[AfghanDigest] LAST 24 HOURS
- TORKHAM STALEMATE CONTINUES – Islamabad released more information about the confrontation that occurred with Taliban border forces last Wednesday. Pakistani authorities released photos of the Taliban security post that was being constructed when hostilities began. The location of the structure was deemed to be within the demarcation zone and Islamabad claims this is a violation of law. Pakistan has since made additional demands for Kabul to once again control the TTP factions operating from within Afghanistan and has begun arresting Afghan refugees in some cities to underscore their intent. Trade between the two countries has been disrupted due to the closure and a protest against the standoff was reported in Nangarhar yesterday.
- PRESS FREEDOMS CURTAILED – The Taliban Deputy Prime Minister, Abdul Salam Hanafi warned international press freedom organizations to stop interfering in domestic affairs. He said press freedoms in Afghanistan are subordinate to the Taliban’s framework of governance and must adhere to Sharia law.
- 9/11 ANNIVERSARY MARKED IN US AND ELSEWHERE – As leaders marked the anniversary of the September 11 attacks, many were quick to say that al-Qaeda is no longer a threat to the United States and has virtually ceased to exist. While it is factual to say that no recent operations can be attributed to the terror network. Long-time observers are more cautious and say the terror group will be difficult to ever fully eradicate and that premature announcements of its demise are risky and can be dangerous. The network’s brand name is one of the most globally recognized and it remains one of the most successful terror organizations throughout all of contemporary history. The network developed complex methods of financing terror operations that are thought to be in place today and due to its success with the 9/11 attacks, it can count on donors that other groups would not normally have access to. It is probably safe to say that current assessments about al-Qaeda’s limited capabilities are correct but prognostications that it will never pose a threat in the future could come back to haunt officials who are currently saying the curtain has fallen.
NEXT 24 HOURS
- PAKISTAN DETENTIONS OF AFGHANS TO CONTINUE – Recent reporting indicates that as many as 220 Afghan refugees have been detained across Pakistan. Many are said to have proper identification and were residing in the country legally. The biggest roundups appear to have taken place in Karachi. The impasse with the Taliban over the TTP and other longstanding security issues may continue for some time and it is likely that further arrests of refugees will continue. It is not yet clear whether Islamabad intends to begin large-scale deportation operations and there have not been indications that a plan is in place to do so at this time. However, we recommend that at-risk Afghans in Pakistan continue to maintain a low profile and avoid drawing attention to themselves if at all possible. They are advised to remain in contact with those groups providing support and advise them of any and all changes to conditions on the ground (increased house searches, new security checkpoints, new roving patrols, etc.).
- RUMORED BAN ON FOREIGN WIRE TRANSFERS INTO PAKISTAN MAY BE COMING – At least three managers of international wire transfer kiosks in Pakistan have informed Afghan refugees that future transfers that originate from Western countries may not be approved after 1 October. We are attempting to gain clarification from the two main transfer providers (Moneygram and Western Union) if the rumors are true. Neither company has yet confirmed or denied the rumors. Regardless, those who routinely transfer funds to Afghan refugees in Pakistan would be wise to consider alternatives should such a ban be put in place. Again, this information has yet to be confirmed.
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