An Afghan man living in the UK is hoping to be reunited with his family for the first time in three years after a government resettlement scheme was opened.
Muhammad said he helped British forces and was given indefinite leave to remain after escaping the Taliban-run country in 2021 – but his wife and two young children have been living in Pakistan and were unable to join him.
He previously told the BBC he feared they could be deported after Pakistan said it wanted to return more Afghan migrants.
But he has been given fresh hope after it was announced on Tuesday that the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme would be open for applicants until October.
Muhammad, who is living in Oxfordshire, said his wife had become “really emotional” when he told her about the development over the phone.
“My kids were sitting beside her and my four-year-old son asked: ‘Mum, why are you crying?’,” said Muhammad, who described telling his boy how he hoped he would soon be joining him in the UK.
‘Enemies of the regime’
Muhammad said he still had some concerns about the process, especially as his family are in a third country – but the BBC understands the government has provided guidance that this would not have a negative impact on any application.
He said his first priority would be to “put my kids into school” and added that he would “never” be able to return to Afghanistan.
“Now, I think the UK is our country and we would be settling here for our remaining lives,” he said.
Muhammad said he assisted UK forces to source accommodation – something he believed would make him and his family “enemies” of the current regime.
He and other Afghan citizens in a similar position have been receiving support from Oxford charity Asylum Welcome, which had urged the previous government to “make good on their promise to Afghans who help British forces”.
At the time, the government said it was trying to bring more eligible Afghans to the UK.
Afghan man’s fresh hope of being reunited with family
Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh (center) attends the inauguration of the newly elected Iranian president in Tehran on July 30, the day before his death.
The killing of Ismail Haniyeh, the political leader of the EU- and U.S.-designated Palestinian terrorist group Hamas, has thrown the Middle East into crisis.
But his assassination in a suspected Israeli strike in Iran on July 31 and the heightened risk of a broader war also have implications in the wider region, including for Iran’s eastern neighbors, Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Experts say Kabul and Islamabad will likely struggle with the security, economic, and political fallout from a major escalation in the Middle East.
But a potential regional war involving Iran is unlikely to directly drag in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan and Pakistan, both of which have cordial relations with Tehran, experts say.
“The attacks will not draw either country into direct participation in the conflicts such as by offering to send fighters,” said Marvin Weinbaum, director of Afghanistan and Pakistan studies at the Middle East Institute think tank in Washington.
Pakistan and the Taliban both directly blamedIsrael for Haniyeh’s assassination, which Tehran has also blamed on its archenemy.
Islamabad denounced the killing as an act of “terrorism,” and hundreds of supporters of a Pakistan Islamist party held a symbolic funeral for Haniyeh near Islamabad on July 31.
Amid tensions with Islamabad, Kabul depends on Iranian ports such as Chabahar for most of its imports and exports.
‘Making Life Harder For Afghans’
Iran is on friendly terms with the Taliban. Tehran is also the biggest trading partner of the cash-strapped and internationally unrecognized Taliban-led government. Kabul is dependent on Iranian ports for most of its imports and exports amid tensions with neighboring Pakistan.
The Islamic republic is also home to around 4 million Afghan migrants and refugees. The remittances they send back home keep many impoverished families afloat in Afghanistan, which has grappled with an economic crisis since the Taliban takeover in 2021.
Graeme Smith, a senior Afghanistan analyst at the Brussels-based International Crisis Group, said rising tensions in the Middle East “could have destabilizing consequences for the fragile situation in Afghanistan.”
Smith said the risk is that a conflict involving Iran will harden the country’s borders with Afghanistan, “making life harder for Afghans.”
He said Afghanistan’s humanitarian crisis, the largest in the world, could worsen if its borders with Iran are closed.
“The exit route from that crisis depends on renewed trade across the region,” he said. “[But it] requires borders opening to the flow of goods and labor.”
Pakistan Not To Become ‘Directly Involved’
Hundreds of thousands of Afghans and millions of Pakistanis work as laborers and traders in the oil-rich Arab Gulf countries.
A potential regional war could disrupt the flow of Afghan and Pakistani migrant workers heading to the Gulf. That would deal a major blow to Afghanistan and Pakistan, both of which are both heavily dependent on remittances sent from abroad.
In Pakistan, some political parties and the media have called for Islamabad to take a more hard-line approach to Israel, which is not formally recognized by the South Asian country.
But Weinbaum said the “general feeling among [Pakistani] policymakers is that the country has enough security concerns of its own not to become directly involved.”
New Extremist Groups — At Least In Name — Enter Pakistan’s Militant Scene
Faced with rising militant attacks in the northwestern province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the southwestern province of Balochistan, which borders Iran and Afghanistan, Islamabad’s choices are limited.
“There are also worries about an American reaction if Pakistan makes any military commitments [to Iran],” Weinbaum said.
