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Taliban Deploys 90,000 CCTV Cameras for Strict Surveillance in Kabul

February 27, 2025, 5:45 pm

The Taliban has put in place a massive monitoring network of 90,000 CCTV cameras throughout Kabul to keep tabs on the daily routines of six million citizens. The state-of-the-art security system enables the government to monitor everything from license plates to facial expressions, raising concerns about privacy infringement and human rights violations.

Total Surveillance Over Kabul

“We monitor the entire city of Kabul from here,” said Khalid Zadran, a spokesperson for the Taliban police chief, in an interview with the BBC. He continued that in some neighborhoods, if suspicious or criminal activity is detected by authorities, they immediately notify local police forces to intervene.

The system employs face recognition software, grouping people according to age, gender, beards, and face masks. “On clear days, we can zoom in on individuals [who are] kilometres away,” Zadran disclosed, highlighting the system’s capabilities as a surveillance tool.

Surveillance Under the Guise of Security

The Taliban says these measures are in order to curb crime and uphold law and order. Critics, though, say this technology would be used to impose the Taliban’s rigid interpretation of Sharia law, including morality policing.

Amnesty International denounced the mass surveillance, saying that the installation of cameras “under the pretext of ‘national security’ provides a template for the Taliban to continue their repressive policies that undermine basic rights of Afghans – particularly women in public places.”

Women and Activists Fear Monitoring

Most Afghan women fear that the cameras might be utilized to enforce adherence to Taliban dress codes, e.g., donning the hijab. Demonstrators and human rights activists, already living in hiding, are concerned that this surveillance will put their lives in greater jeopardy.

But the Taliban maintains that the morality police, officially called Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice Ministry, do not make use of the surveillance system, and only the police of the city have access to it.

Forced Payments for Surveillance

Kabul residents have also complained of being forced to pay for these security cameras. Shella (whose name has been changed), who lives in downtown Kabul, complained that the Taliban forced thousands of Afghanis from every family to pay for camera installation outside their homes. “If families refused to pay [for the cameras], they were threatened with water and power cuts within three days. We had to take loans to cover the costs,” she grumbled.

Frowning in frustration, she continued, “People are starving – what good are these cameras to them?”

A Nation in Crisis

Since the Taliban seized power in 2021, Afghanistan has known abject economic distress with foreign aid suspended. Almost 30 million Afghans depend on humanitarian aid for survival.

Meanwhile, the Taliban is spending funds on surveillance, millions are unable to buy food, medicine, and basics and ask whose interests the regime is serving.

Shooting at UN Compound in Kabul: 1 Dead, 1 Injured

February 3, 2025, 4:53 pm

A shooting incident occurred at a United Nations compound in Kabul: one person was killed and another injured, said a statement on Monday by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, or UNAMA. The Taliban guards carried out the attack, and the probe is under way.

What does the UN Report say?

A United Nations report published in June 2024 reported that attacks by armed groups opposing Taliban rule in Afghanistan were on the rise. The report, presented by Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to the Security Council, also pointed to “persistent” internal tensions among the de facto Afghan leadership.

Despite this, according to the report, the armed opposition groups “did not pose a significant challenge” to the Taliban’s control of Afghanistan since they assumed power in August 2021. However, it identified two groups responsible for verified attacks: “The Afghanistan Freedom Front [AFF] and the National Resistance Front [NRF].

“Both groups primarily targeted Taliban security forces in Kabul.” UN said. “The NRF conducted ’29 confirmed attacks’ during the last three months, with 20 in Kabul and the remainder in the country’s northern Afghan provinces of Takhar, Baghlan, and Parwan. The AFF conducted 14 attacks, all in the national capital.

The document further elaborated the strategy employed by the insurgent forces: “Both groups employed hit-and-run operations against de facto security forces, launching grenades in 22 incidents and employing improvised explosive devices in seven.” Quoting another incident of the NRF attack of 26th February which according to it attacked the “the military zone operated by the Taliban inside Kabul International Airport, launching three mortars into the complex with no known damage or injury sustained.”

Canadian Veteran Freed In Kabul After Qatar Steps In As Mediator For Release

January 27, 2025, 3:38 am

Canadian veteran David Lavery has been released following his arrest in Kabul, Afghanistan, on November 11, an official familiar with the matter confirmed on Sunday.

