Taliban Minister’s Remarks On Non-Muslims Spark Concern Among Afghan Sikhs & Hindus

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M K Hanafi

Afghanistan International: A representative of the Afghan Sikh and Hindu diaspora in the United Kingdom has expressed deep concern over recent remarks made by Khalid Hanafi, the Taliban’s Minister for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice, labelling them as offensive and inflammatory. Harbans Singh, speaking to Afghanistan International, condemned the minister’s statements, made just days before the Sikh and Hindu festival of Vaisakhi. Hanafi reportedly claimed that non-Muslims, including Hindus and Sikhs, are “worse than animals,” a comment that has drawn sharp criticism from religious minorities. Click here to read more (external link).

US denies reports of Military Presence at Bagram Airbase

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Khaama: The U.S. has denied reports of military presence at Bagram Air Base, rejecting claims of aircraft landing there. In a recent report, the United States Department of Defense (Pentagon) has firmly denied rumors about a U.S. military plane landing at Bagram Airbase in Parwan province. A Pentagon official, who wished to remain anonymous, told AFP that the U.S. does not have any military presence at Bagram, dismissing these reports as baseless. Click here to read more (external link).

Retirees Urge Taliban To Pay Pensions Instead Of Funding Pakistani Madrasas

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Afghanistan International: A large group of retired government employees gathered outside the pension office in Kabul on Saturday, once again demanding that the Taliban pay their long-overdue pensions. One protester criticised the group’s financial priorities, urging the Taliban to stop allocating millions of dollars to religious seminaries in Pakistan and instead focus on fulfilling their domestic obligations. Click here to read more (external link).

Pakistan’s Deportation Drive Sees Mass Exodus Of Afghans Ahead Of Deadline

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By RFE/RL’s Radio Mashaal
April 10, 2025

Thousands of Afghan refugees in Pakistan have left via the Torkham border crossing as part of Islamabad’s large-scale deportation campaign.

The government initially set a March 31 deadline for Afghan nationals to leave voluntarily, but the deadline was extended to April 10. Still, thousands have been forcibly removed since the beginning of the month.

The stepped-up deportation campaign comes as Pakistani authorities charge that “illegal immigrants” pose security concerns and economic challenges.

The Pakistani government has frequently linked Afghan nationals to militant violence and criminal activity — claims the Taliban-led administration in Kabul firmly denies.

The deportation campaign has sparked strong criticism as authorities move forward with the controversial policy.

Human rights organizations warn that those forced to return to Taliban-ruled Afghanistan may face serious dangers including persecution, violence, and extreme economic hardship. Particularly at risk are vulnerable groups such as women, journalists, human rights advocates, and former government employees.

Pakistan’s deportation drive targets Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) holders, undocumented migrants, and those who arrived after the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan.

There are roughly 800,000 ACC holders and 1.4 million Afghans with Proof of Registration (POR) cards issued by the UN refugee agency. While POR holders are currently exempt from deportation — at least until their permits expire in June — ACC holders lack such protection. Their temporary residency in Pakistan is subject to the federal government’s discretion, with no assurance of extension beyond official deadlines.

This policy creates complications, as members of the same family may have different legal statuses.

Many of those being forced to leave have never lived in Afghanistan and see Pakistan as their only home.

Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave NW, Ste 400, Washington DC 20036.

Related

Taliban expand ban on filming living beings to more provinces

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Amu: The Taliban have expanded their ban on capturing and broadcasting images of living beings to the provinces of Zabul and Parwan, according to the Afghanistan Journalists’ Center (AFJC). Sources also confirmed that similar instructions were recently issued in Badakhshan and Jawzjan, where Taliban departments for the promotion of virtue ordered a complete halt to filming and photography under the group’s so-called Promotion of Virtue Law. Click here to read more (external link).

Life under Taliban rule 

Haqqani Met Taliban Leader Akhundzada in Kandahar After Mediation, Sources Say

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Afghanistan International: According to the sources, Haqqani’s attendance at the meeting was made possible through the mediation of Defence Minister Mohammad Yaqub Mujahid and Taliban intelligence chief Abdulhaq Wasiq. The Taliban leader reportedly rejected a proposal from Haqqani to establish a new appointments commission. Click here to read more (external link).