Donald Trump
Ariana: The tariffs, he said, were a response. The base tariff of 10 percent on almost all US imports will be imposed by April 5, the additional reciprocal tariffs on countries will kick in on April 9. Abdul Qasim Amarkhel, head of the Dried Fruit Exporters’ Union, says: “The 10% tariff is cruel and illegal. This country is not China or Europe, but Afghanistan. Afghanistan’s exports to the US are mainly carpets and dried fruits. Click here to read more (external link).
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Sirajuddin Haqqani
Amu: Nineteen days after reappearing publicly at a mosque in Khost following a 52-day absence, Sirajuddin Haqqani, the acting interior minister of the Taliban, has yet to be seen at the ministry or participate in official events, raising fresh questions about his status and role within the Taliban hierarchy. No photographs or statements have emerged to indicate that Haqqani has resumed his official duties, and unlike previous years, he did not appear in traditional Eid al-Fitr gatherings or release any public holiday messages. A source close to Haqqani told Amu that the senior Taliban figure has “restricted his movements” due to what were described as “security threats and concerns.” Click here to read more (external link).
Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada
8am: In his address, Akhundzada said poverty is part of divine destiny and the poor should not complain about their condition. He claimed that God knew from eternity that the poor are patient, which is why they were created as such. The Taliban Supreme Leader urged the poor to be content and not blame others for their economic struggles, stating: “Since God created the poor, it has been known to Him from eternity that these individuals are patient. Those who are patient say, ‘God has decided that I should be poor, and I am content with this decision.’” Click here to read more (external link).
Afghanistan International: Iran and the Taliban plan to establish consulates in Farah and Birjand to boost trade and economic ties, according to Mohammad Reza Hashemi, Governor of South Khorasan, as reported by IRNA. Hashemi stated that these consulates could pave the way for enhanced cooperation across various sectors. He noted that, under directives from Iran’s President and Interior Ministry, border provinces have been granted greater authority to strengthen economic relations with neighbouring countries, particularly Afghanistan under Taliban control. Click here to read more (external link).
Khaama: Pakistan has started deporting Afghan migrants after the March 31 deadline, with no extension granted for voluntary departure. The Pakistani government has begun deporting Afghans living in the country without legal documents, starting today, Tuesday, April 1st, after the deadline for voluntary departure expired. Pakistani media reports that after the expiration of this deadline, the process of deporting Afghan migrants has formally begun. Despite widespread concerns, international organizations and human rights groups had urged the government to extend this deadline. Click here to read more (external link).
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Rubio
Ariana: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Monday that the United States government will not rest until all Americans detained in Afghanistan are brought home. “The United States is pleased to welcome home Faye Hall. President of the United States’ commitment to the American people is clear — we will not rest until all Americans detained in Afghanistan, and held hostage around the world, are brought home,” Rubio wrote on X. Click here to read more (external link).
Afghanistan International: Despite the Taliban’s recent efforts to improve ties with Washington, the US State Department has publicly described the group as part of a terrorist network supported by the Islamic Republic of Iran. This marks the first time the US has publicly included the Taliban in its list of Iran-backed proxy groups operating across the region. Click here to read more (external link).
Amu: Elon Musk, a senior advisor to President Donald Trump, has accused the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP) of funding the Taliban and Iraqi political figures, while also alleging the deletion of a terabyte of financial data in an attempt to conceal the activity. Musk, who currently leads the Department of Government Efficiency, claimed the U.S. government deleted critical financial records to obscure illicit funding channels. Speaking at a press briefing on Monday, he said his team recovered the data despite the alleged effort to erase it. Click here to read more (external link).
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