Pakistan and Afghanistan Monitor
November 16 to 22, 2024
Prepared by: Muhammad Israr
16 November 2024
The Taliban government shut down three radio stations in Khost province, Afghanistan
The recent shutdown of three radio stations in Afghanistan’s Khost province has sparked concerns among local and international organizations regarding freedom of expression in the country. Over the past two weeks, local authorities in Khost prohibited these radio stations from broadcasting music. According to the Afghanistan Journalists Center, these stations were allowed to resume broadcasting only after agreeing not to air music.
The Borderless Journalists Association has urged the Taliban-led Ministry of Information and Culture to cease its crackdown on Afghans’ right to access information. On October 26, the Taliban’s Department of Amar Bil-Marof and Nahi Anil-Monkar in Khost announced that broadcasting music and women’s voices was prohibited. Subsequently, on October 31, Gharghasht Radio was banned for violating these rules but was permitted to resume operations three days later on the condition that it refrains from airing music. Similarly, on November 6, Long Radio broadcasts were halted for the same reason. This station, which also produced educational programs for girls, remains closed. (Mashaal Radio: Mashaal Radio)
Pakistan army chief calls for regulating freedom of speech
Pakistan’s chief of army staff, general Asim Munir, addressed the Margalla Dialogue 2024 on November 15, stressing the importance of regulating freedom of speech to curb the growing threat of misinformation. He emphasized that unchecked speech, particularly on digital platforms, is undermining social and political stability. General Munir warned that without proper legislation to counter hate speech and misinformation, societies could face severe instability. Highlighting the misuse of social media, he argued that it is contributing to unrest and targeting institutions, including the military. He called for stricter laws to combat false information, cautioning that unregulated misinformation could lead to widespread disorder.
(Pakistan Today: Pakistan Today )
(Big News Network: Big News Network)
(Asian News International: ANI)
November 17, 2024
Ex-soldier’s detention in Afghanistan is a Serious Matter for Canada
At the APEC summit in Peru, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau confirmed the government’s serious engagement with the detention of ex-Canadian soldier David Lavery by the Taliban but shared no further details. Lavery, a consultant well-known in Afghanistan and nicknamed “Canadian Dave,” was detained at Kabul Airport despite his long-standing work in the region. Notably, he stayed at the airport during Afghanistan’s fall in 2021, aiding in the evacuation of over 100 Afghans. Global Affairs Canada is closely monitoring the situation, which underscores the dangers faced by foreign nationals in politically unstable areas and the need for international efforts to protect those working in high-risk environments. (Khaama Press, Barrons.com , Ariana News)
November 18, 2024
Deadly blast near mosque in South Waziristan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
A powerful explosion near a mosque in Azam Warsak, South Waziristan, claimed the life of one person and left six others injured, including Maulana Shahzada Khan Turabi, the mosque’s imam and a senior leader of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam. The attack, described on social media as a targeted assault, was reportedly aimed at Maulana Shahzada Khan, according to a military intelligence-linked account. The account attributed the attack to “Khawarij” and confirmed that Maulana Turabi was the intended target. Hospital officials reported that the injured, including Maulana Turabi, remain in critical condition and are in urgent need of blood donations. No group has claimed responsibility for the incident, though militant factions such as ISIS and Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) are known to operate in the region. (Khama Press: Khaama Press), (The Nation: Nation.pk)
November 19, 2024
Taliban publicly flog woman in Baghlan, Afghanistan
The Taliban’s Supreme Court reported that a woman in Baghlan was publicly flogged on charges of “procuring,” a term referring to facilitating sexual activity outside of marriage. While the group provided no further details about the accusation, it typically implies acting as an intermediary for such activities On November 19, the Taliban announced that the woman had been sentenced to six months in prison and 30 lashes, with the punishment carried out on November 18 in the presence of local officials and residents. Despite global condemnation, the Taliban continues to impose and execute corporal punishments. Human rights organizations have criticized the group’s judicial system, highlighting its lack of due process and denial of fundamental rights, such as access to legal representation. (Amu: Amu Tv ), (Kabul Now: (Kabul Now), ( Afghanistan International)
Gunmen kidnap seven cops in Bannu
November 19, 2024, Unknown armed men kidnapped over half a dozen policemen from the Rocha Check Post on Monday night, in the Wazir subdivision of Bannu district. District Police Officer Ziauddin Ahmad confirmed that seven cops were abducted from the check post.
An official told Dawn that armed militants forcibly entered the check post after surrounding it, and took the cops deployed there, hostage at gunpoint.
Following the incident, a large police contingent reached the area and launched a search operation for the recovery of the kidnapped officials in the remote and mountainous terrain.
