Afghan Weekly (Nov 6 – Nov 11, 2016)

As militant attacks by Daesh and Taliban have intensified in recent months, the Afghan government has come under criticism for failing to formulate a coherent strategy against the growing threats. Such views were shared on the floor of Afghanistan’s Wolesi Jirga in a debate on Monday among members.[1] However, several militants belonging to Daesh and Taliban factions were also killed during clashes with Afghan security forces this week.[2] The election of the United States’ new President was another major event for Afghanistan on Wednesday. President Ashraf Ghani and Chief Executive Officer Abdullah Abdullah both congratulated the new US President on his win and stressed that the US was an important strategic partner to Afghanistan in the development of the country and in fighting terrorism. The Taliban also issued a statement directed at the new US President in which they urged Donald Trump to withdraw US troops from Afghanistan, claiming that the Taliban had achieved victory in the ongoing war.[3] More updates on Afghanistan’s security, politics, governance, international engagements and socio-economic developments from last week are as follow.

A Security Overview: Daesh, Taliban and Afghanistan Security Forces & Security Operations

Daesh Poses Serious Threat to National Security: Ibrahimi – November 7, 2016

Abdul Rauf Ibrahimi, speaker of the Wolesi Jirga (Lower House of Parliament), on November 7 said Daesh still remains a serious threat to Afghanistan’s security and that government has failed to define a strong security policy to tackle the problem.

“We persistently remind the president and the chief executive officer (Abdullah Abdullah). Threats emerging from Daesh and Taliban are on the rise, this has created serious concerns among the people, the government has also failed to define a coherent strategy to maintain security in the country,” said Ibrahimi. MPs also criticized the U.S for ignoring threats emerging from al-Qaeda, Taliban and Daesh in Afghanistan.[4]

Explosion rocks Kabul city, 3 wounded – November 7, 2016

A relatively heavy explosion rocked Kabul city earlier on Monday evening leaving at least three people wounded. The security officials confirmed an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attack targeted a police vehicle in the vicinity of Kart-e-Char located in the Police District#3 of the city. The anti-government armed militant groups have been widely using magnetic bombs in the city during the recent months to target the Afghan security and government officials.[5]

Four Insurgents Killed by Own Explosives in Kunduz – November 7, 2016

At least four insurgents including their commander, Chopan, were killed when their own explosives detonated in northern Kunduz province, Kunduz police said in a statement on Monday.[6]

Taliban Commander Who Joined Peace Returns to Group – November 7, 2016

A Taliban commander who joined the peace process in Sar-e-Pul province two months ago, returned to the insurgent group after killing five public uprising members and taking their weapons. He had relations with the enemy. He killed five public uprising forces,” said Sayed Naqib Darman, head of operations in Sar-e-Pul Police Headquarters. According to the officials, another commander of the Taliban who joined the peace process in spring, also returned to the insurgent group and is now leading the war against security forces in Faryab province.[7]

UNAMA Probes Claims of 32 Deaths in Kunduz Air Strikes – November 7, 2016

The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) is currently investigating allegations that at least 32 civilians were killed and a further 19 injured in air strikes in Kunduz city on November 3. According to UNAMA, between 30 October and 5 November, the mission documented a preliminary figure of 206 civilian casualties (95 civilian deaths and 111 injured).[8]

11 Taliban militants arrested in Parwan raids – November 7, 2016

Nearly a dozen militants have been arrested during separate operations in central Parwan province.[9]

3 Daesh militants killed, as many held in Nangarhar raid – November 7, 2016

The Afghan Special Forces killed three Islamic State or Daesh rebels and arrested as many in eastern Nangarhar province.[10]

13 militants killed, 4 drug labs destroyed in Khogyani: MoI – November 7, 2016

More than a dozen militants have been killed and four heroin factories destroyed during a raid in eastern Nangarhar province.[11]

Taliban judge among 3 insurgents killed in Faryab assault – November 7, 2016

Three Taliban fighters, including a judge of the group, have been killed and four other wounded in the Shireen Tagab district of northwestern Faryab province.[12]

Prominent gang leader involved in major crimes killed in Kabul – November 8, 2016

