with no immediate casualties or major damage reported. Taliban Controls Public Life: The Taliban ordered a nationwide smartphone ban for civil servants, with violators facing punishment and officials saying many administrative processes have effectively stalled. Media Under Pressure: Afghanistan Journalists Center urged the Taliban to release Tamadon Television’s detained director general and staff member, after raids and shutdowns disrupted the outlet’s broadcasts. Security Tensions in the Region: Russia raised concerns at the UN Security Council about terrorism threats linked to Afghanistan, including ISIS-Khorasan and spillover pressures affecting Pakistan. Karachi Attack Highlights Militancy: Pakistan said militants attacked Sindh Rangers headquarters in Karachi, killing Rangers personnel and prompting a major security operation.

Earthquake Watch: A 6.2-magnitude quake struck Afghanistan’s Hindu Kush on Saturday evening (7:04 pm IST), with deep tremors felt across Kabul and spilling into Pakistan and northern India, including Delhi-NCR and Jammu & Kashmir; no immediate casualties or major damage were reported. Aftershocks & Wider Shaking: The quake followed earlier tremors in the region, including a 5.9 quake felt in Pakistan and Afghanistan, keeping residents on edge as authorities urged people to stay alert. Weather Disaster: Heavy rain and storms over the past 48 hours killed at least five people and damaged homes, roads, and farmland across multiple Afghan provinces, with emergency response underway. Ashura Tensions: In Kabul, Taliban authorities reportedly summoned and detained Shia scholars and community representatives over Muharram flag disputes, escalating tensions around Ashura commemorations. Women’s Rights Diplomacy: Former UNAMA chief Roza Otunbayeva urged SCO member states to support Afghan women as restrictions on education and work deepen.

Afghanistan–India Trade: Afghanistan’s Chamber of Commerce and Investment says ACCI chief Sayed Karim Hashemi met Indian trade and agriculture officials to expand investment, food processing, technology transfer, and Afghan participation in India’s trade fairs, with an online trader-investor meeting planned. Drug Policy Update: UNODC reports poppy cultivation in Afghanistan has fallen 95% since the Taliban ban, with opium production dropping to its lowest levels in decades, while drug use is shifting toward synthetic drugs like methamphetamine and “K” tablets. Humanitarian & Rights Pressure: Reports highlight worsening conditions for civilians along Afghanistan’s borders, including Pakistani strikes in Khost that killed women and children, and renewed international scrutiny of Taliban restrictions on women and Shia Muslims. Security & Governance: The Taliban has tightened controls including a smartphone ban for government officials and stricter Muharram rules, while media groups warn of growing threats to journalists.

Humanitarian Crisis: Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) reports a sharp rise in severe child malnutrition in southern Afghanistan, with admissions up more than 30% from January to April, as drought, food insecurity, and funding cuts force children to reach clinics in critical condition. Rights Under Pressure: Afghanistan’s Taliban government has ordered a nationwide smartphone ban for civil servants, with phones to be smashed and violators punished—an abrupt move that officials say is already halting administrative work. Torture Index Warning: Afghanistan has been ranked “very high risk” for torture in the 2026 Global Torture Index, with OMCT alleging the Taliban have legalized torture and ill-treatment in law and expanded incommunicado detention practices. Community Restrictions: Ashura was observed under tighter Taliban controls for Afghanistan’s Shia community, including limits on flags, mourning symbols, loudspeakers, and public processions. Drugs & Policy: A UN report highlights rising global synthetic drug threats, noting Afghanistan’s opium decline is reshaping heroin markets and pushing traffickers toward synthetics.

