7th of Sawr: Turning Point in Afghanistan’s Modern History

The Islamic Emirate, in a statement, condemned the Sawr coup and stressed that this action paved the way for the former Soviet Union’s “invasion” of Afghan soil.

The 7th of Sawr, 1357 (April 27, 1978), marks a critical point in Afghanistan’s modern history, when the People’s Democratic Party staged a coup and overthrew the first republic of Afghanistan.

The Islamic Emirate, in a statement, condemned the Sawr coup and stressed that this action paved the way for the former Soviet Union’s “invasion” of Afghan soil.

A statement released by the Islamic Emirate’s spokesperson’s office said: “In the month of Sawr, 1357 Hijri Solar year, the communists, by carrying out a military coup against the then-government, paved the way for the former Soviet Union to invade the sacred territory of the brave Muslim Afghan nation.”

The Islamic Emirate further stressed the need to protect the “Sharia-based” system and declared that now is the time for all Afghans to act in unity and commitment to safeguard the country’s independence and security.

On the 7th of Sawr, 1357, Mohammad Daoud Khan, the then-President of Afghanistan who had founded the first R
republic, was assassinated along with 18 members of his family at the Presidential Palace, leading to the republic’s fall.

The coup, which began with the sound of cannons and gunfire, was the starting point of major historical changes in Afghanistan.

Armored tanks and military helicopters attacked the Presidential Palace early in the morning on the 7th of Sawr, marking the first coup against Afghanistan’s republic.

On the 8th of Sawr, 1371 (April 28, 1992), after 14 years of war and resistance, the Mujahideen succeeded in overthrowing the last communist regime led by Dr. Najibullah and took control of Afghanistan.

After the Mujahideen’s victory, Sibghatullah Mujaddadi became the head of the interim administration for two months, after which Burhanuddin Rabbani assumed power. However, Rabbani’s government faced numerous challenges, and conflicts among the Jihadi leaders intensified significantly.

7th of Sawr: Turning Point in Afghanistan’s Modern History
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Retirees in Kabul Protest for Pension Payments After Years of Delay

These retirees have been gathering and protesting repeatedly for more than three years to claim their rights.

A number of retirees in Kabul held a protest to insist the caretaker government pay their pensions.

These retirees have been gathering and protesting repeatedly for more than three years to claim their rights.

Retiree Abdul Khaleq Amarkhail said: “It has been four or five years that we have been left wandering. Mohammad Omar Mujahid, the founder of the Emirate, used to pay people’s pensions — why are they not paying now?”

Another retiree, Abdul Rauf Hamid, said: “All of us you see here are struggling with major economic problems. We have come here to demand our pension rights from the Islamic Emirate.”

The retirees say that not receiving their pensions has caused them serious economic hardships.

“If our rights are not given to us, we will be forced to go onto the streets and throw ourselves under cars to claim our rights,” said Protester Abdul Latif Salamzada.

Retiree Mohammad Tahir called on the caretaker government to clarify whether pensions will be paid or not, saying: “We have been waiting day after day, but so far our pensions have not been paid. Whether they intend to act or not, they should clearly say so, so we can make our own decisions.”

The Islamic Emirate has not recently commented on the issue. However, on December 22 of last year, the leader of the Islamic Emirate ordered the Supreme Court to establish a special court to address retirees’ rights.

Retirees in Kabul Protest for Pension Payments After Years of Delay
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UNSC Grants Travel Exemption for Muttaqi to Visit Qatar

Qatar is considered one of the most active countries regarding Afghanistan’s affairs.

The United Nations Security Council has granted a one-week travel exemption for Amir Khan Muttaqi, the acting foreign minister of Afghanistan.

The Security Council’s Sanctions Committee announced in a statement that Muttaqi’s travel from April 27 to May 4 for meetings with Qatari officials, has been authorized.

The UN Security Council’s statement reads: “On 25 April 2025, the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1988 (2011) approved a travel ban exemption for Amir Khan Motaqi (TAi.026) regarding his visit to Doha, State of Qatar, from 27 April 2025 to 4 May 2025, for meetings with government officials.”

