Sources among Afghan migrants in Pakistan say that security forces in the country have detained Fatima Sadat, a women's rights activist, and Fahima Zahed, an Afghan journalist. The sources reported that the two human rights activists were arrested yesterday (Tuesday, February 25) by Pakistani security forces from their homes in Islamabad and were transferred to a migrant camp. The Afghan Women's Movement has also confirmed that Fatima Sadat, a member of this movement, and Fahima Zahed, an Afghan journalist, have been arrested by the Pakistani police. The Afghan Women's Movement stated that these two individuals are currently at risk of being deported from Pakistan. The arrest of these two women has raised significant concerns among Afghan migrants present in Pakistan. Human rights activists and international organizations have urged Pakistan to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms and to prevent the forced deportation of Afghan migrants. This action comes amid a wave of arrests and deportations of Afghan refugees in Pakistan. This trend has intensified in recent months and has sparked widespread reactions. Pakistan continues these actions despite international commitments prohibiting the forced return of individuals at risk. However, reports indicate that in recent weeks, hundreds of Afghan refugees have been returned to Afghanistan without going through legal procedures. Human rights activists and international organizations are calling for immediate action for the release of those detained and have urged the United Nations and the European Union to increase diplomatic pressure on Islamabad to prevent violations of the rights of Afghan refugees.

Richard Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights for Afghanistan, states that the world is facing a kind of regression regarding the status of women, but the deterioration of the situation for women and girls in Afghanistan is incomparable to any other country. Mr. Bennett made these remarks at the twelfth Herat Security Dialogue conference in Madrid, emphasizing that the situation of women and girls in Afghanistan must be an inseparable part of any negotiation and peace process in the country. He also referred to the request for an arrest warrant for the leader and chief justice of the interim government, stressing that the prosecutor's request from the International Criminal Court has given hope to Afghan women and girls. He added that the prosecutor's request has inspired women and girls, who are most affected by restrictions, to continue their fight for their rights. The UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights for Afghanistan stated: "For years, it has been said that words and condemnation are not enough; action must be taken against restrictions. He mentioned that the request for the arrest of current government leaders is finally a practical step in this direction." Richard Bennett indicated that if an arrest warrant is issued for the leader and chief justice of the interim government, it would complicate the relationship between countries worldwide and the recognition of this group, sending a message that this group is still far from being recognized. Mr. Bennett asserted that the world must hold human rights violators accountable. He stated that this accountability should not only cover the past four years but also include human rights violations over the past four decades in Afghanistan. He noted that countless human rights violations have occurred in Afghanistan over the last forty years, yet no one has been held accountable for these incidents. It is worth mentioning that the twelfth round of the Herat Security Dialogue, held annually by the Afghanistan Institute for Strategic Studies, commenced on (Monday, February 25) in Madrid, Spain. At this conference, a group of experts, former Afghan government officials, human rights activists, and politicians have gathered to discuss the security outlook for Afghanistan and the future of the country. Additionally, some diplomats from the United States and politicians from regional countries are present at the Herat Security Dialogue.

