[AfghanDigest] LAST 24 HOURS- LEAKED DOCUMENT PURPORTEDLY SHOWS US INVOLVEMENT IN FORMER PM KHAN’S OUSTER – The document was published by The Intercept and is said to have been leaked from Pakistan by an anonymous source in the Pakistani military. The document details a meeting between two State Department officials and Pakistan’s (then) Ambassador to the US, Asad Majeed Khan that took place on 7 March 2022. One of the State Department officials at the meeting was said to be Donald Lu, Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs. The information appears to substantiate previous reports published in some Indian news outlets as well as in Dawn, a respected Pakistani publication. Ultimately, the report contends that the idea for a ‘vote of no confidence’ was proposed by Lu and that several penalties were discussed should Khan be allowed to lead the country. For his part, the former PM has consistently referred to the report as proof the US was behind his ouster. A State Department spokesman dismissed the report and said the comments did not provide proof the US Government had interfered in Pakistan’s internal affairs.
- TALIBAN REJECT PAKISTAN’S CLAIMS THAT AFGHANS PARTICIPATED IN RECENT TERROR ATTACKS – The Taliban took exception to many in Pakistan’s Government who have claimed that Afghans had been involved in the recent attacks. The Taliban’s chief spokesman read out a statement detailing the number of Pakistanis who had been killed in counter-ISIS operations and said that dozens more were being imprisoned for suspected terrorism-related charges. The Taliban then said that Pakistan should stop blaming them for their own internal security issues. Throughout the course of all these traded accusations, very little proof has been provided to substantiate either side’s claims.
- MINISTRY OF VICE AND VIRTUE FORBIDS MAGIC AND SPELL CASTING – The Ministry has instructed officials in Provinces and Districts to check on the sorcerers and witches (colloquially known as Jadugars) operating in their jurisdictions and to prosecute those whose practices run contra to Sharia Law.
So the ones who comply with Sharia are ok? Good to know.
- RETIRED GOVERNMENT WORKERS DEMONSTRATE AGAIN IN KABUL – Despite an announcement earlier in the year, it appears that many retired personnel still are not receiving their pensions. A group gathered at the Pension Department in Kabul to state their case and attempt to draw attention to the economic problems they face daily. It is not clear where the regime stands on paying these former employees.
Are they Taliban? If not, why on earth would the Taliban, having reconquered what they consider to be their country, feel obliged to fulfill the promises made during the interregnum?There are rumors that anyone who served under the former regime was being scrutinized and, depending on their former roles, may not be authorized their retirement. There are also reports that women and specific ethnic groups are receiving similar scrutiny.
CONFLICT TRACKER
Badakhshan: The AFF claims to have launched an RPG attack against a Taliban security position near the Badakhshan Provincial Airport on Tuesday night at approximately 2000hrs local time. An AFF spokesman said that 4 Taliban security forces members were killed in the attack.
NEXT 24 HOURS: No Threats Reported