AGP Executive Report

Eid travel surge: Afghanistan saw nearly 4 million people travel domestically during the four-day Eid al-Adha holiday, with many heading to cooler mountain areas; officials urged visitors to protect sites, follow local customs, and keep places clean. Tourism numbers (Bamyan): Bamyan province reported 300,000 tourists during Eid, including 141,000 at Band-e Amir National Park, but visitors complained about poor access roads and rising litter. Foreign arrivals (Kabul/NSIA): Afghanistan recorded 5,756 foreign nationals entering and leaving in two months (Mar 21–May 21), with the biggest arrivals via Nimroz and Herat crossings. Kabul city life: Residents say Kabul’s urban norms are slipping, pointing to issues like livestock in city areas, noise, and environmental harm as people move in from provinces. Transit & travel rules: Germany removed the need for Indian airport transit visas for non-Schengen connections, easing routes via Frankfurt and Munich. International travel safety (UK): The UK updated its “do not travel” guidance, leaving Afghanistan on the list due to a “volatile” security situation. Regional diplomacy: A Termez Dialogue in Tashkent (June 4–6) will focus on Afghanistan engagement and improving transit and trade links.

Passport & Border Friction: A new study highlights how tourists with weak passports face costly visa hurdles and extra scrutiny at airport borders, leaving lasting emotional impact. Afghanistan–Russia Travel Push: Russia’s business chief proposes visa-free travel between Afghanistan and Russia to boost trade, transit, and tourism, citing recent diplomatic and military-technical cooperation. Regional Talks for Connectivity: Uzbekistan’s Termez Dialogue (June 4–6) in Tashkent will focus on expanding engagement with Afghanistan and improving transport and logistics links across the region. Eid Waste in Kabul: Residents complain Kabul’s Eid al-Adha slaughter waste—hides and entrails dumped in ditches—has not been cleaned, creating severe stench and health worries. Safety on the Move: Italy arrests two Pakistani suspects after a minivan fire in Calabria killed four migrant farmworkers (including three Afghans); CCTV reportedly shows people blocking exits and pouring liquid. Humanitarian Leadership: Carl Skau becomes acting executive director of the UN World Food Programme, with Afghanistan among the countries he has recently visited amid worsening hunger needs. EU Policy Pressure: Over 80 Afghan and international rights groups urge the EU not to host Taliban representatives in Brussels, warning it could normalize Taliban rule amid deportation talks.

Tourism & Travel Demand: Kapisa saw a major Eid al-Adha travel surge, with the province’s Information and Culture department saying more than 100,000 visitors came for spots like Nijrab waterfalls, Tagab green valleys, Sayad Recreational Park, Reg-e-Rawan and Alasay. Border & Mobility: A Russian business official in Afghanistan proposed visa-free travel between Russia and Afghanistan, arguing it would boost trade and tourism. Humanitarian Leadership: Carl Skau has taken over as acting executive director of the UN World Food Programme, with WFP warning acute hunger is rising and resources are falling short—he previously traveled to Afghanistan as part of his WFP work. Policy Pressure on Travel: More than 80 Afghan and international rights groups urged the EU not to host Taliban representatives in Brussels, warning engagement could normalize Taliban rule—an issue that directly affects travel, visas and migrant return talks. Security & Travel Risks: Uzbekistan intercepted a heroin transit attempt from Afghanistan to Russia hidden in dried apricots, underscoring how illicit routes can disrupt regional travel and logistics.

Tourism & Eid Travel: Kapisa welcomed 100,000+ tourists during Eid al-Adha, with visitors heading to Nijrab waterfalls, Tagab valleys, Sayad Recreational Park, Reg-e-Rawan, and Alasay, as locals praised the province’s scenery and security. Road Safety: Badakhshan residents say traffic crashes are rising, blaming poor roads, weak driver training, and lax enforcement; they cite dozens of deaths and injuries monthly. Border & Repatriation: Afghan repatriation from Pakistan resumed after Eid, with 82,500+ returns reported in the latest phase via Torkham, while crossing closures are disrupting trade and transport. Travel Security for Visitors: The U.S. Embassy warned Americans at Kabul airport gates (Abbey, East, North) to leave immediately due to security threats, citing ISIS-K targeting crowds near the airport. Women’s Access to Education: A new report highlights how Taliban restrictions shut universities to women, leaving most Afghan female academics unable to return to work or leave the country.