The Sunday Times of Britain has reported that the children of Peter and Barbie Reynolds, a couple from the UK, have sent a letter to the caretaker government of Afghanistan requesting their release from prison. According to the newspaper, Peter and Barbie Reynolds were arrested by local authorities on February 1 this year after returning to their home in Bamiyan province on a private plane, along with a Chinese-American friend. Local sources at the time told the Goher Shad media outlet that the caretaker government forces detained these three foreign citizens along with their Bamiyan translator and driver at the "Zarin" airport in the Yakawlang district of Bamiyan. The source emphasized that these three foreign citizens had flown from Kabul to Bamiyan on a private plane from "Paktik" airline, and their driver and translator were waiting for them at the "Zarin" airport. According to the source, Peter and Barbie Reynolds also hold Afghan identification cards and passports, which indicate Peter's place of birth as Sri Lanka and Barbie's as Singapore. Local officials have not yet officially commented on the arrest of these individuals, but a local official has confirmed their detention to BBC World Service. The Sunday Times also reported that this British couple met while studying at the University of Bath and got married in Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, in 1970. The report states that they decided to stay in Afghanistan during the past 18 years while working on educational projects, even after the current government's takeover. It further mentions that the detained individuals were implementing five educational projects in schools in Kabul and one educational project for mothers and children in Bamiyan, which apparently had the approval of current government officials. Their daughter, Entwistle, told the Sunday Times that after the current government's takeover, her parents expressed that they could not abandon Afghan citizens in their most difficult times. Entwistle stated that their parents' arrest due to their work in educating mothers and children is unacceptable to them. According to the Sunday Times report, the couple's children wrote in their letter to the current government: "We do not understand the reasons for their arrest. They have expressed their trust in you and expect to be treated well as citizens of Afghanistan." They added: "We understand that in some cases, prisoner exchanges have been beneficial for your government and Western countries. However, our parents have always expressed their commitment to Afghanistan and have said they would prefer to sacrifice their lives rather than become part of negotiations for ransom or be exchanged." Since regaining control over Afghanistan, the current government has detained and imprisoned several foreign citizens after their travels to the country.

Relief Web has announced that due to the suspension of foreign aid from the United States, the activities of 320 health centers in Afghanistan have been halted or closed, impacting 2.4 million people in need. In a report based on data from the Afghanistan Health Cluster, the organization stated that following the cessation of U.S. aid to Afghanistan, approximately 320 health centers in 31 provinces have been closed, leaving those who relied on these facilities without access to healthcare services. The report noted that only 29 health centers in the central provinces of Kabul, Logar, Parwan, Kapisa, and Maidan Wardak have been closed, with the highest number of closures occurring in Logar province. Relief Web emphasized that the closed health centers were supported by 13 non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and with the halt of foreign aid, these organizations suspended their activities, leading to the closure of these health facilities. It is worth mentioning that most government hospitals and clinics in Afghanistan are funded by several countries and international organizations, including the World Health Organization. However, following the cut in foreign aid by the United States, services in many government hospitals and clinics have also been restricted. OCHA, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, stated in its latest report that the U.S. has been the largest donor in the health sector of Afghanistan, providing 43.9% of total humanitarian assistance to the country. According to OCHA's report, it was expected that the United States would provide $234 million in humanitarian aid to Afghanistan in 2025, but this expectation has now vanished. The Afghanistan Health Cluster provides health services and consultations through various institutions and NGOs under the World Health Organization framework. With the U.S. withdrawal from the World Health Organization, all NGOs receiving assistance from the U.S., including this cluster, have either ceased operations or suspended their activities.

Health officials from Ghor province report that over the past eleven months, more than 450 children have been diagnosed with measles in this province, two of whom have died. Mohammad Musa Alfat, a pediatric specialist at the central hospital of Ghor province, stated that the intensive care unit of this hospital is filled with children who have recently been brought in for treatment due to the outbreak of measles from various areas. Mr. Alfat emphasized that the lack of vaccination against measles, the influx of floods, and families' lack of awareness about this disease are among the main reasons for the infection of children with measles. He added, "Compared to two years ago, the incidence of measles in Ghor has increased; unvaccinated children, poor hygiene practices, and the use of unsafe water are contributing factors to the spread of measles." Some families of these children report that their children first contracted pneumonia and then developed measles. Mohammad Dawood, a resident of Ghor's capital, mentioned that his child contracted measles about seven days ago. He said, "We went to the hospital from the village; my child had pneumonia and then developed measles; he is still hospitalized now." Officials in the pediatric department of the Ghor provincial hospital stated that since the beginning of this solar year until now, more than 450 children have contracted this disease, with two children having died. Additionally, Hesamuddin Hami, deputy head of the public health department in Ghor, clarified that measles is spreading more in the districts of Murghab, Taywara, and parts surrounding the city of Firozkoh, the provincial capital. The deputy head of the public health department stated: "The services we have against measles are the measles vaccine, which is available in all health centers. Residents of Ghor can vaccinate their children to protect them from contracting measles in the future. The national vaccination campaign is conducted every three years." It should be noted that measles is a common contagious disease among children. High fever, loss of appetite, cough, and skin rashes are symptoms of this disease.

