Over 500 Detained Afghan Migrants Return From Pakistan

May 15, 2026
Khaama Press

More than 500 Afghan migrants detained in Pakistan returned home this week as deportations and cross-border repatriations continue increasing.

Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation said 561 Afghan citizens detained in Pakistan were released and returned to Afghanistan during the current week amid continuing deportation and repatriation operations affecting Afghan migrants.

According to the statement, 481 of the returnees entered Afghanistan through the Torkham Border Crossing, while another 80 people crossed through Spin Boldak Border Crossing.

The ministry stated that the individuals had been arrested in Pakistan due to lacking legal residency documents and were later transferred back to Afghanistan after registration procedures and the distribution of limited humanitarian assistance.

Meanwhile, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees said that more than 11,000 Afghans returned from Pakistan, Iran, Tajikistan and several other countries between May 3 and May 9 this year.

Reports also stated that nearly 1,000 Afghan families returned to the country in a single day, with official figures showing that 975 families, comprising more than 5,200 people, arrived through different border crossings.

According to the High Commission for Addressing Migrants’ Problems, more than 1,100 of those returning families were later transferred to their home provinces under what officials described as a “safe relocation process.”

The continuing wave of deportations and returns has increased pressure on Afghanistan’s fragile economy and humanitarian system, as international agencies warn that millions of people already face poverty, unemployment and severe food insecurity across the country.

Recent reports by United Nations Development Programme said nearly three-quarters of Afghanistan’s population cannot meet basic living needs, while mass migrant returns, drought and declining international aid are worsening humanitarian conditions.

Over 500 Detained Afghan Migrants Return From Pakistan
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Afghanistan Faces Sharp Decline in Forests and Water Resources: Report

May 15, 2026
TOLOnews
TV Network
14 May 2026

Officials stressed the need for greater international and regional cooperation to improve Afghanistan’s environment and support stability.

Afghanistan’s National Environmental Protection Agency (NEPA) publicly released the Afghanistan Environment Status Assessment Report during an event in Kabul attended by representatives of regional countries and the United Nations.

The report identifies several major environmental challenges, including the decline of forest cover to less than two percent of the country’s total land area, widespread degradation of rangelands, a significant reduction in wetlands and other aquatic ecosystems, severe depletion of groundwater in urban and agricultural areas, shrinking urban green spaces, heavy air pollution in major cities, and the increasing harmful effects of climate change.

Matiul Haq Khalis, Director General of NEPA, said: “This report was prepared to show the environmental challenges Afghanistan is facing and how steps can be taken to improve the situation.”

Officials of the Islamic Emirate and representatives of the United Nations, referring to the report’s findings, stressed the need for greater cooperation from international organizations and regional countries to improve Afghanistan’s environmental conditions and support stability in the country.

Stephen Rodriques, representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Afghanistan, said that Afghanistan is among the countries most vulnerable to climate change but still lacks access to vital resources needed to address the crisis. He called on the international community to increase its cooperation with Afghanistan.

Arzu Hatakoy, Deputy Head of UNAMA, said the mission, with donor support, has worked on establishing a climate, water, and environment working group, which is expected to begin operations later this month to strengthen coordination and identify shared priorities in environmental and climate-related sectors.

According to NEPA, the Afghanistan Environment Status Assessment Report is published every two years to draw the international community’s attention to the country’s environmental situation. This year, the report received financial support from UNDP and the Norwegian Embassy in Afghanistan.

Afghanistan Faces Sharp Decline in Forests and Water Resources: Report
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Russia Is Building ‘Pragmatic’ Partnership With Taliban Government, Shoigu Says

May 15, 2026
The Moscow Times
14 May 2026
A Taliban delegation at a Russian Foreign Ministry meeting in Moscow.TASS

Moscow is building “pragmatic” and “full-fledged” relations with the Taliban government in Afghanistan, Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu said Thursday at a regional security gathering.

The Taliban swept back to power in 2021 after overthrowing the U.S.-backed government and imposing an austere version of Islamic law. In 2024, President Vladimir Putin called the Taliban “allies in the fight against terrorism.”

Russia was the first country to recognize the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan last July after removing the Taliban from its list of terrorist organizations and accepting its ambassador to Moscow.

Speaking at the Russia and China-led Shanghai Cooperation Organization meeting in Kyrgyzstan, Shoigu underscored that Moscow had established a “pragmatic dialogue” with the Taliban to “meet the goals of regional security and economic development.”