The Rocha Check Post is located on the border with North Waziristan, in the limits of Otmanzai police station, in Bannu district.
(Dawn: Dawn.com), (Radio Free Europe: Radio Free Europe), (Arab News: Arab News (Pajhwok Afghan News: Pajhwok Afghan News) (The Express Tribune: The Express Tribune )
A Media Linked to the Taliban Compares Pakistan’s Government to Ashraf Ghani’s Regime
A Media outlet linked to the Taliban Compares Pakistan’s Government to Ashraf Ghani’s Regime
Al-Mirsad, a media outlet linked to the Taliban, compared Pakistan’s current situation to the final days of Ashraf Ghani’s government in Afghanistan. The outlet claimed that Pakistan is repeating the same mistakes, including airstrikes and military operations in tribal areas, which harm civilians and only strengthen the Taliban’s resolve.
The article also noted similarities in media approaches. It said Ghani’s government tried to link the Taliban with Pakistan’s ISI, while Pakistan now claims the TTP is connected to the Afghan Taliban. Al-Mirsad argued that these efforts at propaganda did not weaken the Taliban and instead boosted their morale.
Pakistan’s military has accused the Afghan Taliban of hosting and supporting the TTP, saying Afghan soil is being used for attacks on Pakistan. However, Al-Mirsad denied this, claiming the TTP operates within Pakistan’s tribal areas, adding to the tension between the two countries. (Afghan Online Press: Afghan Online Press), (Afghanistan International: Afghanistan International)
November 20, 2024
19 Pakistani Security Personnel Killed in Militant Attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
11 security personnel lost their lives, and two were critically injured in a suicide bombing at a checkpoint in Jani Khel, Bannu, on November 19. The attack began with a suicide bomber and was followed by gunfire from militants. On the same day, another clash in the Tirah area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa left eight security personnel dead and three injured after militants attacked a military post near Bagh Maidan.
While the Pakistan Army has not addressed the loss of its soldiers, it confirmed that nine militants were killed in clashes in the same region. Recently, militant attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan have significantly increased, raising concerns about worsening security. The growing violence poses serious risks to peace and stability in the affected areas.
(Business Strandard: Business Strandard), (The Hindu: The Hindu) (Radio Free Europe: Radio Free Europe), (The Express Tribune: Express Tribune), (Khama Press Khaama Press), (Mashaal Radio: Mashaal Radio), (Voice of America: VOA DEEWA)
Khyber’s Bara Political Alliance to Hold “Peace March” on Nov 22 Against Insecurity
The Khyber region’s Bara Political Alliance has announced a peaceful protest, “Aman March,” on November 22nd, to address growing security concerns. Alliance leader Sherin Apridy urged the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government to act, stating, “Their silence on the issue is worrying.” This follows a militant attack on November 17th, which killed eight soldiers and injured five at security camps in Tirah Valley.
The alliance will present demands during the protest and stage a sit-in outside the Provincial Assembly building in Peshawar if ignored. The government has vowed to improve regional security but hasn’t commented on the protest. The Tirah Valley has faced long-standing security issues. Local residents reported the market closure since the attack, with no access to the area. The alliance seeks concrete action to ensure peace and stability in the region. (Mashaal Radio: Mashaal Radio
The residents of Bannu district have raised concerns about unidentified armed men patrolling the roads
The local people of Bannu say that the armed men in the area “patrol” the roads and markets in broad daylight and “search” people, but no concrete steps have been taken to prevent them.
A resident of Bannu, said on November 14 that the ongoing insecurity has once again worried him. He added that the people were faced with fear because according to him, common people are affected in the clashes between armed men and soldiers. “We haven’t seen a good day. Every morning, when you wake up, there is news of explosions, or that there has been a target attack and the militants have come out.”
The local people told Mashal Radio that on November 13, armed men patrolled the streets of Bano Bazar and then gave speeches to the people. According to them, the militants were holding the flags of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Afghan Taliban in their hands.
The local people added that before going to Bannu Bazar, the gunmen were openly walking around Miriano, Baka Khel, Domel and neighboring areas with their weapons and locking people. Videos of the presence of armed men and their patrols in those areas are also published on social networks from time to time. (Mashaal Radio: Mashaal Radio)
November 21, 2024
At least 38 dead in gun attack on passenger vans in Kurram district
November 21, 2024, Police in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa confirmed that 14 people, including three women and a child, were killed, and 11 others injured in an attack on passenger buses in the Kurram district. Rescue teams reported that armed attackers targeted three buses in the area, which has a history of sectarian violence between Sunni and Shia communities. Among the 38 victims, 34 were Shia, and four were Sunni. So far, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
This incident is part of an increasing wave of violence in Pakistan. Militant groups like Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) escalated their attacks, targeting security forces, foreign workers (including Chinese nationals), and civilians. The rise in such incidents highlights the worsening security situation in the country. (Dawn: Dawn.pk ), (Business Recorder:
Khaama Press, VOA DEEWA, Mashaal Radio, Asian News International_ ANI
In Quetta Abduction of Young School Children has Sparked Widespread Concern Among Citizens
In Quetta, schoolchildren have taken to the streets to demand the safe return of Muhammad Musawir, a young boy abducted from the Multani Mohalla area on November 14. Carrying placards and banners, the students gathered at Balochistan Assembly Chowk, urging authorities to expedite efforts for his recovery.