Gul Mohammad Din Mohammadi, a political affairs expert, said: “As a result of continuous dialogue between the officials of the Islamic Emirate and Qatari authorities, there is hope that existing issues will be resolved through negotiations. There is no issue that cannot be resolved through dialogue.”

Meanwhile, the Public Relations Officer of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also confirmed to TOLOnews that the acting foreign minister will lead a high-level delegation to Qatar to discuss bilateral relations and other matters.

Aziz Maharaj, a political affairs expert, stated: “Qatar maintains relations both with the United States and with Arab and Central Asian countries. It has preserved its neutrality, and the Islamic Emirate’s office, along with its embassy, is active there. It is hoped that these meetings will help resolve many of Afghanistan’s challenges.”

Qatar is considered one of the most active countries regarding Afghanistan’s affairs. In addition to hosting peace talks between the Islamic Emirate and the former Afghan government, most negotiations and meetings between the caretaker government and the United States and other Western countries have also taken place in Doha.

UNSC Grants Travel Exemption for Muttaqi to Visit Qatar
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Ex-Taliban leader pleads guilty in kidnapping of American journalist

The Washington Post
April 26, 2025
Haji Najibullah, 49, faces a potential sentence of life in prison.

A former Taliban leader charged with kidnapping an American journalist and orchestrating the killings of three U.S. soldiers pleaded guilty Friday to hostage taking and providing material support for acts of terrorism resulting in death, authorities said.

Haji Najibullah, 49, faces potential sentences of life in prison. His sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 23.

Najibullah was extradited to New York in 2020 to face charges of kidnapping journalist David Rohde and a pair of Afghan men in 2008. He also faced charges in a 2008 attack on a military convoy that killed three soldiers and their Afghan interpreter.

While Najibullah had previously pleaded not guilty, a change of plea hearing was added to the court docket Friday in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.

According to the plea agreement signed by Najibullah, he acknowledged working as a Taliban commander in Afghanistan’s Wardak province. Najibullah also admitted to providing material support for acts of terrorism in Afghanistan and Pakistan, support that led to American service members being killed, the agreement said.

Andrew Dalack, Najibullah’s attorney, said in a statement that his client had spent nearly five years “fighting a case that threatened a mandatory life sentence.

“We are relieved to have achieved a resolution that does not carry any mandatory term of imprisonment and look forward to continuing our zealous representation of Mr. Najibullah at his sentencing hearing.”

Rohde was kidnapped in November 2008 while in Afghanistan while conducting research for a book. He was held for seven months. Rohde later recounted his captivity and escape in vivid, harrowing detail, writing about how his “daily focus simply became survival” and his “memories of the world I had known began to fade.”

“I am pleased that he admitted his guilt today and grateful to all the U.S. officials who brought him to justice,” Rohde said in a statement afterward. “Most of all, my heart goes out to the families of the three U.S. soldiers and the Afghan translator who were killed.”

Court filings and federal officials described Najibullah as a Taliban leader who oversaw more than 1,000 fighters and reported to the group’s senior leadership.

His 2021 indictment in New York said Taliban fighters under his command attacked a convoy in June 2008, killing Sgts. 1st Class Matthew L. Hilton and Joseph A. McKay as well as Sgt. Mark Palmateer.

In October of the same year, the indictment continued, fighters overseen by Najibullah shot down an American helicopter. While the Taliban said everyone on board was killed, no troops died in that attack, the indictment said. The indictment said that only days later, Najibullah caused the capture of Rohde and two Afghan men working with him.

Najibullah was arrested in Ukraine in 2020 and extradited to New York to face charges related to Rohde’s kidnapping. He had been indicted in 2014, but it was unsealed after his arrest.

Shayna Jacobs in New York contributed to this report.

Ex-Taliban leader pleads guilty in kidnapping of American journalist
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Many former US allies in Afghanistan live in hiding, fearing persecution, says Middle East Institute

Image/Middle East Institute.

The Middle East Institute reports that former U.S. allies in Afghanistan, fearing persecution, continue to live in hiding.