The circumstances surrounding Lavery’s detention remain unclear. Lavery, known for his humanitarian efforts, frequently traveled to Afghanistan through his work with the Veterans Transition Network, a Canadian non-profit organization.

According to the official, Lavery’s release was facilitated after the Canadian government sought Qatar’s assistance due to their prior experience mediating in Afghanistan. “Qatar played a pivotal role in securing Mr. Lavery’s release following a formal request from Canada,” the official stated on condition of anonymity.

Lavery has since been transferred to Doha, Qatar, where he underwent a medical evaluation after his release. Further details about his arrest or his current condition have not been disclosed.

India Holds First Talks with Taliban

November 7, 2024, 10:57 pm

In a significant diplomatic move, India held its first talks with the Taliban administration of Afghanistan. MEA joint secretary J P Singh discussed India and Afghanistan relations with Mohammad Yaqub Mujahid, the son of the former supreme leader of the group and emir of Afghanistan and the acting defence minister.

According to a report by the Times of India, Singh, who is responsible for the handling of matters pertaining to Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Iran, travelled to Kabul on Wednesday to hold the meeting with Yaqub.

The Indian official also met Afghanistan’s acting foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and former Afghan president Hamid Karzai during this visit as India tries to engage more with the country.

Talking about the meeting, the Taliban foreign ministry said, “In this meeting, the two sides emphasized their common desire to expand bilateral relations, especially in the fields of humanitarian cooperation and other issues, and expressed their interest in strengthening further interactions between Afghanistan and India.”

An anonymous Afghan official told TOI that the meeting signals India’s readiness to increase not only its humanitarian support to Afghanistan but also its involvement in reconstruction efforts, despite not formally recognizing the Kabul regime.

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Meanwhile, the Taliban, for quite some time, has been urging New Delhi to authorise the appointment of an ambassador from its administration in the Afghan Embassy, saying its ties with India are important.

Kabul Suicide Bombing: 6 Killed, 13 Injured In Deadly Blast

September 2, 2024, 11:38 pm

A suicide bombing in Kabul, Afghanistan, on Monday, September 2, resulted in six deaths and 13 injuries, according to AFP. The explosion occurred in the Qala-e-Bakhtiar area on the southern outskirts of the capital. A suicide bomber detonated multiple explosives in a public space.

There has been no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack, although various terror groups remain active in Afghanistan, where violence persists since the Taliban’s takeover in 2021. The last significant suicide attack in Afghanistan occurred in Kandahar in March, claimed by the Islamic State’s regional chapter.

The Taliban government reported three deaths, while local hospitals indicated that over 20 people died in the Kandahar attack. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid previously stated that Islamic State groups were heavily suppressed, claiming they no longer pose a significant threat.

Kabul police spokesman Khalid Zadran stated, “a person wearing explosives on his body detonated,” with one of the victims being a woman. He added, “The injured were transferred to hospitals on time and investigations are ongoing,” via social media platform X.

The Islamic State, opposing the Taliban, has conducted numerous attacks across Afghanistan targeting schools, hospitals, residential areas, and Shiite communities over the past three years. The Taliban have prioritized security in response to the violence, despite claims of success in reducing terrorist challenges to their rule. Analysts note that while security operations have increased, there are often delays or downplaying of attack confirmations.

The Taliban took control of Afghanistan in August 2021 after the chaotic withdrawal of U.S. and NATO forces. Despite promises of a moderate approach, the Taliban has reintroduced strict Sharia law, reminiscent of their previous rule from 1996 to 2001.

Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi Invites Pak FM Ishaq Dar to Kabul

March 17, 2024, 2:30 pm

Amir Khan Muttaqi, Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister appointed by the Taliban, has extended an invitation to Pakistan’s Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, to visit Kabul, as per Khaama Press.

Amir Khan Muttaqi, in a statement, said, “Positive interactions in the region are increasing every day, and practical work on major infrastructure projects at the regional level is on the verge of beginning.”

“Both sides agreed on facilitating the necessary facilities for the movement of passengers, patients, and commercial goods,” a report published by a Taliban media outlet stated.

According to Khaama Press, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar shared his delight on social media platform X regarding a phone conversation with Muttaqi, the Taliban’s Foreign Minister.

Furthermore, Dar took to social media platform X to convey that both parties affirmed their commitment to further cooperation in fostering friendly bilateral relations.

