AGP Executive Report

Taliban Education Push: Islamic Emirate spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid says new master’s and PhD programmes are being prepared, with priority for Afghan lecturers and fields aimed at modern needs like AI, plus agriculture, health and technology. Infrastructure & Water Access: Mujahid also says rural water supply networks were commissioned across Afghanistan, with hundreds of thousands of residents gaining clean drinking water, alongside road and bridge projects. UN Rights Alarm: UN experts warn that five years after the Taliban takeover, discrimination and repression are shrinking children’s futures, with girls facing continued education bans and rising exposure to gender-based violence and forced marriage. Press Freedom Under Pressure: Afghanistan Journalists Center condemns Taliban closure of Kabul outlets Rah-e-Farda TV and Seday-e-Eslah Radio, citing raids, detentions and licensing disputes. Women Blocked From UN Work: UN says Afghan women staff are still barred from entering UN premises nationwide, undermining aid delivery and violating UN principles. Humanitarian Context: UN Human Rights Council session opens in Geneva with Afghanistan on the agenda, while reports highlight severe hunger risks for Afghan children.

Afghanistan Development Push: Afghanistan’s Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development says it has started 3,229 rural projects worth $87m across 23 provinces, including roads, irrigation, bridges and welfare work, aiming to create jobs and ease economic pressure. Security in the North: Afghan police in Samangan (Sari Pul) arrested three armed men in Sangcharak district and seized a Kalashnikov and two pistols. Diplomacy Update: Afghanistan’s foreign ministry moves on five new diplomatic appointments, including a ministerial adviser named among the new ambassadors. Regional Tensions: Pakistan reports security forces killed 21 militants in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in Sept 3–5 operations, linking the attackers to India-backed groups and citing cross-border infiltration attempts from Afghanistan. Human Rights Watch: The UN Human Rights Council opens its 63rd session in Geneva, with attention on actions against women and girls in Afghanistan. Earthquake Alert: A 4.1-magnitude tremor struck Afghanistan at 130 km depth; no damage or casualties were reported. Local Economy: A three-day “Band-e-Amir” domestic products exhibition opened in Bamyan, with 50 booths for women entrepreneurs, though traders warn raw materials are scarce and costly.

Mining Safety in Focus: Four men died of gas asphyxiation in a coal mine in Baghlan’s Tala Wa Barfak after the site “did not meet standards,” underscoring how poorly regulated Afghanistan’s mining sector remains. Taliban Land Dispute Crackdown (Herat): Taliban authorities closed about 100 shops in Herat’s Jebrail market over a land ownership dispute, arresting three residents after locals demanded documents. Shia Seminary Under Pressure (Kabul): Taliban forces surrounded Kabul’s Khatam al-Nabieen religious complex, detained instructors and students, and residents protested amid claims the raid was meant to force evacuation; the complex leadership rejects allegations of political links. Women’s Education in the Shadows: A new report highlights secret schools for Afghan girls as the Taliban maintains bans on secondary education. Humanitarian Care (Kabul): A Bangladesh medical team, with the Afghan Red Crescent, is providing free cleft lip and palate surgeries for 120 children. International Diplomacy: Indonesia signaled it will align on recognition of Afghanistan’s Islamic Emirate with the international community while expanding cooperation. Afghan Deportees Abroad: Guyana announced the arrival of six deportees from the U.S., including Afghan nationals, under a one-year third-country arrangement.

Afghanistan-Pakistan Security: Pakistan’s ISPR says security forces killed 21 militants in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including 10 in North Waziristan along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border and additional clashes in Kohat and Dera Ismail Khan, with the military blaming Afghan Taliban authorities for failing to stop cross-border terrorism. Afghan Humanitarian Strain: MSF reports rising malnutrition in Kandahar, while UNICEF warns millions of women and children in Afghanistan face acute malnutrition in 2026. Drought in Nimroz: Farmers in Nimroz say drought and falling groundwater have wiped out harvests and dried orchards, pushing many to abandon farming. Afghan Diplomacy & Aid: UN-linked reporting highlights Afghanistan’s continued humanitarian funding gaps and trauma after decades of war, as international groups call for more support. Trade Pressure: Economic activists in Peshawar urge reopening Afghanistan-Pakistan trade routes after reported losses tied to suspended crossings. Regional Deportations: Guyana says it received vetted Afghan deportees from the US under a third-country program, with relocation handled by IOM.