The Middle East Institute has reported that many Afghan former translators and assistants who worked with the U.S. military in Afghanistan continue to live in hiding, fearing retaliation from the Taliban. These individuals, who assisted U.S. forces during the war, are still facing the threat of harassment and violence. Despite the claims by the Trump administration that the situation in Afghanistan is conducive to the return of Afghan refugees, many are still unable to safely go back.

As of early 2025, around 110,000 Afghan refugees remain in Afghanistan, while 90,000 others are stranded in third-party countries. These individuals have already undergone long and rigorous vetting processes for resettlement but continue to wait for visa approval or relocation. The Trump administration took a significant step by suspending the Afghan refugee resettlement program, further complicating the fate of these vulnerable people.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has asserted that conditions in Afghanistan are stable enough for refugees to return. In April, the DHS officially revoked Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for thousands of Afghan nationals, including those who had previously been granted refugee status. This decision followed consultations between DHS officials and the U.S. State Department, who concluded that Afghanistan no longer met the legal criteria for offering protection to Afghan refugees.

Since August 2021, nearly 180,000 Afghan nationals have been admitted to the United States, with some receiving Special Immigrant Visas (SIV), which grant them a pathway to permanent residence. However, the Trump administration views the return of Afghan refugees from the U.S. as a national security necessity, further fueling concerns about the resettlement process’s integrity.

Security concerns have been raised about the screening of Afghan migrants. A 2022 report from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Inspector General noted that over 79,000 Afghan migrants had been accepted into the U.S. between July 2021 and January 2022. However, accusations were made about insufficient vetting, with over 1,400 individuals identified with possible links to ISIS-Khorasan, raising alarms about national security.

The Middle East Institute also highlights that the decision to expel Afghan refugees could be linked to recent interactions with the Taliban, including the release of several American hostages. The Trump administration’s push for cooperation with the Taliban on intelligence matters, particularly against terrorist groups operating in Afghanistan, might be influencing this policy. Furthermore, the U.S. has pressured the Taliban to recover and return leftover weapons, indicating the broader political strategy tied to these refugee decisions.

The situation of Afghan refugees remains a tragic and complex issue, with significant humanitarian, political, and security challenges. While some actions, such as the suspension of refugee resettlement programs, may be seen as necessary by the Trump administration for national security, they have also left thousands of vulnerable individuals without clear prospects for safety or resettlement.

The ongoing displacement of Afghans both within the country and abroad emphasizes the dire need for coordinated international efforts to address the crisis. As the world grapples with the consequences of the U.S. withdrawal and Taliban rule, the future of Afghan refugees remains uncertain, and the international community must work together to find sustainable solutions.

Many former US allies in Afghanistan live in hiding, fearing persecution, says Middle East Institute
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Afghan migrants in Limbo as US immigration cases remain suspended

Many Afghan migrants remain in limbo in third countries, awaiting reexamination of their U.S. immigration cases, facing uncertainty.

Many Afghan nationals with pending U.S. immigration cases are voicing frustration over their uncertain status in third countries. These individuals are calling on U.S. President Joe Biden to address their plight and expedite the processing of their immigration files.

These migrants expressed hope that their immigration cases would be reexamined and urged for a fair and comprehensive decision for all applicants under the program.

It has been reported that the transfer of Afghan nationals with pending immigration cases to the U.S. has been suspended for the past three months, leaving many in a state of limbo. This delay has left countless individuals stranded and uncertain about their future.

On April 25, Axios reported that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security emailed over 200 Afghan refugees in Iowa, urging them to leave the country immediately. This added pressure has heightened the sense of instability among Afghan migrants waiting for their relocation.

Human rights activists, such as Ehsan Ahmadzai, have called for the U.S. government to reassess its policies regarding Afghan migrant cases. They stress the importance of not leaving Afghan nationals in a state of uncertainty, especially after their approval for relocation.

It is important to note that upon Donald Trump’s first day in office, he issued an executive order suspending immigration cases for 90 days. This initial suspension contributed to the ongoing backlog and current crisis facing Afghan migrants.

These ongoing delays and suspensions have left many Afghan refugees in limbo, unable to return to their home country or find a secure future elsewhere. The need for a reevaluation of policies and faster action on immigration cases is becoming increasingly urgent, especially as the political situation continues to evolve.