According to Khaama Press, Dar underscored that Pakistan’s foremost priority is to enhance collaboration in connectivity, trade, security, counterterrorism, and people-to-people contacts.

However, notably, the relationship between the two nations has come under scrutiny and faced criticism, especially regarding allegations of Pakistan offering refuge and assistance to Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants.

As per Khaama Press, despite intermittent tensions and global pressure, both parties have maintained dialogue, tackling a intricate network of geopolitics, security issues, and regional aspirations.

According to the report, Muttaqi extended congratulations to Ishaq Dar on his designation as Pakistan’s Foreign Minister during their telephone discussion.
Pakistan’s newly appointed foreign minister, Muhammad Ishaq Dar, officially assumed office on Tuesday, as stated by the country’s ministry of foreign affairs.
Dar previously held the position of Finance Minister of Pakistan during the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) administration that assumed power following Imran Khan’s removal in 2022.

Muslim world condemns Taliban’s prohibition on women attending higher education, according to US State Secretary Blinken.

May 11, 2023, 1:37 pm

Kabul [Afghanistan], 11 May: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said the Muslim world condemns the Taliban’s ban on higher education for women, Afghanistan-based Tolo News reported.
“When the Taliban enacted restrictive bans on higher education for women, governments from across the Muslim world spoke up to condemn the Taliban’s decision,” and they had argued that the actions were inhumane and contrary to Islamic beliefs. Blinken made the remarks at a reception to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr in Washington DC.

He added that “scholars of Islamic law weighed in to condemn the Taliban’s actions, too, noting that the Quran gives the right to education to women and men alike,” as reported by Tolo News.
The Taliban have been urged to allow access to education for both male and female students as Islamic leaders have stated that access to education for school and university students is a fundamental right of pupils.

Fazal Hadi Wazeen, a member of the International Union of Muslim Scholars, stated: “In addition to what the foreigners say about the education of females in Afghanistan, this is a national and Sharia responsibility of the interim government, to reopen the doors of the schools and universities without delay for the girls, who contribute half of the population.”

Suraya Paikan, a women’s rights activist, lamented that “unfortunately, we are moving backward from the knowledge and this will affect Afghanistan and its people.”
According to Raweena Poya, a student, who was quoted by Tolo News, “The interim government promised that schools and universities will be suspended until next notice; the girls are waiting for the doors of the schools and universities to be reopened eventually.”
According to Tolo News, this comes after more than 600 days have gone since females’ schools were closed and more than 140 days since young women were barred from attending universities.

Afghanistan: Explosion in Foreign Ministry in Kabul kills 2, injures 12

March 27, 2023, 4:41 pm

At least two persons were killed and 12 others have been injured in a heavy blast near Afghanistan’s Foreign Ministry in downtown Kabul on Monday, according to a hospital run by an Italian NGO, reported Al Jazeera.
“We received some patients,” said Stefano Sozza of Italian NGO Emergency. The NGO runs a surgical centre specialising in treating victims of the long-drawn war in downtown Kabul, the Al Jazeera said.A tweet from the NGO said at least one child was among the injured in the incident that took place near the foreign ministry.
Afghanistan-based Tolo News also tweeted, “A blast happened on Foreign Ministry’s road near the Daudzai Trade Center in downtown Kabul this afternoon, eyewitnesses said, describing it as a heavy explosion.”
However, Taliban officials have not commented on the incident yet and none of the group has claimed responsibility for the attack either.
Monday’s incident took place around lunchtime, when the city is especially crowded as government office staff leave early for the day during the Islamic month of Ramzan.

Khayyam to Taliban

February 24, 2023, 2:06 pm

Come, fill the Cup, and in the Fire of Spring
The Winter Garment of Repentance fling:
The Bird of Time has but a little way
To fly — and Lo! the Bird is on the Wing.

— Omar Khayyam (1048CE-1141CE)

Long ago, Omar Khayyam wrote poetry that was sensuous and inclusive. He was born in Iran — Khorasan — more than a thousand years ago. His poetry showcases a culture where mosques existed in peace with wine, women and song. And yet today, when we see the state of women in Iran or Afghanistan, we feel sorry for the repression they face.