Reuters has reported that following the cessation of U.S. financial aid to Afghanistan, the process of transferring Afghan citizens for resettlement in the United States has been completely "halted," and even the centers established under this process are being "closed." The news agency reported that an official from the U.S. State Department, who oversees the resettlement process for Afghans in the United States, along with two other sources, stated that this process will be closed by April 2025; a development that could potentially deprive 200,000 Afghan citizens of starting a new life in the U.S. The report mentioned that this process includes family members of Afghan-American military personnel, children who were allowed to join their parents, relatives of Afghans who had previously been accepted in the U.S., and tens of thousands of other Afghans who served the U.S. government during the 20-year war in Afghanistan. Shawn VanDeWalle, a U.S. veteran and founder of "Afghan Evac," which coordinates the resettlement of Afghans with the U.S. government, described the decision to completely halt this process as a "national disgrace, a betrayal of Afghan allies, and veterans who fought at America’s request." The Office of Coordination for Afghan Resettlement was established in August 2021 with the aim of transferring Afghans whose lives were at risk following the return of the current regime in Afghanistan. This process became permanent in October 2022 and has so far assisted in the resettlement of 118,000 Afghans. According to reports, the halt of the resettlement process for Afghans to the U.S. also includes closing the Afghan resettlement center in Qatar, where nearly three thousand Afghans have been stranded for weeks or months as they await resettlement in the U.S. as refugees or with special immigration visas. Among these Afghans in Qatar are over 20 unaccompanied minors who wish to join their families. Reuters has reported that the plan to completely close the Afghan resettlement process is now being sent for signature and implementation to Marco Rubio, the U.S. Secretary of State. The report stated that Mr. Rubio, along with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, and Michael Waltz, a former special forces soldier who fought in Afghanistan, will make the final decision on this matter. It is worth noting that over the past three years, the U.S. has utilized countries such as Pakistan, the UAE, Qatar, the Philippines, Kosovo, and Albania as transit centers for migrants from Afghanistan.

The Ministry of Education of the caretaker government has recently announced in a statement that Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada, the leader of the current government, has issued a directive regarding a 9-article dress code for students in public and private schools. In a copy of this directive obtained by the media outlet Goharshad, it is stated that wearing excessively short or long, tight, clingy, or thin clothing is prohibited. The directive emphasizes that tying a turban is mandatory for students. Furthermore, it specifies that the dress code for students in public schools consists of a shirt and pants with a long skirt that extends below the knees, and the color of the clothing for students from grade one to grade nine is sky blue, while for grades ten to twelve, it is white. The color of the turban or hat is also designated as white. Additionally, part of the directive states that the dress code for school guards consists of a shirt and pants in a light brown color, with black boots, and they should wear an armband on their left arm in the colors of the education flag with the word "Guard" written on it, along with a white belt. The Ministry of Education has emphasized that this directive has been approved and published to establish order in educational institutions, strengthen the spirit of education and obedience among students, create a sense of unity among students, distinguish students from others, and promote Islamic dress culture. Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada has stated in this directive that the dress code for students in private schools will be determined by the relevant educational authority. The directive also outlines the dress code for teachers as a shirt and pants along with a turban or hat, and for religious school instructors, it specifies appropriate attire consisting of a shirt, pants, and turban suitable for religious scholars. It further warns that students are required to maintain the cleanliness of their clothing, and in case of non-compliance with this order, they will be required to sign a commitment not to repeat the offense. Since regaining power, the current government has not only approved the dress code for students in public and private schools but has also changed the educational curriculum in Afghanistan. The Ministry of Education reported at the beginning of the last solar year that the process of changing the educational curriculum for elementary schools had been completed.