With the U.S. government under mounting pressure to address the needs of Afghan migrants, it remains to be seen whether changes will be made to resolve the issue. Until then, thousands continue to live in uncertainty.

Afghan migrants in Limbo as US immigration cases remain suspended
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Sharif Again Claims Threats Originate From Afghanistan

The interim government of Afghanistan has not yet reacted to these latest remarks by the Pakistani Prime Minister.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has once again alleged that Afghan territory is being used against Pakistan.

Speaking at the Kakol military base in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, he described terrorism as one of the major obstacles in Pakistan’s relations with Afghanistan, adding that a clear message on this matter had been sent to the Islamic Emirate.

The Prime Minister of Pakistan stated: “Afghanistan is our neighboring country, and it is our earnest desire to live in peace with them for all times to come. Unfortunately, despite our best and sincere efforts, terrorist activities continue to emanate from Afghan territory.”

Referring to the recent visit of a Pakistani delegation led by the country’s foreign minister to Kabul, Shehbaz Sharif said that Islamabad has made significant efforts to improve relations with Kabul.

He further said: “We have also delivered our strong and clear message to the interim Afghan government that while we desire peaceful neighborly relations with Kabul, this cannot happen so long as the Afghan soil is being used by Fitna Al Khawarij for to attack Pakistanis.”

The interim government of Afghanistan has not yet reacted to these latest remarks by the Pakistani Prime Minister; however, in the past, it has consistently rejected Pakistani officials’ claims about the use of Afghan soil against Pakistan as baseless.

Political analyst Moeen Gul Samkani stated: “If Pakistan genuinely wishes to improve its relations with us, it must resolve its internal issues independently, abandon its deep strategic policies, and entrust matters related to Afghanistan to the civilian government, ultimately removing them from the monopoly of the Pakistani military.”

The Pakistani Prime Minister’s emphasis on terrorism as a major barrier in Kabul-Islamabad relations comes just one day after Pakistan’s Defense Minister made an unprecedented admission, acknowledging Pakistan’s support for terrorism over the past three decades.

Sharif Again Claims Threats Originate From Afghanistan
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Economic Struggles Fuel Rise of Begging in Afghanistan

Nasibullah, a beggar, said: “Our request of the government is to assist us and create employment opportunities; there are no jobs or businesses anymore.”

The current economic challenges in the country have forced a number of citizens to turn to begging.

Several beggars cite poverty and unemployment as the main reasons for begging and call on the Islamic Emirate government to provide job opportunities for them.

Nasibullah, a beggar, said: “Our request of the government is to assist us and create employment opportunities; there are no jobs or businesses anymore.”

Seyed Ahmad, another beggar, stated: “There is no worker in our home. My father’s eyesight is weak, and we are in a desperate situation. Out of necessity, we have resorted to doing hard labor or begging.”

Meanwhile, Abdul Haq Akhund, Deputy Assistant for Counter-Narcotics at the Ministry of Interior, said that in the past six months, more than seventeen thousand beggars — including women, men, and children — have been collected from across the country.
He also assured the public of ongoing efforts to gather beggars nationwide.

Abdul Haq Akhund said: “Those who are genuinely in need have so far received cash assistance from Afghan Red Crescent Society and the leadership of the Islamic Emirate. In the past six months, we have collected around 17,566 men and women across Afghanistan.”

The Counter-Narcotics Deputy of the Ministry of Interior also announced that monitoring teams from the department are collecting between 150 to 300 beggars daily from the streets of Kabul.

Economic Struggles Fuel Rise of Begging in Afghanistan
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Delay in US Aid Resumption Deepens Humanitarian Crisis in Afghanistan

Recently, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) reported that the reduction in US aid threatens the lives of millions in Afghanistan.

Eight days have passed since the end of the set deadline for the suspension of US aid to the world, including Afghanistan, yet the aid has not resumed.

Recently, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) reported that the reduction in US aid threatens the lives of millions in Afghanistan.

