Afghanistan Roundup: Taliban threatens forced evictions, internet shutdown fallout, strain on international relationships

Austria on the deportation of Afghans

Austria has opened political channels with the Taliban by hosting a delegation from the Islamic Emirate to discuss the deportation of 20 Afghan migrants with criminal records. Analysts see this as a sign that European nations may be warming to limited engagement with Kabul’s rulers to address security and migration concerns.

UNAMA’s role dispute

A national debate continues over whether the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) is playing a constructive mediating role or has become irrelevant amid the Taliban’s consolidation of power.

Imran Khan urges Pakistan to send a peace delegation

From outside Afghanistan, imprisoned former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan called on Islamabad to send a peace delegation to Kabul, arguing that closer coordination is needed to stabilise cross-border security.

Internet shutdown fallout

Inside Afghanistan, the Taliban dispatched six ministers to Kandahar to address public anger over internet shutdowns, which have disrupted commerce, education, and communications. This marks one of the most direct government responses to digital rights concerns since the Taliban’s return to power.

Taliban threatens forced evictions in Herat township

Human rights concerns are also rising as reports emerge of threatened forced evictions in Herat, targeting Hazara residents, a move that has sparked fears of ethnic discrimination and displacement.