The US Department of State has placed Afghanistan in Tier 3 in its 2026 Trafficking in Persons Report, citing concerns over forced labor, child exploitation and inadequate protection for trafficking victims.

The report says Afghanistan has failed to fully meet the minimum standards for eliminating human trafficking and has not made significant efforts to do so.

It also highlights the vulnerability of families, particularly children, to trafficking and exploitation amid poverty, economic hardship and the return of migrants from neighboring countries.

Afghanistan continues to face economic challenges and growing humanitarian needs, while large numbers of Afghan migrants have returned from neighboring countries. Experts say raising public awareness, creating job opportunities and providing support to vulnerable families are essential to preventing human trafficking and child exploitation.

Meanwhile, the Islamic Emirate has previously issued a decree declaring human trafficking contrary to Islamic Sharia and called for action against the practice. Officials have also said the rights of Afghans are protected in accordance with Islamic Sharia and Afghan traditions.

Mohsen Zanganeh, head of the Iranian Parliament’s Economic Commission, has praised Afghanistan’s support for Iran during the conflict between Iran and the United States, while criticizing Pakistan’s conduct during the crisis.

Zanganeh claimed that a post published under the name of Pakistan’s parliamentary speaker during negotiations between Tehran and Washington had been written by Americans. According to the Iranian lawmaker, US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff was responsible for drafting the post.

He described Pakistan’s alleged conduct as “hypocrisy” and expressed appreciation for the friendship and support shown by Afghans towards Iran.

Zanganeh’s remarks highlight the differing political perspectives emerging in the region as neighbouring countries respond to developments involving Iran and the United States.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister’s Office has issued new directives concerning Afghan medical students and doctors in the country, making continued studies conditional on valid visas and compliance with immigration requirements.

Under the directives, Afghan undergraduate medical students enrolled in Pakistani medical colleges and universities through government-sponsored or approved programmes, including Higher Education Commission (HEC) scholarships and the Allama Muhammad Iqbal Scholarship, may continue their studies if they meet the required legal conditions and obtain clearance from Pakistan’s Ministry of Interior.

Medical colleges and universities have been instructed to register eligible Afghan medical students with the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) by October 15, 2026, and submit their registration status to the relevant authorities.

The directives also state that unregistered Afghan students, those who have completed MBBS or BDS degrees, and students studying without fulfilling the required legal formalities must return to Afghanistan by October 10, 2026. The document further specifies that house-job placements will not be offered to graduates covered by these provisions.

Afghan students who were not granted admission before September 1, 2026, have also been instructed to leave Pakistan by October 10. According to the directives, further admissions for Afghan students to medical and non-medical colleges and universities will remain subject to Pakistan’s government policy until further notice.

Meanwhile, Afghan doctors undertaking postgraduate medical training, including FCPS, MCPS, MD and MS programmes, as well as those employed in Pakistan or engaged in private medical practice, have been directed to leave the country by October 10, 2026.

The new measures could affect the education and professional careers of Afghan medical students and doctors currently living in Pakistan, particularly those whose visas, registrations or other legal requirements remain incomplete.