The report states: “Families in Afghanistan continue to face food insecurity, disease and ongoing instability. For 23 million Afghans, US aid funding has been a critical lifeline—but that support is now in jeopardy. Funding cuts are already having devastating impacts on the country’s most vulnerable communities, especially women and children.”

Economic affairs expert Abdul Nasir Rashtia stated: “The main beneficiaries of this aid were ordinary Afghan citizens, and the government had no involvement in its distribution. However, once the aid began to take on a political color, the assistance decreased or was suspended for ninety days. As a result, ordinary people — over three million children suffering from malnutrition and Afghanistan’s health sectors — were severely affected. Therefore, I believe whenever this aid becomes politicized, it is the ordinary citizens of Afghanistan, not the main violators of human rights, who suffer the consequences.”

The Ministry of Economy said that the United States financed 37 percent of the United Nations’ programs in Afghanistan, which has now been suspended.

The ministry stressed that the suspension of this aid has impacted the activities of 31 organizations that were financially supported by the United States.

Abdul Rahman Habib, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Economy, said: “Of the United Nations aid distributed through domestic and international organizations in Afghanistan, 37 percent was funded by the US Agency for International Development (USAID), which is now halted. Consequently, the activities of 31 humanitarian NGOs, which heavily relied on US funding, have been affected.”

Concerns about rising poverty and unemployment in Afghanistan remain major challenges affecting a large segment of the population.

Samiullah, a resident of Samangan, said: “We only ask the Islamic Emirate to create sustainable employment opportunities for us — even a daily wage of two to one hundred Afghanis — so that we can work. We are tired of unstable, unreliable jobs; we roam all day without finding anything. Even a steady daily income of two to three hundred afghani would be much better if it were permanent.”

According to the International Rescue Committee report, Afghanistan is facing a severe humanitarian crisis, with over 22.9 million people urgently in need of assistance.

The report states that decades of war, a prolonged economic crisis, and environmental challenges have driven millions into poverty, with more than one in every three Afghans now facing food insecurity.

Delay in US Aid Resumption Deepens Humanitarian Crisis in Afghanistan
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Pakistan Sets June Deadline for Afghan Refugees with PoR Cards

According to Pakistani media reports, the country’s Interior Minister stated that after June 30, the official process of deporting Afghan refugees will resume.

Pakistan has set a deadline until the end of June for the voluntary return of Afghan refugees holding Proof of Registration (PoR) cards.

According to Pakistani media reports, the country’s Interior Minister stated that after June 30, the official process of deporting Afghan refugees will resume.

Interior Minister Talal Chaudhry: “Afghan refugees were and remain our guests. They are being sent back with full dignity and respect. This is part of Pakistan’s One Document Policy, under which 857,157 undocumented individuals — most of them Afghans — have already been repatriated since the policy’s enforcement.”

Mohammad Khan Mohammadzai, migrant rights activist: “This country is obligated under international law to provide services to these refugees and to fulfill its social responsibilities by facilitating their lives.”

In reaction to this decision, some Afghan refugees holding PoR cards have stated that they need more time to prepare for voluntary repatriation to Afghanistan.

Lal Rahman, Afghan refugee in Pakistan: “We have been living here for fifty to sixty years. Our problems must be addressed, and time should be given so Afghan refugees can gather their belongings, work, and lives to return to their homeland with preparation.”

Malik Mujahid Shinwari, another Afghan refugee in Pakistan: “There are 1.4 million refugees with PoR cards, some of whom have lived here for up to 46 years. During this time, they have established their livelihoods, and it is natural that they cannot relocate everything within a month or two.”

Meanwhile, the UNHCR has reported that nearly 120,000 Afghan refugees returned from Pakistan to Afghanistan in April alone.

Arafat Jamal, UNHCR representative in Afghanistan: “Some returnee Afghans have never set foot in their homeland. It is a country that continues to struggle after forty years of conflicts. Half the population here relies on humanitarian aid to meet basic needs.”

Meanwhile, the deportation of Afghan refugees holding ACC cards began on April 1. The World Health Organization also announced that in less than two weeks, over 130,000 Afghan refugees have returned from Pakistan and Iran to Afghanistan.

Pakistan Sets June Deadline for Afghan Refugees with PoR Cards
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