Airport Security: The U.S. Embassy in Kabul told Americans to leave Hamid Karzai International Airport immediately at the Abbey, East and North gates, warning of an ISIS-K threat targeting crowds and security forces. Pilgrimage Travel: Afghanistan’s Ministry of Hajj says the return of Afghan pilgrims from Saudi Arabia has started, with the first Kam Air flight bringing 346 pilgrims from Nangarhar to Kabul, and all 30,000 expected back via 97 flights over 30 days. Road Safety: Taliban officials report Eid al-Adha traffic incidents in Ghazni killed 3 and injured 34, mostly on the Kabul–Kandahar highway. Tourist Safety Warning: In Panjshir, at least 17 people drowned in the past year, many domestic tourists, as Taliban police urge visitors to avoid strong currents and high-water sections. Exiled Sports: England’s ECB says the Afghanistan women’s refugee cricket team will tour the UK in June for T20 matches and related events. Border/Returnees: Reports say Afghan returns resumed amid the Torkham border crisis, with repatriation continuing despite prolonged closure impacts on trade and transport.

Road Safety & Eid Travel: Taliban police in Ghazni report 34 traffic incidents during Eid al-Adha leave 3 dead and 34 injured, with most crashes on the Kabul–Kandahar highway near Andar. Returnee Travel Tragedies: Multiple deadly crashes hit families traveling back from Pakistan—Laghman saw a truck accident killing 18 (including 10 children) with 29 wounded, while another report says a Jalalabad–Kabul route crash killed 20 (including 12 children) and injured 33. Diplomatic Condolences: Saudi and UAE embassies/officials sent condolences over the Laghman deaths, underscoring how often holiday travel turns tragic. Tourism Watch: Polish tourists say they’ve found Afghanistan’s natural beauty, security, and hospitality strong enough to bicycle across provinces, but they want easier travel permissions and better visitor facilities. Security & Daily Life: Kabul residents report rising burglaries and thefts, using improvised glass-shard security and reinforcing windows as patrols and cameras haven’t stopped the problem. Human Rights & Travel Risks: Norway-based activists protested Taliban recognition of child marriage, warning it threatens girls’ futures—an issue that also shapes how families plan safe travel and schooling. Tourist Safety Incident: In Nuristan, a tourist shooting incident in a recreational area left one local man dead; authorities detained suspects and urged visitors to follow rules.

Security & Travel Disruption: The Taliban announced a warm-weather “spring offensive” dubbed “Operation Omari,” warning of “large-scale attacks” while claiming it will avoid civilian harm and promise “good governance” in areas it controls. Tourism Spotlight: Polish tourists in Maidan Wardak praised Afghanistan’s natural beauty, security, and hospitality, but urged better visitor facilities and said a permission letter required from Kabul slows travel between provinces. Eid Travel Safety: Afghanistan’s Interior Ministry said Eid al-Adha passed without security incidents, with Kabul residents reporting heavy patrols and a calm holiday. Road Safety Crisis: A truck crash in Laghman killed at least 18 people (including 10 children) and injured 29 as families returned from Pakistan; separate reports put the toll as high as 22. Tourist Incident: In Nuristan’s Paron, a tourist shooting in a recreational area left one local resident dead; authorities detained suspects and urged tourists to follow security rules. Women & Travel Context: A Dutch policy shift says women and girls from Afghanistan will often qualify for asylum residence permits, citing worsening restrictions under Taliban rule.