In a recent book,August in Kabul:America’sLast Days in Afghanistan and the Return of the Taliban, the author, award-winning journalist Andrew Quilty, highlighted the dilemma of Afghan women, who even in pre-Taliban days, faced oppression. He wrote: “Preserving the safety of women is a common sleight of hand used by Afghan men to keep those within their family under control. Neglecting such a duty and allowing a young woman the freedom to walk when they wish in the streets, to socialise with unrelated men, and to develop their understanding of the world outside the home and their ideas about their place therein, is deduced by many outside the immediate family to imply the woman is what Nadia refers to euphemistically as a ‘bad girl’. Boiled down, a ‘bad girl’ is one who cavorts and sleeps with men out of wedlock—a prostitute in Afghan terms, a great stain on a family’s honour. To avert such a possibility, rather than confront those who deliberately misinterpret the young woman’s ways and use it to undermine her family, instead, her brothers, father and male members of the extended family more often elect to restrain her behaviour.”

Nadia was a free-spirited student who was rescued from such familial abuse by a foreign social worker and survived, unlike, Najma, a journalist and YouTuber, who died in a blast caused by a suicide bomber outside the Afghan airport as she waited to leave. The bomber had been freed from a prison by the victorious forces of Taliban who had just taken over Kabul around the Independence Day of India, two years ago. Quilty brings these stories to us with compassion and recreates the terror brought in with the gun-wielding Taliban who rule the country now.

He tells us how the Taliban evolved out of the Mujahedin. They were students who had been enabled to protest against the communism of Soviets that laid desolate Afghan hillsides with chemical warfare. From students, the Mujahedin grew into perpetrators of violence and violators of men and women who disagreed with their agenda. And yet, now they have been accepted as rulers of a whole country. The book leaves us wondering, even if we criticise their stance on women or openness, do we, or for that matter, any superpower have the courage to make a change? Also, it leads to the realisation that when we mouth tradition for any unjustified social codes that repress and cannot be erased by simply instituting rules of law — be it dowry, sati, violence against women, child marriage or even restrictive dress or food codes — are we being any different from bullies or terror mongers?

China Urges Citizens To Leave Afghanistan

December 14, 2022, 2:47 pm

China urges its citizens to quickly leave Afghanistan post ISIS militants attack on Hotel In Kabul. China ordered the Taliban-run Government to investigate the attack and take strong actions to ensure the safety of Chinese citizens in Afghanistan. Around five Chinese nationals have been injured in the attack.

UN chief condemns Kabul attack; expresses condolences to bereaved families

December 14, 2022, 11:42 am

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has strongly condemned the Kabul hotel attack and also expressed condolences to the bereaved families. The attacks resulted in multiple casualties.

“The Secretary-General strongly condemns the attack on 12 December on a Hotel in Kabul, resulting in multiple casualties. The Secretary-General expresses his condolences to the bereaved families and wishes a speedy recovery to those injured,” UN Secretary-General Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said.

The statement further stated, “The Secretary-General calls for the perpetrators to be held to account. He reiterates that attacks against civilians and civilian objects are strictly prohibited under international humanitarian law.”

Meanwhile, in the Kabul hotel attack, at least three people were killed and two foreigners were also injured.

Talking about the incident Taliban spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid said an attack was carried out in the Longan Hotel in which 21 casualties – 18 injured and three dead on arrival in Kabul’s Emergency Hospital.

Moreover, in Afghanistan, the UN mission also condemned the attack and said, “Violence in #Afghanistan serves no purpose but prolonging the agony of more than 40 years of war. We stand in solidarity with the victims.”

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin addressed the press conference and said, “In the wake of the attack, the Chinese Embassy in Afghanistan immediately lodged a serious representation with the Afghan interim government and asked the Afghan side to make every effort to search for and rescue Chinese nationals.”

However, the Islamic State group claimed responsibility for Afghanistan’s Kabul attack. A deadly attack was carried out on Monday on a hotel in Afghanistan’s capital used by Chinese businessmen.

ISIS takes responsibility of Kabul hotel attack; 3 gunmen killed

December 13, 2022, 1:25 pm

The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for Afghanistan’s Kabul attack. A deadly attack was carried out on Monday on a hotel in Afghanistan’s capital used by Chinese businessmen.

Meanwhile, in the attack three armed men were involved and reportedly killed security forces, putting an end to the arbitrary assassination attempt.

“Two of its personnel attacked a big hotel frequented by Chinese diplomats and businessmen in Kabul, where they detonated two explosive devices hidden inside two bags,” the group said.