“We’re consistently building a full-fledged partnership ranging from political and security contacts to trade, economic and cultural and humanitarian cooperation,” Shoigu was quoted as saying by the state-run TASS news agency.

He claimed up to 23,000 members of more than 20 militant groups remained active in Afghanistan and credited Kabul for its “fierce armed struggle” against the Islamic State.

Shoigu, who had served as Russia’s defense minister between 2012 and 2024, called on the United States to take “full responsibility” for its 20-year presence in Afghanistan and “assume the main burden” of post-conflict reconstruction.

He also voiced opposition to what he described as attempts by other countries to establish a military presence in Afghanistan. Russia previously said it did not harbor intentions for military deployment in the country.

Russia Is Building ‘Pragmatic’ Partnership With Taliban Government, Shoigu Says
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Taliban detains three journalists in Afghanistan, UN says

May 15, 2026

By

Reuters

KABUL, May 14 (Reuters) – Afghanistan’s Taliban government has detained at least three journalists on unspecified charges, the United ​Nations mission there said on Thursday in a ‌statement that called for the protection of reporters.
The three were the head of the Kabul-based Paigard News Agency, and two staff from Afghanistan’s ​first 24-hour news channel, TOLOnews, media and rights groups ​said.

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The UN mission UNAMA said it urged “the de ⁠facto authorities to uphold their obligations under international human rights ​law and ensure that journalists can do their work without ​fear of intimidation, harassment, or reprisal”.
More than 40% of Afghanistan’s media outlets closed within three months of the Taliban returning to power in ​August 2021, according to Reporters Without Borders, and women ​have been barred from most journalism roles.
Afghanistan ranks among the world’s most ‌dangerous ⁠countries for journalists, the campaign group says.
The Taliban’s Ministry of Information and Culture confirmed the detention of the two TOLOnews journalists, saying their cases were under investigation, without specifying ​charges.
TOLOnews named them ​as Imran ⁠Danish and Mansoor Niazi and said security officials had said there would be more information ​on the cases against them when legal ​procedures had ⁠been completed.

Reporting by Mohammad Yunus ​Yawar in Kabul; Editing by Ariba Shahid and Andrew Heavens

Taliban detains three journalists in Afghanistan, UN says
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Exiled Afghan Journalists Highlight Media Crisis at Canada Press Freedom Forum

May 13, 2026
Khaama Press

The third annual conference of thr Free Speech Center was held in Toronto this week, bringing together around 300 exiled journalists, media activists and academics, with a strong focus on the situation of Afghan reporters forced to flee their country.

The organization said journalists from more than 40 countries across Asia, Europe, Africa, the Middle East and South America attended the event marking World Press Freedom Day.

Najib Asil, founder and president of the center, said many exiled journalists continue to face unemployment, legal uncertainty and financial hardship despite years of professional experience and academic qualifications.

Asil called on the government of Canada to expand resettlement support for Afghan journalists stranded in Pakistan and Turkey after fleeing Afghanistan following the Taliban’s return to power in 2021.

Lyse Doucet, senior international correspondent for BBC and author of “The Finest Hotel in Kabul,” praised Afghan journalists in exile for continuing to document developments inside Afghanistan despite growing risks and displacement.

According to Reporters Without Borders, Afghanistan remains among the world’s worst countries for press freedom following sweeping restrictions imposed on independent media since 2021. RSF has reported widespread censorship, intimidation and arrests of journalists, particularly those critical of the authorities.

Female journalists have been among the hardest hit. Many women reporters have been banned from working, removed from television screens, or forced into exile as restrictions on women’s employment and public participation intensified. Media advocacy groups say only a small fraction of female journalists who worked before 2021 remain active inside Afghanistan.

The United Nations and international rights organizations have repeatedly warned that shrinking media freedom and pressure on independent journalists are contributing to growing isolation and a lack of public access to reliable information in Afghanistan.

Exiled Afghan Journalists Highlight Media Crisis at Canada Press Freedom Forum
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EU Invites Islamic Emirate to Brussels Talks on Returning Afghan Migrants

May 13, 2026
Mitra Majeedy
Journalist
Tolo News
13 May 2026

According to him, the meeting will be held at a technical level and has been organized in cooperation with Sweden’s Ministry of Justice.