EU Accountability on Women: An EU envoy in Geneva said the Taliban may have committed crimes against humanity over the treatment of Afghan women and girls, citing bans on education and laws that enable domestic violence. Humanitarian Alarm: MSF reports child malnutrition cases in Kandahar have risen 30% this year, as WFP warns nearly 14 million Afghans face acute hunger amid funding cuts. Health Funding Push: Afghanistan’s health ministry urged donors to increase support at a Health Cluster meeting, saying it wants a more sustainable health system and to gradually take over from aid groups. Kabul Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi met Russia’s ambassador in Kabul to discuss expanding bilateral ties and regional cooperation. Return and Aid Claims: Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said nearly 2 million migrants returned over the past year and highlighted cash assistance for orphans, widows, and people with disabilities. Migration Pressure in Pakistan: The Taliban embassy in Islamabad raised concerns about Afghan migrants’ shop properties reportedly being auctioned in Punjab, seeking legal solutions. Afghan-US Relations: Reports say Muttaqi and Khalilzad discussed expanding Afghanistan-US relations.

Afghan Mining Pitch Meets US Pushback: The Taliban is courting U.S. investment by pitching Afghanistan’s vast mineral wealth, but Washington says it has no plans to work with the regime on critical minerals—raising the question of who would actually control and profit from any future deals. Cross-Border Security Pressure: Pakistan’s Anti-Narcotics Force says it busted an Afghanistan-based meth network, seizing 671kg of ice across Karachi and Colombo and arresting an Afghan mastermind. Humanitarian Strain in Afghanistan: UN-linked reporting highlights how war and reduced aid funding are leaving Afghan victims without justice and with lasting harm, while malnutrition treatment needs remain urgent. Regional Weather Risk: A monsoon spell is expected to keep bringing heavy rain and thunderstorms in upper areas, with flooding risks mentioned for river-linked areas including routes connected to the Kabul River. Afghanistan in the Spotlight via Sports: India’s T20I series against Afghanistan is back in focus as fitness checks for key players like Jasprit Bumrah shape the lineup.

Afghanistan-Pakistan Trade: A Peshawar conference warned that suspending trade with Afghanistan has already cost Pakistan’s sector over $1 billion, urging the immediate reopening of crossings like Torkham and separating commerce from security tensions. Banking Access: Afghanistan’s central bank says nearly 350 ATMs are operating nationwide, with plans to expand coverage as Kabul residents complain many machines are too far from neighborhoods. Diplomacy Push: The Islamic Emirate’s spokesman said Afghanistan wants expanded diplomatic ties with Europe, while Russia’s Lavrov renewed criticism of NATO’s Afghanistan mission as a failure. Humanitarian & Rights: UN reporting highlighted that Taliban restrictions have suspended multiple aid programs, while separate coverage showed girls in Ghazni barred from education turning to painting to cope. Economy & Daily Life: An Afghan entrepreneur in Kabul is running online bus ticket booking to reduce cash-and-terminal hassles, aiming to expand jobs—especially for women. Sports (India-Afghanistan): India’s full-strength T20I squad drew backlash from Kris Srikkanth, who argued selectors should have tested youngsters; meanwhile Bumrah and others are named subject to fitness.

US-Iran Strike Fallout: Reuters reports weapons experts believe a US munition directly hit an Iranian wedding in Sirik County, killing 5 and wounding nearly 70; VP JD Vance says Washington is investigating. Afghan Border Security Tensions: Pakistan’s ISPR says security forces killed 15 infiltrators on the Pak-Afghan border near North Waziristan in a 36-hour operation, blaming “Indian-sponsored” groups and accusing Kabul of failing to stop attacks. Pakistan-Kabul Diplomacy: Pakistan summoned its Kabul envoy for consultations as anti-Taliban armed activity rises; Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar urged close monitoring of security developments. Afghan Girls’ Education Under Taliban: The NYT highlights clandestine secret schools as nearly 2.5 million Afghan girls remain locked out of secondary education. Humanitarian Cost of War: Save the Children warns Iran-war oil shocks are forcing it to spend more to reach fewer children, including in Afghanistan. Afghanistan Cricket Build-Up: India prepares for a T20I series vs Afghanistan with fitness tests for Bumrah and others; Prince Yadav is named as a backup.

