Hamid Karzai condemned the attack as a terrorist and inhumane act, expressing condolences to the families of the victims.
The shooting of worshippers in Nahrin District of Baghlan Province has elicited both domestic and international reactions.
Former President Hamid Karzai condemned the attack as a terrorist and inhumane act, expressing condolences to the families of the victims.
A statement from Karzai’s office read: “Former President Hamid Karzai considers the attack on a group of worshippers in Nahrin District of Baghlan Province a terrorist act and a crime against humanity and strongly condemns it. The former president, while extending his condolences and sympathies to the grieving families, prays for paradise for the martyrs and a swift recovery for the injured.”
Samim Shamsi, a political affairs analyst, commented on the targeting of civilians, stating: “Any attack on civilians, especially in sacred places like mosques, is against Islamic and human principles. All such attacks must be prevented.”
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) and the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights have also condemned the attack and called for a thorough investigation.
UNAMA stated on X: “UNAMA condemns Thursday’s armed attack against a Sufi place of worship in Baghlan province, northern Afghanistan in which at least 10 people were killed. UNAMA urges de facto authorities fully investigate the incident, prevent future attacks & ensure communities are protected.”
Richard Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Afghanistan, said: “Religious minorities remain under grave threat. All Afghans have the right to worship in peace. More prevention, protection & justice needed.”
Hamdullah Fitrat, Deputy Spokesperson of the Islamic Emirate, stated after the attack: “Investigations are ongoing to identify and punish those responsible. The Islamic Emirate condemns this incident and considers it an unforgivable act. This was the work of extremist groups for whom the spilling of a Muslim’s blood is commonplace.”
In the attack by unidentified assailants on worshippers in Nahrin District of Baghlan Province, ten people were killed. The Islamic Emirate also announced that several individuals have been arrested in connection with the incident.
No individual or group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack.
Attack on Baghlan Worshippers Spark Domestic, Int’l Reactions
Previously, the Ministry of Refugees and Repatriations reported that over 100,000 Afghan migrants had returned to the country in the past month.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) stated in a recent report that the return rate of Afghans to Afghanistan decreased by 3% in the past week compared to the previous week.
According to the report, 76,558 people entered Afghanistan in the past week, while over 53,000 people left Afghanistan for other countries during the same period, showing an 8% decrease.
The IOM added, ” Both inflows and outflows decreased slightly compared to last week. The total number of inflows was 76,558 this week, representing a three percent decrease, while the total number of outflows was 53,056 movements, representing an eight percent decrease.”
Meanwhile, some activists in the field of migrant rights emphasize enhancing security, improving economic conditions, and signing agreements with neighboring countries to manage the migration crisis in Afghanistan.
Ali Reza Karimi, a migrant rights activist, told TOLOnews, “To better control the situation in Afghanistan, the migration crisis must be managed through economic improvement, strengthening security, and establishing international agreements and diplomacy with neighboring countries. This can impact stability in the region.”
Mohammad Khan Mohammadzai, another migrant rights activist, stated: “The Ministry of Refugees and Repatriations and the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs must work to establish infrastructure within the country to reduce migration to other countries.”
Previously, the Ministry of Refugees and Repatriations reported that over 100,000 Afghan migrants had returned to the country in the past month. Over the past year, Pakistan and Iran have accelerated the expulsion of Afghan migrants.
According to the UNHCR, the expulsion of Afghan migrants from Iran has increased by 18% compared to the previous year.
The Taliban’s police command in Baghlan has confirmed that at least 10 people were killed in an armed attack on the “Sayed Padshah Agha” shrine in Nahrin district of Baghlan province.
The statement mentioned that several suspects have been arrested, and investigations into the incident are ongoing.
The Taliban police in Baghlan described the incident as a “mysterious” attack in a statement released on Friday, November 22.
According to the statement, the victims worked during the day and gathered at the shrine at night for worship.