Road Safety & Return Travel: A truck carrying Afghan families returning from Pakistan overturned on the Kabul–Jalalabad highway in Laghman province, killing 18 people including 10 children and leaving 29 injured; officials said the crash happened near Surkhakan/Qarghayi and that many returnees are traveling long distances in overloaded vehicles after crackdowns in Pakistan. Tourism Disruption: Four tourists went missing after their car plunged into a river in Nuristan during Eid al-Adha holiday travel; the driver was pulled out and taken to hospital while search teams work to recover the missing. Eid Travel Context: The fatalities were reported at the end of Eid al-Adha, when more families and visitors move around for short trips and visits—yet road conditions and weak enforcement keep crashes a major risk. Regional Visitor Economy: An Afghan delegation joined Uzbekistan’s Namangan Flower Festival, aiming to showcase Afghan products and strengthen trade links that can also support future tourism flows. Health & Supplies for Travelers: In Kandahar, residents report medicine shortages and higher prices after Pakistan import and transit restrictions, pushing some traders toward unofficial routes—an issue that can affect travelers’ access to basic care.

Eid Travel & Health: In Kandahar, residents say a halt in imports from Pakistan—linked to the Taliban’s ban on importing Pakistani medicines—has sharply worsened medicine shortages, with prices reportedly jumping and drug quality declining; pharmacists cite missing common medicines (fever, infections, diabetes, blood pressure, children’s antibiotics, insulin, IV fluids, asthma inhalers, heart meds) and warn many traders now rely on unofficial smuggling routes. Visa Reality Check: A passport access snapshot shows Afghan citizens can enter just 23 countries visa-free, underscoring how travel is often blocked by paperwork long before anyone reaches a border. Afghan Adventure Inspiration: Everest climber Zakia Ahmad (“River”) became the first Afghan woman to reach the summit, a milestone that many Afghans see as hope for women’s participation in sport despite Taliban restrictions. Security & Routes: Russia has agreed to provide modern air-defence systems and wider military support to Afghanistan under the Taliban administration, a sign that regional security cooperation may shape how travel and movement risks are managed.

Eid travel & city services: Kabul Municipality says it has placed 95 additional waste bins across 22 districts for Eid al-Adha, asking residents to use designated spots to reduce smell and disease risk. Border & logistics for travelers: Russia has agreed to expand military support to Afghanistan under the Taliban, including air defence systems and training—an update that may affect regional security planning for anyone moving through the area. Cross-border trade: Uzbekistan’s private sector signed trade deals with Afghanistan worth over $5 billion in the past eight months, spanning fruits, stones, coal, cement, carpets, cotton, food and pharmaceuticals—good news for supply chains that underpin travel and tourism services. Adventure inspiration: Afghan climber Zakia Ahmad (“River”) reached the Everest summit, a rare spotlight on Afghan women’s outdoor dreams despite restrictions. Passport reality check: A new index highlights how Afghan citizens can enter only 23 countries visa-free, a reminder that travel access remains a major hurdle.

Eid Travel & City Cleanliness: Kabul Municipality says it has placed 95 additional waste bins across 22 districts to manage Eid al-Adha sacrificial waste, urging residents to use designated spots and warning that improper disposal can spread disease. Refugee & Community Life: A five-year look at Afghan arrivals highlights how resettled families in Oklahoma still rely on local nonprofits for housing, transport, legal help, and education as they rebuild daily life. Sports Under Pressure: An Afghan woman from Herat tells how she escaped after the Taliban takeover and kept her cricket dream alive in exile, with women’s cricket now becoming a symbol of survival. Regional Trade for Travelers: Uzbekistan’s chamber reports private-sector deals with Afghanistan worth over $5B in eight months, spanning food, textiles, minerals, cement, carpets, and pharma—good news for future cross-border commerce and routes. Security & Mobility: Reports say Russia and the Taliban signed a military cooperation pact, a reminder that travel and border movement in the region remain tightly linked to shifting security alliances.

Eid al-Adha in Kabul: Kabul residents marked the holiday with Eid prayers, family visits, and public gatherings, with security forces maintaining safety across intersections and key areas. Return & disaster support: Prime Minister Mohammad Hassan Akhund urged officials to back returnees and flood/earthquake victims, visit martyrs’ families and people with disabilities, and keep security vigilance during the holiday. Border travel reality: A new report highlights how a “weak passport” makes travel harder—more visa steps, more friction at borders, and emotional strain for travelers from low-ranking countries like Afghanistan. Tourism & culture tie-in: Uzbekistan’s services exports rose, with tourism and travel leading—an indirect sign of regional travel momentum that could matter for Afghan travelers planning routes. Road access update: Nimroz’s Chakhansur road graveling in Nimroz was reported completed, a practical boost for local movement. Sports travel angle: Afghanistan’s squads were announced for an India tour (one-off Test and three ODIs), with matches in New Chandigarh and Dharamshala starting June 6. Travel safety note: Interior Ministry urged the public to avoid firecrackers during Eid, aiming to reduce risks during peak travel and celebrations.