Afghanistan and Pakistan are home to millions of Shi’ite Muslims. And Iran, a Shi’a-majority country, could look to Shi’ite communities living in its eastern neighbors for recruits in the event of a war.
During the Syrian civil war, Iran recruited, trained, and armed thousands of Shi’ite fighters from Afghanistan and Pakistan to fight. Many of those fighters who survived have returned home as the war has died down.
How Will Rising Middle East Tensions Impact Afghanistan and Pakistan?
Some of those who have gathered outside the Pension Fund office say they are facing various economic challenges in the current situation.
A number of retirees are once again demanding the payment of their pensions by the Islamic Emirate.
Some of those who have gathered outside the Pension Fund office say they are facing various economic challenges in the current situation.
Abdul Hakim, a retiree, said: “I need to be fed; they should give me my pension and also pay my other friends. When my friend beside me is hungry, what can I say?”
Another retiree, Zubair, told TOLOnews: “We are bewildered, have no way out, and lack the strength to go anywhere. We come here to the pension office gate from morning till evening. My children’s empty stomachs hope that their father will bring home a piece of bread or fruit.”
These retirees are once again demanding the payment of their pensions by the Islamic Emirate.
Habibullah, a retiree, said: “For the past three years, they have been saying ten days later, twenty days later, after Eid. Eid came, and they said after Eid. Ramadan came, and they didn’t pay. We were finally forced to go to the Ministry of Finance and the Administrative Office.”
Zarifa, a retiree, told a TOLOnews reporter: “We want our rights, we want our pensions. We don’t have a single piece of bread at home right now.”
Although the Islamic Emirate has not recently commented on the payment of pensions, their spokesperson previously stated, without mentioning the retirees, that efforts have been made to consider the needs of all eligible groups in the budget for the fiscal year 1403.
Retirees Demand Pension Payments from Islamic Emirate
Zalmai Rasoul, the Afghanistan Ambassador to London, has responded to the suspension of consular activities by some Afghan consulates in European countries, stating that the Afghan consulate in the United Kingdom will continue its operations without interruption.
In a statement released on Tuesday, July 30th, he affirmed the embassy’s commitment to supporting the rights and interests of Afghan citizens abroad.
Ambassador Rasoul emphasized that “the Afghanistan Embassy in London firmly declares that all consular and diplomatic services will continue without any disruption.” He added that “we are committed to supporting the rights and interests of Afghan citizens abroad and will utilize all our resources and facilities to provide the best possible services.”
Yesterday, the Taliban Foreign Ministry announced that the activities of 14 Afghanistan diplomatic and consular missions in European countries, which operate without coordination with the ministry, were deemed “unauthorized and a clear violation of accepted principles.”
The ministry’s statement indicated that the Afghanistan missions in London, Belgium, Berlin, Bonn, Switzerland, Austria, France, Italy, Greece, Poland, Sweden, Norway, Canada, and Australia were considered invalid due to their refusal to cooperate and coordinate with the ministry.
In response, Nazifullah Salarzi, the Afghanistan Ambassador to Belgium, has confirmed that consular services at all Afghanistan consular missions in Belgium and the European Union will continue. He asserted that the Afghanistan Embassy in Belgium remains recognized by the host country.
The conflicting statements from Afghanistan’s diplomatic representatives highlight ongoing issues within Afghanistan’s foreign service operations. Despite the Taliban administration’s decision to invalidate certain consular activities, key representatives, such as those in London and Brussels, maintain their commitment to uninterrupted service.
This comes amid the fact that no countries currently recognize the Taliban regime in Afghanistan as a legitimate government.
The resolution of these discrepancies will be crucial in ensuring the effective representation and support of Afghanistan citizens abroad.
Afghanistan Embassies in London and Brussels continue consular services
The Ministry of Industry and Commerce of Afghanistan has announced that the country has conducted $10 billion in trade over the past year.
In a statement released on Wednesday, July 31st, the ministry highlighted the achievements of the past year, detailing that this total includes $1.8 billion in exports and over $8 billion in imports.
However, this imbalance is a concerning indicator of the country’s economic health. The disproportionate ratio of imports to exports suggests a troubling dependency on foreign goods and services, which may undermine local industries and contribute to a persistent trade deficit.
The statement also noted significant increases in exports to various countries, with Kazakhstan up by 2.5%, China by 16%, Iran by 19%, Turkey by 53%, and Russia by 54%. Additionally, the ministry reported that 100 new production factories have started operations, approximately 1,000 industrial companies have been issued licenses, and over 23,000 investment licenses have been renewed.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce stated that over the past year, direct employment opportunities have been created for 646,015 individuals, while indirect opportunities have reached around 4.4 million. The ministry attributed these job opportunities to the empowerment of small and medium enterprises and various agreements.