Early Friday morning report indicated that armed individuals targeted a group of Sufi practitioners in a shrine in Nahrin district, opening fire on them.
The victims of this attack were followers of Sufism and praying during the Friday night in the Shrine.
This tragic incident underscores the persistent threat faced by religious minorities and spiritual communities in Afghanistan. The attack has raised concerns about the Taliban’s ability to ensure security in areas under their control and protect vulnerable groups from targeted violence.
International organizations and human rights groups have called for an impartial investigation into the attack and urged the authorities to take concrete steps to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Taliban arrests several suspects in Baghlan Shrine attack
The UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights described the awards given to Julia Parsi, a women’s rights activist, and Nila Ebrahimi, an education activist, as inspiring. Richard Bennett called their efforts “strong and unwavering.”
On Friday, November 22, Richard Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Afghanistan, wrote on his X account that the work of these two women in the face of “gender oppression in Afghanistan” is inspirational. He stated that their struggles deserve recognition in international communities.
Julia Parsi, a women’s rights activist, and Manuchehr Khaliqnazarov, a human rights lawyer in Tajikistan, jointly received the Martin Ennals Human Rights Award on Tuesday, November 21.
The Ennals Foundation stated that these two human rights defenders have “paid a heavy price for justice and equality in Afghanistan and Tajikistan.”
On the same day, the Children’s Rights Foundation awarded the prestigious International Children’s Peace Prize to Nila Ebrahimi, a 17-year-old Afghan girl, in recognition of her “advocacy for Afghan girls’ rights.”
Nila was selected from 165 nominees from 47 countries. This award has previously been given to notable figures such as environmental activist Greta Thunberg and Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai.
The recognition of Julia Parsi and Nila Ebrahimi highlights the critical role of Afghan women and youth in advocating for human rights despite facing significant challenges.
Their achievements send a powerful message of resilience and hope to those enduring oppression.
These awards underscore the importance of continued international support for individuals fighting for equality and justice in regions affected by conflict and gender-based discrimination. Such recognition not only empowers activists but also keeps global attention focused on the plight of marginalized communities.
UN Chief: Awards to Julia Parsi and Nila Ebrahimi inspire girls in Afghanistan
In the same meeting, Matiul Haq Khalis, NEPA head, also requested technical and financial cooperation for Afghanistan.
Matiul Haq Khalis, the head of the Islamic Emirate delegation at the COP 29 summit, held meetings on the sidelines with representatives from the United Nations Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN), the Green Climate Fund, the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the UK Foreign Office, and delegations from Bangladesh and Qatar.
According to the National Environmental Protection Agency (NEPA), the Islamic Emirate delegation emphasized during the meeting with the UN Climate Technology Centre and Network that Afghanistan needs to identify and adopt climate-resilient technologies.
In the same meeting, Matiul Haq Khalis, NEPA head, also requested technical and financial cooperation for Afghanistan.
He discussed the suspended projects of the Green Climate Fund in Afghanistan with its representatives, urging them to restart work on the halted projects.
Discussions with the UK Foreign Office focused on restarting environmental projects, addressing the adverse effects of climate change, and ensuring the depoliticization of aid in this field.
The delegation also met with officials from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and urged them to approve Afghanistan’s proposed projects related to climate change.
The National Environmental Protection Agency stated in a press release: “During this meeting, discussions were held about Afghanistan’s proposed and ongoing environmental projects, and the officials of the Global Environment Facility were requested to approve Afghanistan’s proposals.”
According to the ministry’s press release, on November 20, Matiul Haq Khalis met with Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, Qatar’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change, and sought technical cooperation and capacity-building programs in the field of environmental protection.
Qatar’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change stated in the meeting that Qatar plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 25% as part of its 2025–2030 agenda.
The Islamic Emirate delegation emphasized regional cooperation under the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and the South Asia Wildlife Enforcement Network in their meeting with the Bangladesh delegation.
Afghanistan is among the countries that do not contribute to greenhouse gas emissions but has suffered the most from their effects.
