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Afghan refugees remain on edge after mass deportations from Tajikistan

UNHCR reports that at least 1,288 Afghans, including 1,152 refugees and asylum seekers, were deported this summer.

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Afghan refugees in Tajikistan remain anxious months after mass deportations in July, with many new arrivals afraid to leave their homes.

A 53-year-old refugee in Vahdat said he has barely let his teenage sons out since Tajik authorities arrested and deported his cousin, who had previously worked for Afghanistan’s former republic government. His cousin has been in hiding in Afghanistan since the deportation.

UNHCR reports that at least 1,288 Afghans, including 1,152 refugees and asylum seekers, were deported this summer, many holding valid passports or government-issued documents. “UNHCR urges the Government of Tajikistan to uphold its commitments to refugee protection, and ensure any returns to Afghanistan are voluntary, safe, and dignified,” said Dumitru Lipcanu, acting UNHCR representative to Central Asia.

Tajikistan’s Afghan refugee population is estimated at 10,000–13,000, concentrated in towns like Vahdat and Rudaki. The government claimed the deportations targeted individuals accused of drug trafficking, extremist activity, or violating migration laws. However, many deported Afghans, including the 53-year-old refugee’s cousin, held proper documentation.

Newer arrivals, unfamiliar with local rules, were particularly affected. Afghan refugees must follow unwritten norms, such as keeping beards trimmed and avoiding alcohol, which contribute to their sense of vulnerability. A 24-year-old refugee described life in Tajikistan as “freedom” compared to the homeland, despite the threat of deportation.

Experts say the deportations reflect heightened caution in Dushanbe, which initially welcomed Afghan refugees but hardened its stance after 2021. Tajikistan previously deported smaller groups, including 41 Afghans in December 2024. Moscow’s recognition of the Islamic Emirate may also have influenced the country’s policy, according to the charity Open Doors.

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Afghanistan now has unified central government: IEA defense minister

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Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid, the Minister of Defense of the Islamic Emirate, says that Afghanistan currently has a unified central government, and that no groups engaging in destructive activities are present in the country. He added that they will not allow anyone to undermine the country’s security.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Defense, Mujahid made these remarks at a graduation ceremony for commandos of the Special Forces Division. The ceremony was attended by Khalifa Sirajuddin Haqqani, the Minister of Interior; several cabinet ministers; foreign ambassadors and military attachés; special representatives; and a number of officials and military personnel.

Addressing the commandos, Yaqoob Mujahid said: “In the service you perform, make the pleasure of Almighty Allah your sole intention, because Almighty Allah will reward you for such an intention in this world and the hereafter. There is now a unified central government in the country, and no groups engaging in destructive activities are present. We will also not allow anyone to undermine security.”

He also added: “I assure our people that these forces will defend the lives, property, and territory of their beloved country with full courage and wisdom. I tell all foreign countries that Afghanistan is now secure, and there is no enemy in this country, whether from within or outside, that poses a threat to others.”

At the ceremony, Khalifa Sirajuddin Haqqani also said: “For half a century, Afghanistan did not have an independent army. However, now, it has an organized army and other security forces. You are not a ceremonial army, nor do you operate to serve the interests of others; rather, you are an organized and independent army. Although we may be materially weak, we are stronger than others in terms of morale and spirituality. We must maintain high morale, avoid acting emotionally in military affairs, and respond to the enemy at the appropriate time. We are not a threat to anyone; rather, we are defenders of our own land.”

It is worth noting that 1,000 young commandos of the Special Forces Division of the Ministry of Defense graduated from the eighth training course after completing six months of professional, ideological, and commando training.

During the ceremony, the graduating commandos, in cooperation with the Air Force, demonstrated coordinated practical and military exercises using various types of unmanned aircraft.

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Baradar approves action plan for establishing special economic zones

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The action plan for establishing special economic zones across the country was approved on Wednesday by Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs.

According to a decree issued by the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Emirate, these special economic zones will be established in the provinces of Kabul, Balkh, Nangarhar, Kandahar, Herat, Paktia, and Kunduz.

Under the plan, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, in cooperation with other relevant ministries and government agencies, will identify the land required for these zones, determine the necessary sectoral activities and services, and create the conditions needed to attract investment.

The establishment of these special economic zones is aimed at attracting new investments, achieving a relative balance between exports and imports, and expanding production activities in a suitable environment, paving the way for a new phase of economic development in the country.

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Russian deputy prime minister to visit Kabul with high-level economic delegation

The visit aims to strengthen economic and trade relations between Afghanistan and Russia, explore investment opportunities and discuss potential joint economic projects.

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Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk is scheduled to visit Kabul on Thursday, leading a high-level economic delegation, Afghanistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced.

According to a statement by the ministry, the visit aims to strengthen economic and trade relations between Afghanistan and Russia, explore investment opportunities and discuss potential joint economic projects.

The visit is expected to provide an opportunity for officials from both countries to discuss ways of expanding bilateral economic cooperation and identifying new areas for trade and investment.

The ministry did not provide further details about the delegation’s programme or the specific projects expected to be discussed during the visit.

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