Afghan students fear for safety of kin back home as Taliban return

Manav Mander

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, August 16

Students from Afghanistan studying in universities in Ludhiana are worried about their families back home as Taliban insurgents swept Kabul after the US-backed Afghan government collapsed.

Fearing the return of dark days for women, they say: “People are not comfortable with the Taliban.”

Ahmad Mubasher, who is pursuing PhD from Punjab Agricultural University, said: “We are four sisters and four brothers. I am feeling sorry for the women of my country as their freedom will be compromised now.”

Belonging to the North province Baghlan, Ahmad said back in his country, life had stopped after the Taliban gained control. “All these years, youngsters have been living life on their own terms. Women have been studying, working and going out, which will now be stopped all of a sudden. People in Afghanistan have experience with the Taliban and now fear the worst,” he said.

Ahmad has been in constant touch with his family for the past couple of days, but today he could not get through the call due to network issues.

A student pursuing MVSc in veterinary microbiology at Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, on the condition of anonymity, said although Taliban had announced that they would not be interfering with the life of people, it was just a farce statement.

“I am scared after whatever is happening in my country. I am more concerned about my sister and wife. My sister, who is a doctor, has quit her job as she no more feels safe. I will be returning soon to be with my family,” he said.

Another PhD student from PAU said his family had to abandon their house and take refuge in one of their relative’s place. “Taliban taking away the freedom of women is the worst nightmare that is coming true,” he said.

Abdullah Alishangi, 20, of Kabul who is pursuing MBA from the Punjab College of Technical Education, said: “Now that the Taliban have taken over, they will try to win the confidence of people by taking them along. Earlier, if anybody used to step out of the house, we never used to be sure whether he/she would return home or not. Now, this fear will diminish as the Taliban have taken over and they will try to restore peace and normalcy to win over people. But this will come at the cost of the freedom of women,” Alishangi said.

A brother of three sisters, he is upset as now his sisters would have to follow certain restrictions in their own country. “Now, women will have to wear hijab and require a male escort for travelling. There will be separate space in offices for men and women and no female teacher will teach at boys’ schools,” he added.

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