Eid al-Adha in Kabul: Afghan residents marked Eid with prayers, animal sacrifices, and family visits in a “peaceful and secure atmosphere,” while security forces maintained safety across intersections and city areas. Returnees & disaster aid: Prime Minister Mohammad Hassan Akhund urged officials to support returnees and victims of recent floods and earthquakes, directing visits to martyrs’ families, orphans, and people with disabilities, plus heightened holiday vigilance. Road travel update (Nimroz): Chakhansur road in Nimroz was gravelled and reopened after flood damage, improving travel conditions for locals and linking the district to Zaranj. Visa reality for travelers: A new report highlights how Afghans and other low-ranking passport holders face costly, stressful border treatment and delays that can shape the whole travel experience. Taliban travel/visa controls: The Taliban reportedly summoned travel firms over alleged sale of work visas, a reminder that travel planning can be tightly affected by policy enforcement. Regional connectivity: Uzbekistan and Afghanistan-linked trade and transport moves continue, including container rail route developments that could matter for future travel and logistics.

Road Access & Local Travel: Graveling of the Chakhansur road in Nimroz has been completed after complaints about flood damage and potholes, reopening a key route for residents and travelers. Urban Mobility: Ghazni residents say inactive traffic lights are worsening congestion on major intersections along the Kabul–Kandahar highway, with officials working to reactivate them. Eid Travel Safety: Afghanistan’s Interior Ministry urged Kabul residents to avoid firecrackers during Eid holidays, citing public order and health risks. Tourism & Visitor Services: The Taliban’s supreme leader used Eid al-Adha messaging to call opponents to return and accept Taliban rule, a reminder that visitor planning still depends on the security and policy climate. Cross-Border Trade for Tourism Economy: Afghanistan’s chamber says trade ties with Uzbekistan have expanded sharply, with agreements and delegations that could support future travel-linked business activity.

Eid pressure on prices: In Pakistan’s Karachi, shoppers are paying sharply more for Eid al-Adha staples—onions up to Rs100/kg (from Rs80), tomatoes at Rs180–200/kg, plus higher ginger/garlic—traders blame low arrivals and transport priorities for sacrificial animals. Afghanistan-Eid security: Kabul’s Interior Ministry urges residents to avoid firecrackers and says violators face legal action, while also announcing special security deployments across provinces for Eid gatherings. Border strain: Analysts warn Afghanistan’s ongoing trade-route closures with Pakistan are still squeezing supplies and pushing up prices for fuel and essentials. Regional trade push: Afghanistan and Uzbekistan report new trade deals worth over $5B and a growing rail/container corridor linking Central Asia to Afghanistan. Politics and legitimacy: Former President Ashraf Ghani says Afghanistan is at a “life and destruction” crossroads amid isolation and economic hardship.

Eid Security Push: Afghanistan’s Interior Ministry says it has rolled out special nationwide security plans for Eid al-Adha, with extra deployment at major mosques, highways, parks, and crowded public spots, plus a call for people—especially youth—to avoid firecrackers. Border Shock to Daily Life: Economic experts warn that continued closures of Afghanistan–Pakistan trade routes are driving up prices and disrupting supplies of fuel, raw materials, and basic goods, hitting traders and exporters hard. Returnee Opportunity in Kabul: A woman who spent six years in Iran has returned to Kabul and set up a home-based chocolate workshop, turning a learned skill into income and jobs for her family. Regional Ties, Aid Flow: Uzbekistan delivered another Eid-related humanitarian shipment to northern Afghanistan, with food and first-aid supplies headed to flood-affected provinces. Ongoing Leadership Spotlight: A new profile revisits the fragmented public record of Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada and traces his roots in Kandahar.