A prominent gang leader involved in major crimes including murders and robberies was killed during an operation in Kabul city on November 8. Kabul police officials said the gang leader was identified as Zubair and was killed during an armed clash with the security forces this morning.[13]

Forces at Work to Hinder Hekmatyar’s Return: Amin – November 8, 2016

The head of the Hizb-e-Islami peace negotiations delegation Karim Amin said there are a number of people and groups inside and outside government opposing the implementation of the peace deal between the group and the Afghan government. He said a number of countries are also not interested in lasting peace in Afghanistan. “Delay is not from our side; there are a number of problems in implementing the agreement which have postponed the return of Hekmatyar to Kabul,” he stated. “We hear that there are a number of groups, circles and figures that are trying to challenge the peace process in Afghanistan,” he added.‎

Meanwhile, a number of lawmakers said it is government’s responsibility to pave the ground for Hizb-e-Islami leader Gulbuddin Hekmatyar’s return to Kabul. “The Afghan government will not be able to bring Hekmatyar to Afghanistan until the international community lifts its sanctions against him [Hekmatyar],” said Rahmatullah Achekzai, member of Meshrano Jirga (Upper House of Parliament). Amin said the delegation from a UN Security Council and the US will visit Kabul in the next few days and will discuss the lifting of sanctions against Hekmatyar.[14]

14 Taliban militants killed in Helmand clashes – November 9, 2016

Fourteen Taliban militants were killed and seven others wounded during clashes with security forces in different parts of the southern Helmand province.[15]

16 criminals held in Kapisa, 3 Taliban killed in Nangarhar – November 9, 2016

Sixteen criminals have been arrested and three Taliban militants killed in eastern Nangarhar and central Kapisa provinces.[16]

‘Taliban want foreign rebels sneaked into Tajikistan, Uzbekistan’ – November 9, 2016

A senior police commander in the northern zone on Wednesday claimed the Taliban had intensified their attacks in northern Kunduz province to enable foreign terrorists to sneak into Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.[17]

10 Taliban, 5 police killed in Ghazni violence – November 9, 2016

A fresh bout of violence has left at least 10 Taliban militants and five police dead and another five militants wounded in southern Ghazni province.[18]

Ghor clash leaves 7 rebels dead, 4 held in Nimroz – November 9, 2016

Police have arrested four suspected terrorists in southwestern Nimroz province and killed seven militants in western Ghor province.[19]

Taliban bomb kill 7 civilians including women and children in Kandahar – November 9, 2016

At least seven civilians including women and children were killed in an explosion in southern Kandahar province of Afghanistan. Local officials in Kandahar said the incident took place late on Wednesday in Shawali Kot district. Provincial governor’s spokesman Samim Khpolwak said the civilians were killed after their vehicle struck an Improvised Explosive Device (IED). Khpolwak further added that three children, two women, and two men were among those killed. No group including the Taliban insurgents has so far claimed responsibility behind the incident but the local officials said the IED was planted by the Taliban insurgents, the main anti-government armed militant group in the country.[20]

UN Investigates US-Led Airstrikes that Killed Dozens of Afghan Civilians – November 10, 2016

The United Nations announced it has launched an investigation into U.S.-led airstrikes that killed more than 30 civilians — mostly women and children — in Afghanistan last week. The U.N. Assistance Mission in Afghanistan said Sunday that a preliminary investigation into the airstrikes on Nov. 3 indicated at least 32 civilians were killed and 19 injured, the “vast majority of whom were women and children.” The agency added that civilians have been bearing the brunt of the country’s ongoing conflict.