The European Union has confirmed that it sent a letter to the Islamic Emirate, inviting them to participate in talks regarding the return of Afghan migrants.

The spokesperson for the European Commission’s Home Affairs department said that the discussions would focus on individuals who do not have the right to stay in Europe and are considered a threat to the security of member states.

According to him, the meeting will be held at a technical level and has been organized in cooperation with Sweden’s Ministry of Justice.

Markus Lammert, spokesperson for the European Commission, said: “I can confirm that the Directorate-General for Home Affairs of the European Commission, together with Sweden’s Ministry of Justice, sent a letter to the ruling authorities of Afghanistan to inquire about their readiness to hold a technical-level meeting in Brussels.”

This will be the second meeting between the two sides in 1405 (solar year). A similar meeting had previously been held in Afghanistan in the month of Jadi last year.

The European Union once again stressed that contact with Afghanistan’s authorities does not mean recognizing them officially. According to the EU, this engagement is part of operational interactions aimed at managing migration and assessing the situation in Afghanistan.

Markus Lammert added: “The European Union has been mandated by the European Council to maintain operational engagement with the ruling authorities in Afghanistan. This in no way implies recognition of them. The EU also maintains its presence in Afghanistan to facilitate contacts, monitor the situation, assist member states, and continue supporting the Afghan people.”

Former diplomat Aziz Maarij said regarding the matter: “From the perspective of diplomatic principles, trusting a government and inviting it to an official meeting indirectly means recognizing and accepting its authority.”

The Islamic Emirate has not yet commented on participating in the meeting, though it had previously confirmed the visit of a European Union delegation to discuss Afghan migrants.

According to media reports, Austria and Sweden are among the countries seeking the return of undocumented migrants and individuals accused of serious crimes to Afghanistan.

EU Invites Islamic Emirate to Brussels Talks on Returning Afghan Migrants
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Afghanistan crisis deepens as record returns, drought and aid cuts strain economy

May 13, 2026
UN News
Global perspective Human stories
13 May 2026
Children look over a wall in Shade Bara village, in Herat province, Afghanistan.
© UNDP/S. Omer Sadaat Children look over a wall in Shade Bara village, in Herat province, Afghanistan.

Afghanistan’s humanitarian and economic crisis is deepening despite modest economic growth, with nearly three in four people unable to meet basic needs, the UN Development Programme (UNDP) said on Wednesday.

Estimates indicate that around 28 million people in Afghanistan were living in poverty in 2025, with the situation compounded by mass population returns, worsening drought and shrinking international aid.

While Afghanistan recorded a second consecutive year of economic growth, real GDP expanded by just 1.9 per cent in 2025, down from 2.3 per cent the previous year. Population growth, however, reached 6.5 per cent, resulting in an estimated 2.1 per cent decline in real GDP per capita.

‘Country under growing strain’

Millions of families continue struggling to access essentials, including water, food, healthcare, housing, heating and clothing. More than 80 per cent of households are in debt, while nearly three quarters rely on negative coping strategies to manage getting through the day.

“Taking stock of Afghanistan’s socioeconomic reality, this year’s report reveals a country under growing strain,” said Kanni Wignaraja, UNDP Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific.

The scale of returns has added further pressure. Nearly five million Afghans have returned to the country since 2023, many arriving in communities already facing severe economic hardship.

According to UNDP, 92 per cent of recent returnees reported being unable to secure necessities for life, compared with 74 per cent nationally. In provinces hosting the largest numbers of returnees, only 3 per cent of people have formal employment, while 78 per cent rely on casual day labour.

Climate shocks and restrictions on women

The report also highlights worsening climate conditions, with drought affecting 64 per cent of the country last year. Access to adequate drinking water fell sharply, dropping to 44 per cent from 59 per cent in 2024.

At the same time, continuing restrictions on women and girls are further weakening Afghanistan’s economy and labour force.

Nearly 100 decrees issued by the Taliban defacto authorities since 2021 remain in force, limiting women’s access to employment, education and freedom of movement.

Afghanistan’s trade deficit also widened to a record $11.3 billion in 2025, equivalent to roughly 60 per cent of nominal GDP, driven by rising imports and stagnant exports.

Aid cuts worsening humanitarian pressures

Declining international assistance is further compounding the crisis. Total international aid to Afghanistan fell by 16.5 per cent in 2025, even as needs continued to rise.