Previously, the National Statistics and Information Authority had reported that Afghanistan’s export and import value for the fiscal year 1402 reached $10.3 billion.
Meanwhile, there is a significant imbalance between exports and imports. This discrepancy not only raises questions about the sustainability of economic growth but also signals potential vulnerabilities in Afghanistan’s trade strategy and economic stability. Addressing these disparities will be crucial for achieving a more balanced and resilient economy.
Afghanistan’s trade imbalance: $1.8 billion in exports, $8 billion in imports
Three women’s rights activists from the United States have called for the Taliban’s gender apartheid in Afghanistan to be recognized as a crime against humanity. The activists, Heather Barr, Wahida Amiri, and Mitra Mehran, emphasized the severe lack of justice for Afghan women and girls.
During a special session of the U.S. Congress on human rights in Afghanistan, the activists painted a grim picture of the situation faced by Afghan women and girls. They criticized the ineffective diplomatic efforts that have failed to improve their conditions.
Heather Barr of Human Rights Watch pointed out that both the UN Special Rapporteur and Afghan human rights activists have called for the Taliban’s treatment of women to be recognized as gender apartheid. She stressed that this recognition should be incorporated into international legal frameworks.
Barr described the plight of Afghan women as shocking and alarming. She noted that private discussions between Western diplomats and the Taliban have not led to any significant improvements. She condemned the exclusion of women representatives from the third Doha meeting as a major victory for the Taliban.
Wahida Amiri urged U.S. Congress members to take action based on human dignity and international human rights conventions. She called for the U.S. government to recognize Taliban crimes against Afghan women as crimes against humanity under Articles 7 and 8 of the Rome Statute.
Amiri appealed to the committee to officially acknowledge gender apartheid in Afghanistan and recognize the Taliban as leaders of such a regime. She emphasized that her plea reflects the voices of Afghan people, including women and children.
Amiri also highlighted that U.S. support has facilitated the Taliban’s repression of women and girls. She criticized the U.S. for engaging in negotiations with the Taliban despite warnings from Afghan women and democratic forces, which led to a peace agreement.
She further criticized the U.S. government for providing millions of dollars in humanitarian aid to the Taliban despite their oppressive policies. Amiri urged Congress to prevent taxpayer money from being used to support the Taliban.
Mitra Mehran addressed Congress, detailing how the Taliban has increasingly restricted the rights of women and girls since taking power. She pointed out the removal of women’s employment, education, freedom of expression, and access to healthcare and social activities.
Mehran called on Congress to recognize gender apartheid as a crime against humanity and condemned the Taliban’s actions against women’s rights organizations. She highlighted Amnesty International’s reports of the detention and torture of protesting women.
The urgent appeal from these activists highlights the severe human rights violations perpetrated by the Taliban. Recognizing these actions as crimes against humanity could pressure the international community to take decisive steps to address the ongoing crisis and support Afghan women and girls in their fight for justice and equality.
Women’s Rights Activists urge US Congress to recognize Gender Apartheid in Afghanistan
According to the Deputy Spokesperson, Amir Khan Muttaqi regarded the third Doha meeting positively in his discussion with the Japanese delegation.
Atsushi Sunami, the president of the Sasakawa Peace Foundation (SPF) of Japan, and the former head of UNAMA have requested that the Islamic Emirate send a delegation to Japan to enhance bilateral cooperation. They said this during a meeting with the acting Minister of Foreign Affairs.
The Deputy Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the parties discussed topics such as multilateral cooperation with Afghanistan and the third Doha meeting during this visit.
According to the Deputy Spokesperson, Amir Khan Muttaqi regarded the third Doha meeting positively in his discussion with the Japanese delegation.
Hafiz Zia Ahmad Takal elaborated on the meeting, saying: “They emphasized comprehensive cooperation between Afghanistan and the international community and invited the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan’s delegation to visit Japan for bilateral cooperation.”
Meanwhile, the former President of Afghanistan also met with the Japanese delegation, highlighting the historical ties between Afghanistan and Japan and expressing gratitude for Japan’s support for the Afghan people.
Sayed Akbar Sial Wardak, a political analyst, commented on these meetings: “Such meetings provide an opportunity for the Islamic Emirate to resolve tensions and issues with the international community through Japan or another country.”
Previously, the Japanese Embassy in Afghanistan had announced Japan’s $10 million aid to Afghan farmers for alternative poppy cultivation.
Japan Invites Islamic Emirate Delegation for Bilateral Talks
In separate statements, these representatives have said that halting this process will increase the challenges faced by Afghan migrants.
The political representatives of Afghanistan in Australia, the United Kingdom, Geneva, Tajikistan, Brazil, and some other countries have reacted to the decision of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate to declare the consular services in these countries invalid.
In separate statements, these representatives have said that halting this process will increase the challenges faced by Afghan migrants.