“The loss of civilian life is unacceptable and undermines efforts toward building peace and stability in Afghanistan,” Tadamichi Yamamoto, the U.N. secretary-general’s special representative for Afghanistan, said in a statement. “When conducting aerial operations, international military forces should take all feasible measures to minimize civilian harm, including full analysis of the context for aerial strikes.”[21]

US airstrike kills 11 ISIS loyalists in Nangarhar province of Afghanistan – November 10, 2016

At least 11 loyalists of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terrorist group were killed in an airstrike in eastern Nangarhar province of Afghanistan. The provincial police commandment in a statement said the airstrike was carried out by the US forces based in Afghanistan, using an unmanned aerial vehicle to target the loyalists of the terror group. The statement further added that a Dshk heavy machine belonging to the loyalist of the terror group was also destroyed when they were targeted in Achin district.[22]

Taliban attack German consulate in Afghanistan – November 11, 2016

Four people have been killed and over hundred wounded in a powerful suicide car-bombing on German consulate in Mazar-i-Sharif, the capital of northern Balkh province, an official said on Friday. Deputy Police Chief Col. Qaderi told Pajhwok Afghan News the devastating suicide bombing took place at around 11:00pm Thursday night. Taliban Spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claimed responsibility for the attack and said the attack was in retaliation to the foreign forces airstrikes in northern Kunduz province that resulted in the killing of innocent people including women and children. Mujahid claimed huge number of Afghan and foreign forces had been killed in the attack.[23]

Taliban, Peace Talks and Official Statements

Afghan Political Leaders Push Taliban for Talks – November 7, 2016

A number of Afghan political leaders have moved to broker peace talks between government and the Taliban following secret talks between the two parties in Qatar recently. Sayed Ishaq Gailani, a former MP and leader of the National Solidarity Movement of Afghanistan (NSMA), said that politicians were in contact with the Taliban and there would be further interactions of this sort in future.

“We are seeing how to mediate between government and Taliban. The Taliban also has their demands and we will review it,” Gailani said. He said the group of political leaders was trying to increase their contact with the Taliban. Officials confirmed that last month a meeting took place between the National Directorate of Security (NDS) Chief, Masoom Stanekzai, and Mullah Abdul Manan, the late founding leader of the Taliban Mullah Omar’s brother, in Qatar. But the Taliban reject reports of secret talks with Afghanistan.

Gailani said they were trying to muster support of other leaders to strengthen their efforts and encourage both sides to hold peace talks and added that a number of political and former jihadi leaders were part of the move.

Meanwhile, the Express Tribune in Pakistan stated that the political leaders also approached China and Saudi Arabia for a possible venue for talks if able to persuade government and Taliban to meet at the peace talks table. Reports indicate that China is in contact with the Qatar-based Taliban representatives. Saudi Arabia has so far been ineffective on the Afghan front. Political analysts in Afghanistan believe the success of the peace process mainly depends on the Afghan government and the United States.[24]

Peace Talks with Quetta Shura Expected Soon, Politicians – November 8, 2016

Peace talks with Taliban’s Quetta Shura will start soon, a number of politicians involved in the process said on Tuesday. The politicians said that they had convened a number of meetings with members of the Quetta Shura and the two sides are trying to finalize the venue for the talks.

Meanwhile, government officials have said that the national unity government must get involved in these talks. A number of ex-government officials and politicians have said that they have made extensive efforts to start peace talks with the Taliban’s Quetta Shura and the group’s political office in Qatar. “We had exchanged views and held talks with the Quetta Shura; the only issue is a proper venue which needs to be certified for the talks,” said chairman of Nahzat-e-Hambastagi Afghanistan party, Sayed Ishaq Gailani.

The efforts are also aimed at mediating a peace deal between the Taliban and government. The politicians have also asked the Taliban to clarify their fundamental demands. “If the Taliban want to conduct talks and table acceptable demands, these talks could produce an outcome,” said Anwarul Haq Ahadi, chairman of Afghanistan New National Front party. In reference to the peace negotiation talks, meanwhile some ex-Taliban commanders have said that the efforts for peace made by the Afghan government and the High Peace Council (HPC) have not been enough, suggesting more solid steps need to be taken to help broker talks with the insurgent group. “Until now all efforts carried out by the High Peace Council and government have not yielded any outcome,” said former Taliban minister Mullah Abdul Salam Raketi.