The annual United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 29) began on November 11 this year in Baku, Azerbaijan’s capital, with representatives from 198 member countries, some heads of state, representatives of the private sector, multilateral and bilateral financial institutions, civil society organizations, and the media in attendance. The conference is set to conclude today.
Islamic Emirate Seeks Climate Cooperation at COP 29
Local sources reported the number of deaths as eleven, but Baghlan’s security command said in a statement that the number is ten.
Eleven people were killed in a nighttime shooting by unidentified individuals in the Nahrin district of Baghlan province.
According to reports, these individuals were killed while performing prayers in a mosque in the Shahr-e-Kohna area of the district. Local sources reported the number of deaths as eleven, but Baghlan’s security command said in a statement that the number is ten.
The Baghlan security command also mentioned that security forces have arrested several suspects in connection with the incident, and an investigation is underway.
Sher Ahmad Burhani, the spokesperson for the Baghlan security command, stated: “Last night, unidentified individuals attacked a mosque in Shahr-e-Kohna of Nahrin district in Baghlan province. In this mysterious attack, ten residents of Nahrin, who were engaged in worship at the mosque, were martyred. It should be noted that these individuals spent their days working to earn a livelihood and came to the mosque and khanqah for worship at night when they were attacked.”
Meanwhile, several residents of Baghlan are urging the Islamic Emirate’s forces to make efforts to ensure citizens’ security and bring the perpetrators of this incident to justice.
“Innocent people were martyred last night in Nahrin by unidentified individuals. We call on the leadership of the Islamic Emirate to hand over the perpetrators of this incident to the courts and the law,” said Zahidullah, a resident of Baghlan province.
So far, no individual or group has claimed responsibility for the incident.
Nighttime Mosque Attack in Baghlan Leaves Eleven Dead
Nader YarAhmadi, head of the Center for Foreign Nationals and Immigrants Affairs at Iran’s Ministry of Interior, stated that over 4,000 Afghan nationals with valid passports and visas enter Iran daily. He noted that more than 500,000 visas are issued annually to Afghans.
According to YarAhmadi, air travel capacity in Afghanistan is very limited, with only about 1% of Afghans entering Iran via air routes. Most rely on land crossings for their migration.
During a meeting with the governor of Kerman on Wednesday, November20, YarAhmadi attributed migration to “regional and natural crises” and estimated the number of Afghans in Iran to be nearly six million.
YarAhmadi criticized efforts by the UN and the UNHCR to grant legal status to anyone crossing borders, stating that the Islamic Republic does not accept such an approach. He also highlighted the high cost of obtaining passports in Afghanistan, claiming it contributes to nearly 20% of the country’s revenue.
The plight of Afghan refugees in Iran and Pakistan has worsened amid forced deportations, harassment, and human rights violations. Refugees face discrimination, limited access to legal work opportunities, and poor living conditions, leaving many in a state of despair.
The dire humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan exacerbates their struggles, with severe food shortages, lack of basic services, and political instability forcing many to flee. However, as winter approaches, the challenges for displaced Afghans in neighboring countries are expected to escalate.
The international community must urgently address the dual crises of refugee rights violations and the humanitarian emergency in Afghanistan. Enhanced support for refugees and diplomatic pressure on host countries to uphold human rights could provide relief and stability during these critical times.
4,000 Afghans enter Iran daily with Visas: Iranian Official
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has called for greater attention to the plight of children in Afghanistan on the occasion of World Children’s Day, celebrated on November 20.
In a message shared on the social media platform X, UNICEF highlighted that “children pay the highest price for conflicts, natural disasters, and other emergencies.”
The organization emphasized that children, whose lives are at risk, have the right to be heard and to participate in decisions affecting their future.
The European Union, marking World Children’s Day, reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Afghan children through educational programs, healthcare, and protective measures.
The EU further stressed that children are the future of Afghanistan and pledged to stand firmly by their side.