The Afghan representative in Australia wrote: “This action by the Taliban creates problems for Afghan migrants and citizens residing abroad for various reasons.”
Part of the statement from the Afghan representative in the United Kingdom said: “We are committed to supporting the rights and common interests of Afghan citizens abroad and will use all our resources to provide the best possible services.”
Aziz Maarej, a former diplomat, told TOLOnews: “If Afghan embassies and representatives in some foreign countries do not comply with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate, their duty is therefore terminated and they have no legal standing. These countries should hand them over to the current government of Afghanistan.”
Meanwhile, a number of Afghan migrants in European countries have also stated that with this decision of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Afghan migrants in various countries will face many challenges.
Mansoor Alokozai, an Afghan migrant in Germany, told TOLOnews: “The services of Afghan embassies and representatives in countries are the right of all Afghans, and the government must pay attention to this issue to resolve the challenges faced by Afghan migrants residing in those countries.”
Khairullah Parhar, an Afghan migrant in France, said: “The decision of the current regime in Afghanistan creates many challenges for Afghan migrants in Australia, Canada, and European countries.”
Yesterday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate stated that the reason for not accepting the consular services of Afghanistan in Australia, the United Kingdom, and some other European countries is due to the non-cooperation of these consulates with the Islamic Emirate. The ministry added that documents issued by these representatives will no longer be accepted by the Islamic Emirate.
Decision to Invalidate Consular Services Abroad Draws Criticism
The UK evacuated more than 15,000 people from Kabul over two weeks in August 2021, as the capital fell to the Taliban
Partners and children separated from their families during the evacuation of Afghanistan can now apply to join them in the UK, under plans announced by the government.
It comes three years since the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan, which led to a military operation to evacuate British nationals and Afghans, known as Operation Pitting.
A number of families became separated due to the speed and chaotic circumstances surrounding the evacuation.
On Tuesday, the government announced the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS) separated families route had opened for applications for the next three months.
The route is open to the partners and children of people who escaped from Afghanistan under legal routes previously set up by the government.
Children who were evacuated without their parents can also apply for them and any siblings who were under the age of 18 at the time of the evacuation to come to the UK.
The Home office said additional family embers may be considered in exceptional circumstances.
The Refugee Council charity said the development was “hugely welcome” and would be “life-changing” for children and parents who had been separated for such a long period.
Family separated as parents remain in Afghanistan
‘I’m living in fear for my life in Afghanistan’
The pledge to reunite families separated during the evacuation of Kabul had been made under the previous Conservative government and Labour said it was now “implementing that commitment”.
The latest figures, published in May, show that almost as many Afghan nationals arrived in the UK by crossing the Channel in small boats, as through the government’s legal routes in the year to March.
A total of 5,662 Afghan nationals made the dangerous Channel crossing in that period, plus 350 of what the Home Office described as inadequately documented air arrivals, making a total of 6,012 people.
Data also shows that 758 lone Afghan children were recorded as applying for asylum having crossed the Channel.
The charity Safe Passage has also welcomed the opening of the family reunion route, but said these schemes had been “too slow, restrictive and currently have too few places”.
Immigration and Citizenship Minister Seema Malhotra said: “It is our moral duty to ensure that families who were tragically separated are reunited and are not left at the mercy of the Taliban.”
She added: “Afghans did right by us, and we will do right by them, ensuring our system is fair and supports those most-at risk and vulnerable.”
More than 15,000 people were evacuated from Kabul to the UK over two weeks in August 2021, as the capital fell to the Taliban.
These included British nationals, as well as more than 6,000 Afghans identified as being at risk from the Taliban, including female politicians, members of the LGBT community, women’s rights activists and judges.
It is this group that are eligible for the new family reunification route.
Thousands more Afghans who worked with the UK government in Afghanistan, along with their family members, have been relocated under the separate Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP).
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has reported that over forty percent of women in Afghanistan suffer from anemia.
On Monday, July 29th, UNICEF shared a video on X stating that forty percent of women in Afghanistan are affected by anemia.
The organization distributes minerals and vitamin supplements to pregnant women to prevent anemia and nutritional deficiencies, with support from various institutions in different regions of Afghanistan.
UNICEF explains that Multivitamin Mineral Supplements (MMS) protect mothers from anemia and nutritional deficiencies, ensure safe and healthy pregnancies, and result in babies being born at a healthy weight.
The high prevalence of anemia among women in Afghanistan underscores a critical public health issue that requires immediate attention and intervention.
UNICEF’s efforts to provide essential supplements are vital in addressing nutritional deficiencies and improving maternal and infant health. Continued support and collaboration with local and international organizations are essential to combat anemia and ensure the well-being of women and children in the region.
UNICEF: Over 40% of women in Afghanistan affected by Anemia
Afghanistan Peace Campaign