Economic Independence Push: Deputy PM Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar says Afghanistan can cut import reliance by expanding domestic production, upgrading infrastructure, and boosting scientific capacity as Kabul launches/rehabilitates the Sana-e-Sabz Industrial Park and moves ahead on a printing and publishing production center. Refugee Returns: Afghanistan’s MoRR says 389 Afghans returned from Pakistani prisons this week—329 via Torkham and 60 via Spin Boldak—receiving humanitarian help before resettlement. Humanitarian Access Under Pressure: UN OCHA reports Taliban restrictions in July, including barriers to aid operations, limits on female aid workers, and interference with staff recruitment and movement, with most incidents in southern and western Afghanistan. War’s Lasting Scars: A UN report says decades of conflict have left Afghan victims with deep psychological and physical harm and widespread lack of justice or compensation. Security at the Border: Pakistan’s ISPR says 15 militants were killed in a foiled infiltration attempt near the Afghanistan border in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, accusing the Taliban of failing to stop use of Afghan soil. Flood Risk in the Region: Pakistan’s NDMA issues a 72-hour flood alert for Gilgit-Baltistan, AJK, and upper KP, warning of heavy rain, flash floods, landslides, and rising river flows. Diplomacy and Regional Talks: SCO leaders in Bishkek discuss expanded cooperation and security/transport agreements, with Afghanistan expected to be on the agenda again at the UN Security Council.

Protest Crackdown in Kabul: Taliban officials defended a nationwide ban on public demonstrations, saying protests have no place under their reading of Islamic law and are needed for security and stability. Afghan Diplomacy Push: Kabul says it issued 203,693 visas to foreign nationals over the past year, alongside expanded consular ties and deeper engagement with regional powers. UN Report on War Trauma: UNAMA says victims of decades of conflict still lack justice and reparation; it cites tens of thousands killed and wounded and widespread long-term psychological harm. Girls’ Education Abroad: SOLA, which fled Afghanistan, is operating a permanent school campus in Rwanda, offering refuge and education to Afghan girls. Regional Security Pressure: Pakistan’s foreign office says any progress with Kabul depends on “concrete and verifiable” action against militant groups operating from Afghan soil. SCO Diplomacy: China’s Xi urged stronger SCO coordination to address conflicts including Afghanistan, while leaders at the Bishkek summit renewed calls for stability and inclusive governance. Sports—India vs Afghanistan: India named a full-strength T20I squad for matches in Delhi, with key players returning subject to fitness.

Taliban Protest Ban: Afghanistan’s Taliban defended its nationwide ban on public protests, saying it “fully complies with Islamic law” and that demonstrations have “no place” under the Islamic system, drawing renewed criticism from rights groups. Kabul Housing Push: Work began on B4 residential complexes under the “Sulh” Housing Project in Kabul’s Fifth Macroryan area, with officials saying it aims to ease a worsening housing shortage and finish delayed projects. Afghan-India Trade Talks: India and Afghanistan reviewed measures to strengthen bilateral trade and economic cooperation, including customs and data-sharing, visa facilitation for Afghan traders, banking, pharma and agriculture, plus port and cargo connectivity. Afghan Visas & Economy Signals: Afghanistan reported issuing over 200,000 visas to foreign nationals in 2025, while other coverage points to ongoing efforts to boost economic activity and connectivity. Humanitarian Warning: The Red Cross said Afghanistan is slipping from global attention despite severe humanitarian needs, as UN-linked reporting highlights continued harm and limited access to justice for war victims.

Refugee Returns: Over 1,750 Afghan refugees went back home in a single day, with 1,449 returning from Pakistan and 306 from Iran, as Afghanistan’s diaspora—mostly in the region—faces documentation and hardship gaps. Humanitarian Access: The Red Cross warns Afghanistan is slipping from global attention despite severe needs, while UN reporting highlights war victims still lack justice and health services remain under strain. Taliban-U.S. Minerals Push: Five years after U.S. troops left, the Taliban is again pitching Washington on reopening ties—this time with diplomats and investment—offering access to Afghanistan’s mineral wealth for frozen-asset relief. Regional Security Talks: China is trying to revive its Pakistan-Afghanistan tension easing effort, with envoy Yue Xiaoyong meeting Islamabad to discuss threats from groups including TTP and ETIM. Kabul Economy & Services: Afghanistan’s central bank is replacing worn-out cash with new banknotes, and Kabul is cutting air cargo fees to boost exports. Sports (Afghanistan Ties): India named a 15-man squad for T20Is vs Afghanistan in Delhi, with key players marked subject to fitness clearance.