The National Unity Government meanwhile said it is unaware of these efforts to get the Taliban to the talks tables. “We support any move which is taken for peace, but these measures must be taken in harmony with government and the High Peace Council,” said Jawed Faisal, deputy spokesman for the CEO. Sharing a role in the political system, the complete withdrawal of foreign forces from Afghanistan and bringing about amendments to the Afghan Constitution have been the main demands of the Taliban in the past. However government has rejected these demands.[25]

Afghan Taliban react on Donald Trump’s election as US president – November 9, 2016

The Taliban militants group in Afghanistan issued a statement on Wednesday afternoon to react on Donald Trump’s election as the new US president. The group in its statement said “The US election appears to show the victory of the Republican presidential runner Donald Trump.”

The Taliban statement further added “Our message to him is that the US government policies should be made in a way that do not compromise with the freedom of the other nations and do not seek its interests in the killing and conviction of the others.” The statement further added that the adoption of such a policy will lead to universal peace and will put an end to the ongoing violence.

Taliban urged the newly elected US President to withdraw its forces from Afghanistan as it claimed victory in the ongoing war in Afghanistan, claiming that the US should not further harm its prestige, economy, forces and generals in the country.[26]

Taliban oppose scholars summit in Jeddah – November 10, 2016

The Taliban have expressed their opposition to a proposed international conference of Islamic scholars in Saudi Arabia about Afghanistan. The Afghan government has been requesting the Saudi government over the past several years to hold a conference of Islamic scholars to discuss the situation of Afghanistan. The Saudi government agreed to the proposal during a formal trip to the kingdom by Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Abdullah Abdullah.

The conference is expected to be held in Jeddah city where religious scholars from several Islamic countries will participate in the near future. However, the Taliban opposed the ulema international conference to discuss Afghanistan issues. A statement from a Taliban spokesman, Qari Yousuf Ahmadi received by Pajhwok Afghan News said Islamic scholars were responsible to address major issues Islamic countries faced. “The Afghanistan issue is not very complex one, but is one of major issues of the Muslim Ummah,” he said. The statement added Afghanistan was ruled by Islamic laws 15 years ago and every decision about any issue was based on Quranic and prophetic teachings.

However, a world’s alliance led by America announced its enmity against Taliban by launching a propaganda war and imposing sanctions in the first phase and then attacking them, the statement said. “This time, our enemies want to deceive our Ulema and the Islamic world by holding a conference in Jeddah city of Saudi Arabia or somewhere else,” the Taliban said. The Taliban advised Islamic scholars from all Islamic countries, particularly from Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries not to attend the conference.[27]

Update on the Afghan Refugees’ Crisis & IDPs

Nat Geo’s ‘Afghan girl’ opts for Afghanistan – November 9, 2016
Ghani met Sharbat Gula, handed over apartment key to welcome her home.

The Afghan woman Sharbat Gula who was detained in Pakistan for allegedly obtaining fraudulent national identity card has returned to Afghanistan after more than 30 years. The Afghan Ambassador to Pakistan Omar Zakhilwal confirmed that Gula arrived in Kabul on the morning of November 9.[28] She was received by President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani who also met her family members. The Office of the President, ARG Palace, said President Ghani handed over the key of an apartment to Gula as he called her a symbol of pain, oppression, and the hopes of Afghanistan and portraying the war-torn Afghanistan and refugees as she spent many years in refuge during the war times.[29]

500,000 People Displaced Due to Recent Violence: UN – November 9, 2016

A new UN report indicates that nearly half a million Afghans have been displaced in the past ten months due to the recent surge in violence. The report illustrates that the majority of those displaced are from war-hit regions such as Kunduz, Uruzgan and Helmand provinces. In addition many are dealing with food shortages. The United Nations Assistance Mission (UNAMA) has said that 56 percent of those displaced are children and teenagers, 23 percent are men and 22 percent women. The majority of those displaced belong to Kunduz, Uruzgan, Helmand and Faryab provinces, the report stated.

In recent months there has been an influx of refugees returning from Pakistan. It is believed that as many as 500,000 refugees have so far returned. In the meantime, government has been criticized over its inability to address the problems of these refugees. “Internally displaced families do not have good living conditions; half of them have not been given aid; government’s financial resources are also not enough to address the problems of the displaced families, (especially) before winter,” sociologist Hadi Meeran said.

