8am: Recent Pakistani airstrikes in parts of Nangarhar and Paktika provinces have once again raised a fundamental question: when a state conducts operations across the border under the banner of “counterterrorism,” yet the result is the killing of women and children and the destruction of civilian homes, how should this situation be assessed under international law? Politically, these events continue the dangerous cycle of “attack, retaliation, attack” between Pakistan and the Taliban as Afghanistan’s de facto authorities. Legally, however, the matter extends beyond an international armed conflict. Targeting civilians or civilian objects, if it violates core principles of humanitarian law, may give rise to the question of war crimes. Click here to read more (external link).
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Afghanistan International: Richard Bennett, the United Nations special rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan, said in a new report that women’s and girls’ access to healthcare has been severely restricted since the Taliban returned to power. The report says bans on women’s education and employment, as well as restrictions on freedom of movement, have deepened the health crisis facing women. 
Amu: Clashes have broken out between Taliban forces and Pakistani troops in several border districts of eastern Nangarhar province, local sources said. Residents said fighting occurred in the districts of Torkham, Nazyan and Achin, areas along the frontier with Pakistan. The exchanges in Nazyan and Achin involved both light and heavy weapons, the sources said. 
Amu: Afghanistan will host Sri Lanka in a white-ball series in the United Arab Emirates beginning March 13, the Afghanistan Cricket Board announced. The series will open with three Twenty20 internationals in Sharjah starting March 13, followed by a three-match One Day International series in Dubai beginning March 20. The two teams last met in a bilateral series in early 2024, when Afghanistan toured Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka swept the ODI series 3–0 and won the T20 series 2–1. 
Khaama: Over the past week, 20 Afghan citizens were detained in Islamabad following eight police inspection operations, according to The Nation on Monday, Febraury 23. Officials confirmed that additional measures targeting Afghan migrants are planned as part of a broader crackdown. In recent weeks, Pakistan has significantly increased arrests and deportations of Afghan nationals. Authorities have also refused visa extensions for Afghan citizens, raising concerns about access to legal residency and basic protections. Police have been accused of extracting payments from detained migrants, pointing to systemic abuse and corruption in enforcement practices. These incidents have drawn criticism from human rights advocates monitoring migrant treatment in Pakistan.