Afghanistan-Regional Diplomacy: At the SCO summit in Bishkek, leaders stressed an “independent, neutral, peaceful” Afghanistan and called for an inclusive government with broad participation of ethnic and political groups as the path to lasting peace. Afghanistan-Pakistan Security: Afghanistan’s ambassador to Pakistan, Sardar Ahmad Shakib, told Islamabad that Afghan territory will not be used against Pakistan, while urging direct engagement and specific, verifiable claims if security concerns are raised. Afghanistan-India Stakes: India’s PM Narendra Modi used the SCO platform to link regional stability to peace in Afghanistan, reiterating support for humanitarian and development help. Afghanistan-UN Humanitarian Pressure: A UN-linked report says over 40,000 Afghan civilians died in conflict from 2009-2021, and another item highlights shelter and health funding shortfalls affecting vulnerable Afghans. Kabul Development: Afghanistan’s procurement authorities approved an eight-story commercial market in Kabul’s Mandawi area, with 560 shops planned. Sports (Afghan Series): India named a 15-man squad for three T20Is vs Afghanistan in Delhi, but four players are subject to fitness clearance; Hardik Pandya’s return was delayed again.

Taliban Return Pressure: UN and rights groups say millions of Afghans are being forced back after Pakistan and Iran crack down on undocumented migrants, with deportations reaching even people with registration proof at the Torkham “Zero Point” crossing. US Accountability Push: Families in Kandahar and Paktia demand prosecution and compensation over alleged foreign-force civilian killings during night raids and airstrikes, calling for international human rights action. Taliban Security Blow: A Taliban intelligence deputy in Kandahar was killed in a targeted operation claimed by the National Independence Front, a hit to the regime’s security apparatus in its traditional stronghold. Afghanistan-US Minerals Pitch: Kabul is offering the US access to vast mineral resources and urging investment and sanctions relief, as it seeks frozen-asset release and broader economic ties. Education Under Restrictions: Women and girls turn to virtual classes to keep learning amid severe Taliban education limits. Health Crisis: WHO reports a sharp rise in infectious diseases in Afghanistan, adding strain to already fragile healthcare access. Sports—Afghanistan Link: Bangladesh’s Nahid Rana is ruled out of Asian Games and targets a return for the Bangladesh-Afghanistan series in October.

Humanitarian Pressure: The ICRC warns Afghanistan is slipping from global attention as funding cuts force clinic closures, leaving about 1 million children facing life-threatening malnutrition and 3.7 million suffering acute malnutrition, urging the world “not to abandon” Afghan communities. EU Aid Boost: The EU announced an extra €15 million with WFP to strengthen food security and climate resilience in Afghanistan, backing school feeding, climate-smart livelihoods, and agribusiness support for women and vulnerable rural families. Taliban-U.S. Outreach: Afghanistan’s Islamic Emirate says it wants U.S. investment in mining, infrastructure, agriculture and trade, while rejecting any U.S. military return and calling for sanctions relief and reopening of the U.S. embassy in Kabul. Deportations: The U.S. expanded “third-country” deportations, sending more than 100 people including Afghans to African countries, according to internal documents. Regional Trade Hit: Reports say closures of Pakistan’s key border crossings have cost Pakistani exporters nearly $1 billion and Afghan exporters hundreds of millions, squeezing livelihoods on both sides. Security & Rights: Taliban authorities reported a killing in Nuristan tied to a family feud, highlighting ongoing local violence amid limited accountability.

Afghanistan Security: Afghan authorities’ Zabihullah Mujahid rejected claims that Afghanistan threatens neighbors, saying borders are fully controlled and urging states to raise concerns directly. Border Tensions: Badakhshan police denied reports of clashes near the Durand Line in Zebak, saying any fighting was on Pakistani territory and security is maintained. Taliban Outreach to the US: The Islamic Emirate is seeking to normalize relations with Washington, including a push for mineral investment and a possible reopening of the US embassy in Kabul. Humanitarian Pressure: UN-linked reporting highlights severe child malnutrition and clinic closures across Afghanistan, with funding shortfalls worsening access to care. Education Under Taliban Rule: A profile of a girl describes how Taliban restrictions on schooling beyond sixth grade push families toward “secret schools” just to keep girls connected. Regional Diplomacy: The SCO summit in Bishkek puts Afghanistan on the agenda, with leaders including Russia, China, Iran, India, Pakistan and Central Asian states expected to discuss regional security and connectivity. Economy & Trade: Reports note Afghanistan’s export strain after border closures, including impacts on regional poultry trade. Afghan Diaspora & Rights: Coverage also flags deportations and legal battles involving Afghans abroad, underscoring ongoing rights concerns.