The U.S. State Department stated that Afghan TPS holders were expected to apply for permanent residency before the temporary status ended.

Deputy State Department Spokesperson Tommy Pigott stated during a press briefing on Thursday, June 5, that TPS was always intended to be a short-term benefit. He emphasized that the status would eventually end, and beneficiaries should have made efforts toward more stable immigration pathways.

Pigott also stressed the importance of ensuring that Afghan individuals entering the U.S. undergo thorough vetting. “It is essential for the U.S. government to verify the background and eligibility of each Afghan entrant,” he said, highlighting national security concerns.

In addressing the impact of President Donald Trump’s recent executive order, Pigott noted that an exception was made for holders of the Special Immigrant Visa (SIV), a program specifically designed for Afghans who worked with U.S. missions.

Previously, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) had announced its intention to end TPS for Afghans, a move that could affect thousands of refugees who fled after the fall of Kabul in 2021.

This policy shift places immense pressure on Afghan TPS holders to seek long-term immigration relief or face potential deportation. Legal experts warn that the cancellation could lead to a humanitarian crisis without additional support or legal reforms.

Richard Bennett praised the people of Afghanistan for their inspiring resilience amid ongoing hardships and restrictions on civil liberties.

Richard Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan, has described the resilience and resistance of Afghanistan’s citizens under Taliban rule as a source of inspiration. His remarks come amid ongoing restrictions imposed on civil liberties, particularly affecting women and girls.

The Taliban have officially declared Saturday as the first day of Eid al-Adha. However, celebrations in Afghanistan are overshadowed by increasing limitations on basic freedoms and human rights, especially for women, who remain banned from parks, public spaces, and many forms of social participation.

Reports indicate that the Taliban have closed recreational venues to women and placed restrictions on their movement within cities, further intensifying concerns over gender-based repression.

In addition to social restrictions, economic hardship continues to weigh heavily on many Afghans. Citizens have expressed deep frustration over their inability to afford Eid celebrations, citing widespread poverty, rising prices, and growing unemployment.

As Eid arrives under a cloud of hardship, the international community faces renewed pressure to support the Afghanistan people—particularly women and marginalized groups—in their struggle for dignity and fundamental rights.

The Gulf Cooperation Council urged Afghanistan to protect women’s rights, ensure education and work opportunities, and safeguard vulnerable communities.

The GCC ministers from the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, and Kuwait convened on June 2 to discuss regional security and humanitarian issues. Their joint declaration stressed the importance of restoring peace and stability within Afghanistan.

In the statement, the GCC unequivocally condemned the use of Afghanistan territory by terrorist groups or for drug trafficking activities. The council urged all parties to ensure that Afghanistan’s soil is not exploited for such destructive purposes.

The ministers expressed their solidarity with the Afghanistan people in combating terrorism in all its forms. They reiterated the necessity of enhancing security and political stability to foster sustainable development in Afghanistan.

The GCC’s call for safeguarding women’s rights and minority protections aligns with broader international concerns regarding Afghanistan’s future. The council’s emphasis on peace, security, and humanitarian aid highlights the critical role regional cooperation plays in addressing Afghanistan’s complex challenges.

Sustained international engagement, alongside regional support, remains vital to promote stability and human rights in Afghanistan, ensuring the country does not relapse into conflict or become a safe haven for terrorism or illicit activities.

Pakistan will now chair the UNSC Taliban Sanctions Committee, overseeing sanctions related to the Taliban’s activities and influence.

Reports indicate that Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, has been appointed as the new chair of the 1988 Sanctions Committee. This committee, responsible for monitoring sanctions imposed on the Taliban, was previously headed by Ecuador’s representative, José Javier de la Gasca, until December 31, 2024.

Decisions within the committee are made by consensus among the 15 permanent and non-permanent members of the UN Security Council. This appointment coincides with Pakistan’s election as a non-permanent member of the Security Council for the 2025-2026 term. According to the Economic Times, this shift in leadership has sparked concerns regarding Pakistan’s impartiality in enforcing the sanctions, especially due to its historical support for the Taliban.

Pakistan was accepted as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for a two-year term earlier this year. This new position gives Pakistan the opportunity to exert pressure on the Taliban, encouraging them to combat “terrorism” and groups it claims are supported by the Taliban and conducting attacks on Pakistani soil.

Pakistan has previously indicated that members of the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) are present in Afghanistan. The country has urged the Afghan Taliban to cooperate in addressing this issue and combat the presence of these militants.

Recently, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the need for closer cooperation with the Taliban. On June 3, Sharif warned against allowing Afghanistan’s territory to be used by proxy forces, particularly from India, for “terrorist activities” against Pakistan.

In his speech during a visit to Peshawar with senior security officials, Sharif stressed Pakistan’s determination to eliminate what he termed the “Khwarij menace” and the “India-backed terrorist network,” reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to securing its borders and fighting terrorism.

Australia warns its citizens against traveling to Afghanistan due to high risks of terrorism, kidnapping, and arbitrary detention under Taliban rule.

In a statement released on Tuesday, June 3, the ministry warned of a very high risk of terrorism and kidnapping throughout Afghanistan, including in the capital, Kabul.

According to the ministry, no location in Afghanistan can be considered safe from the threat of attacks, highlighting the pervasive security dangers across the country.

Foreign nationals in Afghanistan also face the serious risk of arbitrary detention, the ministry added, increasing concerns for the safety of foreigners in the country.

This travel advisory follows similar warnings from other countries that have previously recommended their citizens avoid traveling to Afghanistan due to escalating security risks.

In light of these challenges, travelers are strongly advised to heed official warnings and avoid unnecessary travel to Afghanistan, as the security environment remains unpredictable and hazardous.