The embassy of the interim government in Islamabad has announced that Pakistani officials have stated that the government of this country has decided to immediately expel all Afghan migrants, including holders of "ASIC" and "POR" cards, from the cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi and soon from all over Pakistan. In a statement released today (Wednesday, February 19), the embassy said: "Officials from the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that the plan to expel all Afghan migrants from Islamabad and Rawalpindi, as well as from all over Pakistan in the near future, is definitive and final." The statement noted that the officials of this embassy expressed their serious concerns about the expulsion of all migrants in such a short period and Pakistan's unilateral decision during meetings with Pakistani officials and international organizations. The embassy emphasized: "This matter has also been shared with Kabul to conduct necessary discussions regarding the dignified return of compatriots and the existing challenges in this regard." At least two sources among migrants in Islamabad have told the media outlet Gowharshad that currently, arrests and house searches for the expulsion of Afghan citizens from the cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi are ongoing. The Embassy of Afghanistan in Islamabad has also stated that this process has begun unannounced, and United Nations agencies are not aware of it. The statement quoted Pakistani officials as saying that this is an official decision of the Pakistani government, and from now on, only Afghans with legal visas will be allowed to reside in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Recently, the Commission for Afghan Refugees in Pakistan (CCAR) announced that 2.9 million Afghan citizens are present in Pakistan, of which 1.4 million are registered and 0.7 million are unregistered. Previously, Pakistani media reported that 1.45 million Afghan migrants in Pakistan hold POR cards, which will be valid until June 30, 2025. The "POR" card is a vital identity document issued to registered Afghan refugees. In addition to this card, another 800,000 individuals hold "Afghan Citizenship" identification cards. Since late 2023, Pakistan has begun expelling Afghan migrants.

The third branch of the "Afghan Women's Restaurant" was inaugurated in Kabul by a female entrepreneur's investment and management. Samira Mohammadi, the founder of the "Afghan Women's Restaurant," stated in an interview with the Gowharshad media that this branch was launched on (Monday, February 17) with the presence of several women entrepreneurs in the fourth district of Kabul. Ms. Mohammadi mentioned that the aim of establishing this restaurant is to create job opportunities for women and girls, and she announced plans to continue expanding the "Afghan Women's Restaurant" across Kabul and other provinces of the country. She emphasized, "In the three branches of the 'Afghan Women's Restaurant' in Kabul, about 50 women and 30 men are employed, and we also want to increase the number of employees in these three branches." She added that her previous restaurants were exclusively for women, but the third branch has been designed with two separate halls for women and men to create a safe and comfortable environment for customers, especially families. The founder of the "Afghan Women's Restaurant" mentioned that in addition to preparing 22 types of local and international dishes, a mobile kitchen for women has also been established at the third branch of the "Afghan Women's Restaurant." Samira Mohammadi further emphasized that about four years ago, she started her business with an investment of six to seven thousand Afghanis using "the cooking utensils from her own home." Ms. Mohammadi stated that by selling her gold and jewelry, she invested around 2 million Afghanis to establish her restaurant branches throughout Kabul. However, she aspires to open branches of this restaurant across Afghanistan in collaboration with investing women to provide job opportunities for more women and girls. She urged women and girls not to stop and to always strive to achieve their goals. She also expressed gratitude for the support from the people and the current government. Additionally, Madina Sadat, one of the participants at the opening of the third branch of this restaurant, said that creating spaces and centers managed by women can help uplift the spirits of others. Ms. Sadat emphasized, "We should strive like Samira Mohammadi to solve the problems of our families, ourselves, and our communities." She urged women and girls who have been confined due to restrictions not to sit idle and to seek new opportunities with their efforts and determination. It is worth noting that the current government has imposed numerous restrictions on education, study, and employment for women and girls in Afghanistan over the past three and a half years. Despite this, many working women have taken the initiative to establish restaurants and cafes specifically for women in several cities across the country after being banned from working in government institutions and offices.