Qatar-mediated ceasefire pauses Afghanistan–Pakistan fighting

A magnitude 6.0 earthquake struck Kunar, Nangarhar and Laghman. A later UN-led assessment documented widespread damage and barriers to aid for women and girls.

Taliban authorities barred Afghan women, including UN employees, contractors and visitors, from UN premises nationwide. The UN warned the restriction threatened humanitarian work.

The ICC issued warrants for education minister Habibullah Agha and higher-education minister Neda Mohammad Nadim, alleging gender persecution as a crime against humanity. Warrants are not convictions.

Reports described Taliban rules removing women-authored books and courses on human rights and sexual harassment from universities. The rules were issued in late August.

Internet and mobile service were cut nationwide on 29 September after provincial fiber-optic restrictions. UNAMA warned of harm to the economy and humanitarian operations.

UNAMA warned involuntary returnees faced human rights risks, especially women, former officials, civil society members and media workers. Large-scale returns strained communities and services.

UNAMA reported civilian casualties from Pakistani airstrikes on 21–22 February, including a strike on a madrassa in Barmal district, amid escalating cross-border hostilities.

UNHCR estimated 2.9 million Afghan returns in 2025, many under adverse conditions. Limited housing, work and services deepened the humanitarian strain on returnees.

UNAMA reported 146 civilian casualties—42 killed and 104 injured—from 26 February to 2 March amid clashes and airstrikes, with eastern border communities especially exposed.

An airstrike hit Kabul’s Omid Drug Rehabilitation Hospital. UNAMA later reported at least 269 killed and 122 injured, mostly patients; Pakistan said it targeted terrorist and military infrastructure.