World Children’s Day is celebrated annually on November 20 to advocate for children’s rights globally.
The situation in Afghanistan is dire for children, particularly girls who are banned from attending school beyond sixth grade. This policy not only denies them their right to education but also contributes to a cycle of poverty and inequality.
The ongoing humanitarian crisis, worsened by these restrictions, has led to an increase in forced and underage marriages as families struggle to cope. Without urgent action, millions of Afghan children, especially girls, face a bleak future marked by limited opportunities and systemic oppression.
UNICEF urges focus on Afghan children’s plight on world children’s day
Mohammad Abbas Khan, Pakistan’s High Commissioner for Refugees, has called for an international conference to increase the acceptance of Afghan refugees living in Pakistan by Western countries.
According to a report by the Dawn newspaper, Pakistan’s High Commissioner for Refugees emphasized that Western countries should expedite the process of accepting Afghan applicants currently residing in Pakistan.
The report stated that Mohammad Abbas Khan suggested this conference should address challenges such as the voluntary return of refugees to Afghanistan and their resettlement in third countries.
He added that a trilateral meeting with the Kabul administration and the UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) would soon be held to discuss the challenges faced by Afghan refugees and migrants.
The Pakistani official noted that around 600,000 Afghan applicants are currently registered with the UNHCR in Pakistan, seeking resettlement in Western countries.
He further stated that the resettlement quota for UN-registered Afghan applicants this year is only 8,000 people.
Mohammad Abbas Khan emphasized that Afghanistan’s capacity to absorb returning refugees is extremely limited.
The situation of Afghan refugees in Pakistan highlights the urgent need for global collaboration to address their resettlement challenges. Without adequate international support, both the refugees and the host countries face significant humanitarian and logistical burdens.
This call for an international conference underscores the importance of shared responsibility in dealing with the refugee crisis.
It is a pivotal moment for Western countries to step forward and provide sustainable solutions for displaced Afghan families, ensuring their safety, dignity, and a better future.
Pakistan proposes International Conference to address Afghan refugee issues
Malala Yousafzai has campaigned for women’s rights since she was shot by a Taliban gunman in 2012
A bullet failed to silence her, now Malala Yousafzai is lending her voice to the women of Afghanistan.
In just a few years since the Taliban retook control of the country, women’s rights have been eroded to the point where even singing is banned.
Malala has a personal history with the Taliban across the border in Pakistan, after a gunman from the hardline Islamist group shot her as she sat on a school bus.
The speed of change in Afghanistan, if not the brutality, has surprised Malala, who since that near-fatal shooting in 2012 has campaigned for equality.
“I never imagined that the rights of women would be compromised so easily,” Malala tells BBC Asian Network.
“A lot of girls are finding themselves in a very hopeless, depressing situation where they do not see any way out,” the 27-year-old Nobel Prize Winner says.
“The future looks very dark to them.”
In 2021, the Taliban regained power in Afghanistan, 20 years after a US-led invasion toppled their regime in the fallout of the 9/11 attacks in New York.
In the three-and-a-half years since Western forces left the country, “morality laws” have meant women in Afghanistan have lost dozens of rights.
A dress code means they must be fully covered and strict rules have banned them from travelling without a male chaperone or looking a man in the eye unless they’re related by blood or marriage.
“The restrictions are just so extreme that it does not even make sense to anybody,” says Malala.
But the rules have been defended by the Taliban, which claims they’re accepted in Afghan society and that the international community should respect “Islamic laws, traditions and the values of Muslim societies”.
Apple TV+
Malala’s worked on a new film that follows the lives of three Afghan women as their rights are stripped away
“Women lost everything,” says Malala.
“They [the Taliban] know that to take away women’s rights you have to start with the foundation, and that is education.”
It’s also reported a correlation between the lack of access to education and a rise in child marriage and deaths during pregnancy and childbirth.
“Afghan women live in very dark times now,” Malala says.