The Ministry of Refugees and Repatriations has confirmed that only half of the internally displaced families have been given humanitarian assistance. “Since the start of the solar year (March) more than 450,000 people have been displaced in the country; the problem is that we do not have access to sufficient financial resources to meet the challenge,” said Hafiz Ahmad Miakhail, media advisor of the ministry of refugees and repatriations. Statistics show that currently the number of internally displaced persons across the nation is estimated to be over 1.2 million in total. [30]

International Engagements

Ghani congratulates Trump for his victory in US Presidential Election – November 9, 2016

Just hours after Donald Trump became the U.S president-elect on Wednesday, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani congratulated Trump on his win. Ghani said in a statement that the U.S “is an essential and important strategic partner to Afghanistan in development of the country and fighting terrorism.” “The government of Afghanistan hopes that in close cooperation with the new president of the United States, relations between the two countries expand further and develop in a way that is in the interest of the two countries and nations,” Ghani said. He also wished Trump further success in fulfilling his new responsibility.[31]

Abdullah congratulate Trump on victory, Americans on successful election – November 9, 2016

The Chief Executive Abdulah Abdullah also congratulated the Republic presidential nominee Donald Trump for his victory in the presidential election on Wednesday. “I would like to congratulate Donald Trump for becoming the 45th president of the United States of America,” Abdullah said, adding that “I also congratulate the people of the United States for the successful election and wish them all the best.” Abdullah further added that Afghanistan is looking forward to the expansion of mutual cooperation with the new US administration under Donald Trump. “I also extend best wishes to Hillary Clinton and her campaign. May we extend the cooperation further and build on the progress,” Abdullah added. The Afghan people have mixed reaction regarding the election of Trump as the new US president with majority of the people welcoming his election, considering his stance regarding the regional policy.[32]

US-Afghan relations to remain strong as Americans elect new leader – November 9, 2016

The presidential election in United States will not affect the policies of Washington in Afghanistan and the bilateral pacts available between the two countries. The US Ambassador to Afghanistan Michael McKinley made the remarks earlier on Wednesday as the US Embassy hosted several Afghan journalists as the American nation started voting for the next US President.

“Today I was asked many times what the impacts of these elections would be on US-Afghanistan relations and my answer is always the same, America’s long term commitment to our partnership with Afghanistan was renewed this year in Warsaw and Brussels. The US Afghan relationship will remain strong and and close because it is based not anyone election, leader or party on our common interests, our people to people ties, our shared values that so deeply rooted,” Ambassador McKinely said.[33]

Karzai hope Trump administration focus on main terrorism sanctuaries – November 10, 2016

The former Afghan President Hamid Karzai also congratulated the American nation for the election of Donald Trump as the new US President. Karzai issued a statement after Trump was declared the winner of the presidential election on Wednesday, saying “With respect to the will of the American people for bring political changes, the Afghan people hope that the approach of the country towards the Afghan people and fight against terrorism will change based on the realities and coordination with the demand of the Afghan people.”

The former Afghan president further added that the Afghan people expect that the fight against terrorism will concentrate on the sanctuaries of the terrorists and will lead to an end to the killing of the Afghan people. He said the main expectation of the Afghan people during the past several years has been the realization of a long-term peace. Expressing hopes that strict steps will be taken by the new US administration, Karzai wished Trump success and hoped that the American nation will achieve further welfare and happiness under his leadership. The statement by Karzai comes as the Afghan officials have long been demanding to eliminate the terrorism sanctuaries located outside the country.[34]

Afghanistan Must Secure Its Strategic Partnership With U.S: Politicians – November 10, 2016

Some Afghan politicians on Thursday said that Afghanistan should take the necessary steps to secure its strategic partnership with the United States. Referring to the significance of Afghan-US strategic ties and implications on regional politics, Mohammad Omar Daudzai, former minister of interior, said that neighboring countries are attempting to isolate Afghanistan. He suggested government should take the initiative to hold on to the nation’s allies. Daudzai also slammed the ongoing political rift between leaders of the national unity government, adding that the ongoing turmoil is damaging the morale of the Afghan security forces battling militants. Afghanistan was never a slave of Russia nor of Pakistan and it would not be a slave of the U.S, said Daudzai, but added that relations with the U.S was in the interests of the country.