More than 440 clinics were forced to close or reduce services because of funding shortages, increasing the proportion of people unable to access healthcare from 16 per cent in 2024 to 23 per cent in 2025.

“Across Afghanistan, communities need more than short-term relief. They need a pathway to progress,” said Stephen Rodriques, UNDP Resident Representative in Afghanistan.

“Investing in jobs, services and local markets will help boost household economies and will be essential to give people a real chance to rebuild their lives and regain control over their future.”

 

Afghanistan crisis deepens as record returns, drought and aid cuts strain economy
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Pakistan PM Adviser Claims Thousands of Militants Are Being Trained in Afghanistan

May 13, 2026

Kabul Tribune

13 May 2026

The Kabul Tribune (KT) — The News International reported that Rana Sanaullah, adviser to Pakistan’s prime minister on political affairs, told the Senate on Tuesday that between 7,000 and 8,000 “misguided people” are allegedly receiving militant training in Afghanistan and carrying out attacks inside Pakistan.

According to the report, Sanaullah claimed the alleged militants were being financed by India and Israel, though he did not publicly provide evidence for the accusation.

He said Pakistan would not compromise on its campaign against militancy and reiterated Islamabad’s determination to continue operations against what he described as militant sanctuaries and training centers in Afghanistan.

The remarks were made during a Senate session in which lawmakers discussed the security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan following recent attacks in areas including Lakki Marwat and Bannu.

Pakistan has repeatedly accused the Taliban administration of allowing armed groups to use Afghan territory for attacks against Pakistan, an allegation Kabul has consistently denied.

Pakistan PM Adviser Claims Thousands of Militants Are Being Trained in Afghanistan
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Iran moved aircraft to Afghanistan to escape U.S. airstrikes: CBS Claims

May 13, 2026
Khaama Press

CBS News, citing U.S. officials, reported that Iran transferred some civilian aircraft to Afghanistan during recent tensions with the United States in an apparent effort to protect aviation assets.

Two U.S. officials told the network it remained unclear whether military aircraft were also moved to Afghanistan. However, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid denied the report, telling CBS News that Iran had no need to move aircraft to Afghanistan.

An Afghan civil aviation official told CBS News that an Iranian civilian aircraft belonging to Mahan Air landed in Kabul shortly before the conflict began and remained there after Iranian airspace was closed.

According to the report, the aircraft was later moved to Herat airport after Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan prompted safety concerns.

CBS News also reported that several Iranian aircraft, including a reconnaissance version of the Lockheed C-130 Hercules, were later sent to Pakistan’s Noor Khan Air Base near Rawalpindi after a ceasefire announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump in April.

Pakistan rejected the claims, calling the report “misleading and provocative” and denying that Iranian aircraft were stationed at the military base.

Recent tensions between Washington and Tehran have raised concerns over wider regional escalation involving Gulf states, Pakistan and neighboring countries.

Pakistan has attempted to position itself as a diplomatic channel between Iran and the United States while maintaining close ties with both Tehran and Washington.

Iran moved aircraft to Afghanistan to escape U.S. airstrikes: CBS Claims
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U.N. says 13.8 million people face acute hunger in Afghanistan

May 12, 2026
Khaama Press

The United Nations said more than 13.8 million people in Afghanistan are facing acute food insecurity, with women and children among the hardest hit.

The U.N. said in a new report that nearly five million children and pregnant or breastfeeding women in Afghanistan are suffering from malnutrition as hunger deepens across the country.

According to the report, Afghanistan is facing overlapping crises including economic collapse, unemployment and climate-related shocks, compounded by regional tensions that have increased food prices and worsened food insecurity.

The World Food Programme warned that growing pressure on aid operations has reduced supplies of specialized food used to treat malnutrition among women and children.

“Nutrition programmes are essential, not optional,” said John Aylieff, the World Food Programme’s country director in Afghanistan. He said food assistance remained a lifeline for millions of women and children but warned that funding cuts were already threatening lives.

Afghanistan’s humanitarian crisis has worsened since the 2021 political transition, which triggered economic isolation, banking restrictions and a sharp decline in international financial support.

Aid agencies have repeatedly warned that reduced humanitarian funding, combined with drought and rising living costs, is pushing millions of Afghans deeper into poverty and food insecurity.

U.N. says 13.8 million people face acute hunger in Afghanistan
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