“But they show resistance.”
The Pakistan-born activist, who became the youngest person ever to win a Nobel Peace Prize, is an executive producer on an upcoming film, Bread & Roses, that documents the lives of three Afghan women living under the Taliban regime.
The documentary follows Zahra, a dentist forced to give up her practice, activist Taranom, who flees to the border, and government employee Sharifa, who loses her job and her independence.
But the film isn’t just about the stories of three women, Malala says.
“It’s about the 20 million Afghan girls and women whose stories may not make it to our screens.”
Bread & Roses was directed by Afghan filmmaker Sahra Mani and US actress Jennifer Lawrence was also brought on board as a producer.
Apple TV+
The Taliban were ousted when US-led troops invaded Afghanistan in 2001 but returned to power 20 years later
Sahra tells Asian Network her mission was “to tell the story of a nation under the Taliban dictatorship”.
“How slowly, all the rights have been taken away.”
Sahra managed to flee Afghanistan after the US-backed government collapsed following the withdrawal of troops in August 2021.
But she kept in touch with women back home, who would share videos which she then collected and archived.
“It was very important to find young, modern, educated women that have talent they were ready to dedicate to society,” says Sahra.
“They were ready to build the country but now they have to sit at home and almost do nothing.”
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Even though the film hasn’t been released yet, Sahra believes the situation in Afghanistan has already deteriorated to the point where it would be impossible to make if she started now.
“At that time, women could still go out and demonstrate,” she says.
“Nowadays, women are not even allowed to sing… the situation is getting more difficult.”
The first-hand footage shows the women at protests – they kept the cameras rolling while being arrested by the Taliban.
And Sahra says the project only got harder over time as more of their rights were stripped away.
“We were really honoured that these women trusted us to share their stories,” she says.
“And it was really important for us to put their security in our priorities.
“But when they were out in the street asking for their rights, it was not for the documentary.
“It was for them, for their own life, for their own freedom.”
Apple TV+
US actress Jennifer Lawrence produced the film which she says is about “the nature of resistance”
Malala says that, for women in Afghanistan, “defiance is extremely challenging”.
“Despite all of these challenges, they’re out on their streets and risking their lives to hope for a better world for themselves.”
All three of the women featured in the film are no longer living in Afghanistan and Sahra and Malala are hopeful the film will raise awareness of what women who remain endure.
“They are doing all that they can to fight for their rights, to raise their voices,” Malala says.
“They’re putting so much at risk. It’s our time to be their sisters and be their supporters.”
Malala also hopes the documentary prompts more international pressure on the Taliban to restore women’s rights.
“I was completely shocked when I saw the reality of the Taliban take over,” she says.
“We really have to question what sort of systems we have put in place to guarantee protection to women in Afghanistan, but also elsewhere.”
And as much as Bread & Roses deals with stories of loss and oppression, the film is also about resilience and hope.
“There’s so much for us to learn from the bravery and courage of these Afghan women,” says Malala.
“If they are not scared, if they are not losing that courage to stand up to the Taliban, we should learn from them and we should stand in solidarity with them.”
The title itself was inspired by an Afghan saying.
“Bread is a symbol of freedom, earning a salary and supporting the family,” Sahra says.
“We have a saying in my language that the one who gave you bread is the one who orders you.
“So if you find your bread, that means you are the boss of you.”
That’s exactly the future she hopes to see for the women of Afghanistan and, based on what she’s seen, one she believes they will achieve in the end.
“Women in Afghanistan, they keep changing the tactic,” she says.
“They keep searching for a new way to keep fighting back.”
Listen to an extended interview with Malala and Sahra on BBC Asian Network News Presents at 23:00 on 18 November or catch up on BBC Sounds.
Bread & Roses will be streamed globally on Apple TV+ from 22 November.
Additional reporting by Riyah Collins.
Malala: I never imagined women’s rights would be lost so easily
Afghanistan Peace Campaign