The abduction has sparked widespread concern among citizens, political groups, and the business community. Protesters have vowed to continue demonstrations until Musawir is safely returned. Political parties, supported by the traders’ community, have announced plans to block key highways linking Balochistan to the rest of the country. A province-wide strike is planned for November 25 to increase pressure on the provincial government to ensure the child’s safe return.
The Supreme Court of Pakistan has taken Suo motu notice of the case, summoning the inspector general of police and home secretaries of all provinces to submit reports on child abductions. The court expressed concern over the rise in such incidents, particularly in Quetta, and criticized the government’s apparent indifference.
(Business Recorder: Business Recorder), (Devdiscourse: Devdiscourse,) (Mashaal Radio: Mashaal Radio)
Afghan Teen Wins International Peace Prize For Advocating Girls’ Rights
The KidsRights Foundation announced that the International Children’s Peace Prize ceremony was held on Tuesday, November 19, at the Nieuwe Kerk in Amsterdam. Nila Ebrahimi received the award from Nobel Peace Prize winner Tawakkol Karman.
Nila was chosen from 165 nominees from 47 countries for her leadership in protesting through music and her work supporting the rights of Afghan girls. The ceremony was attended by important people from around the world, including Princess Petra Laurentien of the Netherlands and Ann Skelton, Chair of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child.
Marc Dullaert, founder of the KidsRights Foundation, said that Afghan women and girls face terrible oppression, with 2.5 million girls unable to go to school. He praised Nila for using her voice to help them. After the Taliban banned women from singing, Nila shared a song online to protest. At 14, she fled to Pakistan with her family and later moved to Canada. Khama Press, (Kids Right Foundation: KidsRight Foundation)
Locals From South Waziristan Stage Protest In Ladda
People in Lada, Lower South Waziristan, protested after a local man was killed in a military artillery attack. The incident happened on November 18 when a mortar shell hit a house in Sigah village, killing Qurban Ali and injuring his wife and a 12-year-old girl.
On November 20, the protesters gathered at Lada’s main square, demanding that the security forces protect civilians during military actions. Syed Amin, one of the protest leaders, told Mashal Radio that the government should investigate the attack, help Qurban Ali’s family with financial support, and improve safety in the area.
This attack is part of a larger pattern of similar incidents in South Waziristan and other tribal regions in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. On November 9, two children were killed in a mortar strike in Shaktoi, leading to a protest in front of a military camp. The protest ended after authorities made promises. Earlier, on November 6, two children were killed and five others injured in a mortar attack in Tirah, which led to a protest by the Bara Political Alliance on November 8.
Taliban In Kunar Province Bans Broadcast of Images Of Living Creatures
Local sources reported that the Taliban in Kunar Province has banned broadcasting images of living creatures, including interviews with visual media. This order applies to both national television and the private Zala channel in Kunar.
Previously, similar bans were imposed in provinces like Nangarhar, Kandahar, and Helmand, leading to the closure of many media outlets and the loss of jobs for hundreds of journalists. There are concerns that these restrictions could spread to other areas, including Kabul.
The Taliban justifies these actions by citing Article 17 of the Law on the Promotion of Virtue, which prohibits the photography of living beings under Islamic Sharia. (Voice of America: VOA)
November 22, 2024
11 People Were Killed in The Attack in Baghlan Province, Afghanistan
On November 22nd, reports from Baghlan said that 11 people were killed in an attack. Some sources, like Ariana News and the Afghan Islamic Agency, confirmed the deaths, but Tolo News did not give a specific number, only saying that gunmen fired at around 10 people.
A local resident told Ariana News that the victims had planned to stay the night at a shrine. Asadullah Mustafa Hashemi, the Taliban’s information director in Baghlan, confirmed the attack but did not share more details.
It is not clear who carried out the attack, but many similar attacks on mosques, Sikh temples, shrines, and Shia gatherings have happened in different parts of Afghanistan since the Taliban took control. Most of these attacks have been claimed by ISIS-K (Islamic State Khorasan).
(TOLO News: TOLO News), (The Independent: The Independent), ( Ariana News: Ariana News)