“Partnership with America and NATO is in the interests of the people and the country. This is crucial for the survival of the country, but the enemy tries to harm this partnership, so that Afghanistan is left alone,” he said.[35]

Internal Politics & Governance

Ghani Renews Anti-Graft Strategy as Public Pressure Mounts – November 7, 2016

President Ashraf Ghani on November 7 asked owners of construction companies to take the lead in exposing the names of those involved in corruption within the sector. Owners of some construction companies are also involved in corruption, said Ghani. He called on these business people to cooperate with government to win the war against graft in the country. Referring to the tax returns by foreign firms operating out of rented houses in Afghanistan, Ghani said unfortunately many of these firms collaborate with the owners of these private homes to evade taxes.

Delivering the keynote speech at the 3rd Afghan National Urban Conference in Kabul on last Thursday, Ghani maintained that corruption in the procurement commission had been curbed, adding that the second phase of the war on corruption will soon start at ministries and certain government institutions. Currently, major construction projects are underway in the country. “There is no problem in the high level of government. Problems exist in the ministries, we want to enter a new phase of fighting corruption in the ministries after the procurement commission is cleared; officials from construction companies are also involved in corruption, so we need to stand against corruption, so let’s expose corrupt people,” said Ghani.[36]

‘Wrangling between govt leaders strengthens enemy’ – November 7, 2016

Political activists from southern Kandahar on Monday stressed increased efforts for peace and called differences between the unity government leaders as ‘worrying’.[37]

Afghanistan to hold first public corruption trial on Saturday – November 8, 2016

The first open trial of the perpetrators involved in major corruption cases will be organized in capital Kabul on November 12, the Government Media and Information Center (GMIC) informed on Tuesday. The Afghanistan Attorney General informed regarding the first open corruption trial, saying the first public corruption trial will be held to try the accused individuals involved in major criminal cases. Speaking during an anti-corruption conference in Kabul late last month, the Attorney General Farid Hamidi said the government has zero tolerance to corruption as he emphasized on effective efforts to counter corruption and disorder.

President Ghani pledged a strict anti-corruption measure shortly after he was elected as the new President of the country, calling the growing graft a major barrier to implement reforms and bring changes.[38]

Ghani received final list of nominees for membership of election commissions – November 10, 2016

President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani has received a final list of nominees to be elected as members of the election commissions.[39]

Body to ensure journalists’ security created in Samangan – November 9, 2016

A committee tasked with ensuring security for journalists and media outlets has been created in northern Samangan province, an official said on Wednesday.[40]

Economy & Development

Afghanistan’s First Privately Financed Power Plant Generates Promise – November 7, 2016

The Mazar Independent Power Plant (IPP), supported by IFC and private sector participants, makes news for all the right reasons. The 50-megawatt plant is expected to supply electricity to around 1 million Afghans and boost the country’s domestic power generation by 20 to 30 percent. The project will also result in the creation of almost 200 direct and many more indirect jobs. In addition, the Mazar IPP will be the first private power project to use domestically produced natural gas—a clean-burning and affordable fuel source with less than half the carbon emissions of coal. The plant is expected to pave the way for greater collaboration between the Afghan government and the private sector to develop key infrastructure. Start of operations in 2019 will mark the first time a power plant in Afghanistan is fully financed, designed, built, and operated by the private sector.[41]

Over 5.6 million children to be vaccinated against polio across Afghanistan – November 6, 2016

The Ministry of Public Health along with its partners UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO) announced on 6^th November to launch a polio vaccination campaign on Monday in all provinces of the Southern, Eastern and South-eastern regions as well as selected high-risk districts across the country, including Kabul city. The campaign aimed to reach over 5.6 million children until 11 November.[42]

Women in Afghanistan

Pakistani-born Australian woman abducted in Afghanistan – November 6, 2016

Unknown gunmen kidnapped a Pakistani-born female Australian employee of a non-governmental organisation in the Afghan capital, Kabul, on the night of 5th November, General Abdul Rahman Rahimi, the Kabul city police chief said. Rahimi added that she was with her driver while she was taken away by gunmen.[43]

Afghan woman killed by a relative in Balkh province of Afghanistan – November 7, 2016

At least four women were shot dead by a relative in northern Balkh province of Afghanistan amid a surge in violence against women across the country. The local security officials in Balkh said the man opened fire on the women in Balkh district late on Sunday night and managed to flee the area after killing 4 women and leaving two others including a man and a woman wounded.