Taliban Restrictions: Afghanistan’s Taliban government has ordered a nationwide ban on civil servants’ smartphone use, with a military court order saying officials—including judges—must stop from June 16, or face punishment and phones being smashed, raising fresh alarms over access to information and communication. Regional Security: The UK’s special representative in Afghanistan says the Pakistan-linked terrorist group Fitna al-Khawarij is receiving support from within Afghanistan, urging Taliban authorities in Kabul and Kandahar to act decisively. Human Rights & Culture: A documentary, “Beyond Darkness,” was screened at the British Parliament highlighting the worsening barriers faced by persons with disabilities in Afghanistan, especially women and girls. Afghan Diaspora & Recognition: King Charles met exiled Afghan women cricketers, backing their push for official recognition after Taliban exclusion. International Spotlight: Orwell Prize winners include Karen Bartlett’s The Escape from Kabul, centered on Afghan women judges forced to flee after 2021.

EU-Taliban Talks: The EU says its Brussels meeting with Taliban officials was purely technical and made “no concessions,” focused on deporting Afghan migrants convicted of crimes—yet lawmakers and rights groups warn it risks legitimizing the Taliban. Judicial Clash: Three ICC judges sued the Trump administration in Manhattan over sanctions they call unlawful retaliation tied to ICC work involving alleged U.S. and Afghan-related cases, arguing the measures block basic banking and services. Afghan Women in Sport: King Charles met Afghanistan’s exiled women cricketers, backing their fight for recognition after Taliban restrictions on women’s education, work, and sports. Humanitarian & Rights: Afghanistan was ranked last in the KidsRights Index 2026, while the Islamic Emirate rejected the report as baseless. Security & Economy: Afghan authorities uncovered a counterfeit agricultural chemicals factory in Nangarhar, seizing thousands of cartons and arresting suspects; Afghanistan and India also discussed expanding trade, citing visa issues, cargo delays, and financial transaction hurdles.

EU-Taliban Talks on Deportations: The Islamic Emirate held its first official Brussels meeting with EU officials, with Taliban leaders saying the talks focused on consular services for Afghans in Europe and “dignified return” of migrants, while rights groups and Amnesty warn the process is reckless and risks harm. Pakistan’s Anti-TTP Push: EU and UK envoys backed Pakistan’s right to self-defense against TTP threats said to be supported from Afghanistan, urging Kabul to dismantle safe havens. Iran-US Mediation With Pakistan Role: Pakistan says technical-level Iran-US talks will resume next week after a temporary pause, linking progress on sanctions relief and easing Strait of Hormuz tensions. Afghan Industry Boost: Samangan’s $50m iron production plant is nearing completion and expected to start within months, while Logar inaugurated a chromite processing plant—both framed as job creators. Women’s Cricket Under Taliban Ban: King Charles met the Afghan women’s cricket team in exile, backing players barred from representing Afghanistan under Taliban restrictions. Press Freedom Alarm: Reporters Without Borders says journalist exile is rising sharply worldwide, with Afghanistan among the biggest contributors.

EU-Taliban Talks: The European Commission hosted a Taliban delegation in Brussels for “technical” talks on deportations and migration returns, drawing sharp backlash from rights groups and EU lawmakers who say the outreach risks legitimizing the regime. Women’s Rights in Focus: UNAMA marked the International Day of Women in Diplomacy by urging meaningful participation of Afghan women in decision-making, as Taliban restrictions continue to bar women from public life. Taliban Crackdown in Herat: Reports say Taliban morality police in Herat are enforcing a stricter “proper hijab” rule, detaining and beating women who do not fully comply, after protests were violently dispersed. Humanitarian Pressure: Afghanistan’s return and displacement situation remains severe, with aid agreements signed to support shelters, cash assistance, education and child protection for returnees and internally displaced families. Regional Diplomacy: Russia’s envoy Zamir Kabulov said Afghanistan seeks full SCO membership, but one member’s opposition blocks consensus-based participation. Economy & Jobs: Afghanistan’s Agriculture Chamber and Workers’ Union discussed job creation through modernizing farming and boosting production. Media Under Threat: RSF data says Afghanistan accounts for nearly half of journalists forced into exile since 2021.