This comes as numerous incidents involving murder of women have been reported during the recent months across the country. A young woman was set on fire by her husband in western Herat province of Afghanistan earlier last month. Earlier, the Taliban militants executed a 19-year-old girl in Sar-e-Pul province of Afghanistan while a 22-year-old woman was shot dead in July by her relatives on charges of having relations with an stranger over the telephone.

The Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission (AIHRC) in its report released late in November last year said “statistic of violence against women, obtained from the registered cases of violence against women during the first six months in 1394 exceeds 2579 cases.” The report further added that figure was reported 2403 cases during the six months in 1393 which shows 7.32 percent increase in 1394, the last solar year.[44]

19-year-old girl strangles herself to death in Faryab – November 7, 2016

Three insurgents were killed and four wounded during a clash with a pro-government militia in northern Faryab province where a 19-year-old girl hanged herself to death, officials said on Monday.[45]

Teenage girl commits suicide in Jawzjan – November 10, 2016

A 17-year-old girl has committed suicide in the Mangajak district of northern Jawzjan province, an official said on Wednesday.[46]

Afghan Women ‘Not Afraid of Flying’ – November 10, 2016

For many Afghan women, being a pilot would seem unreal, but for Sabira Rezaie, it is a dream coming true. The former pharmacy student at Kabul University, who is now a student pilot, said she has always wanted to be a pilot. Speaking to TOLOnews she said: “I want to serve my people, alongside other security forces, by flying in the sky.” She added: “I was interested in the air force, and so I joined the team.” Zohra Nabizada, another student pilot is an athlete and has won 20 medals in numerous races, both at home and out of the country. She also has her hopes pinned on becoming a pilot. “I do not fear flying and I want to become a pilot,” Zohra said.

Shamim Noori, who is also a student pilot said: “(Being a) pilot is an exceptional job and I want to become one.” Shams Barekzai, meanwhile is a fellow male student, who said: “I am proud that girls also undertake air force courses”. Safia Ferozi was trained at the Military Air Force University and is currently the only female pilot in the Afghan Air Force. She is married with two children and flies on a daily basis. “I got the job after passing many challenges. My first flight was to Shendand (in Herat province) and I was not afraid of flying,” she said.

She added: “I fly to all the provinces and carry weapons and food.” Meanwhile, officials from the Military Air Force University said the female students at the University are very active and have a bright future in the air force. “Safia Jan is the only female pilot and flies to provinces. Nilofar and Shima Jan are studying abroad. Women are needed in the air force,” said Abdullah Esazai, an air force officer. Currently 215 students are studying at the Afghanistan Military Air Force University of whom five students are female.[47]

This weekly is compiled by Sitwat Waqar Bokhari who is a Research Fellow at CRSS.

Sources:

[1] http://www.tolonews.com/en/afghanistan/28219-daesh-poses-serious-threat-to-national-security-ibrahimi

[2] http://www.pajhwok.com/en/subscription-required?redirect_from=468443

[3] http://www.khaama.com/afghan-taliban-react-on-donald-trumps-election-as-us-president-02244

[4] http://www.tolonews.com/en/afghanistan/28219-daesh-poses-serious-threat-to-national-security-ibrahimi

[5] http://www.khaama.com/explosion-rocks-kabul-city-casualties-feared-02226

[6] http://www.tolonews.com/en/afghanistan/28213-four-insurgents-killed-by-own-explosives-in-kunduz

[7] http://www.tolonews.com/en/afghanistan/28220-taliban-commander-who-joined-peace-returns-to-group

[8] http://www.tolonews.com/en/afghanistan/28207-unama-probes-claims-of-32-deaths-in-kunduz-air-strikes

[9] http://www.pajhwok.com/en/subscription-required?redirect_from=468492

[10] http://www.pajhwok.com/en/subscription-required?redirect_from=468483