A party for Chinese guests and others targeting the reception hall was targeted by one of the attackers.

Moreover, at Taliban officers, one of the two fighters threw hand grenades who were trying to stop them. Others were attacking the hotel guests who were stuck on the hotel room doors.

After the attack, the US condemned and said, “First on the attack today in Kabul. We’ve seen these reports, the reports of violence, reports potentially of deaths and casualties. We condemn in the strongest possible terms the use of violence against innocent civilians.”

US State Department Spokesperson Ned Price said, “The Afghan people have been subjected to levels of violence for are far too high for far too long, and we condemn unequivocally what has happened today.”

Price further said, “Obviously, these reports are fresh out of Kabul. The attack appears to bear some of the hallmarks of ISIS-K, some of the brutal tactics that this especially brutal group has used to perpetrate attacks against the people of Afghanistan.”

“We continue to call on the Taliban to live up to the commitments that they have made to the international community to the United States bilaterally in some cases but most importantly to the commitments they have made to their own people, a society that is free from this sort of terrorist violence,” Price said.

Talking about the incident an attack was carried out in the Longan Hotel in which 21 casualties – 18 injured and three dead on arrival in Kabul’s Emergency Hospital.

However, the attack was carried out at the Longan Hotel where foreigners, including Chinese, used to stay.

400 loudspeakers in Kabul now, as Taliban urges worshippers to offer more prayers

November 23, 2022, 4:21 pm

The Taliban’s religious enforcers claimed that hundreds of loudspeakers had been put in Kabul, the country’s capital, to entice worshipers to attend prayers. Hundreds of vacant stores and other inactive structures have been transformed into mosques, according to the ministry for the promotion of virtue and the prevention of vice, so that everyone can participate in communal prayer.

“During the previous government, some of the loudspeakers were removed and people were not able to listen to the Azan (call to prayer),” the ministry said adding that 400 loudspeakers had been installed in different parts of Kabul “so the people could listen to the Azan at the same time”.

Since the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in August of last year, they have continued to impose harsh laws and restrictions in accordance with Islamic sharia law, which has virtually excluded women from public life.

Hibatullah Akhundzada, the supreme commander, commanded judges earlier this month to strictly uphold Islamic law, which calls for public executions, stonings and floggings, as well as the amputation of limbs for thieves.

The vice ministry reportedly forced shops in several areas of Kabul to close for Friday prayers, according to local media.

Taliban official says 19 people were killed in a suicide bombing in Kabul

September 30, 2022, 1:51 pm

A suicide bomber struck an education centre in a Shiite neighbourhood of Kabul on Friday, killing 19 people and injuring 27, according to a Taliban-appointed spokesman for the Kabul police chief.

The explosion occurred inside the centre in Kabul’s Dashti Barchi neighbourhood early in the morning, according to spokesman Khalid Zadran. In the immediate aftermath of the bombing, he had no further information.

The bombing was the latest in a string of attacks since the Taliban took power. No one immediately claimed responsibility for the attack in the area, which is primarily populated by Afghanistan’s minority Shiite community.

The Islamic State group, which has been the Taliban’s main rival since their takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021, has previously targeted the Hazara community, including Dashti Barchi.

“Our teams have dispatched at the site of the blast to find out more details,” Abdul Nafi Takor, a Taliban-appointed spokesman for the Interior Ministry, said earlier.

2 Russian staffs among several killed in blast in Kabul

September 5, 2022, 4:48 pm

In an explosion that occurred on Monday outside the Russian Embassy in the Afghan capital of Kabul, numerous locals and two Russian diplomats were killed.

According to the Russian foreign ministry, two members of the diplomatic mission were killed and Afghan people also suffered losses.

According to the Afghan police, a suicide bomber detonated explosives close to the entrance of the Russian Embassy on Darulaman Road in Kabul, adding the attacker was shot dead by armed guards as he approached the gate.

According to Malwavi Sabir, the commander of the police district where the attack occurred, the suicide attacker before reaching the target, was recognized and shot by Russian embassy (Taliban) guards…there is no information about casualties yet.

According to deputy spokesperson Bilal Karimi, the incident is being looked into by Afghanistan’s Taliban government.

After the Taliban overran the nation more than a year ago, Russia is one of the few nations to still have an embassy there.

Although Moscow does not formally recognise the Taliban government, they have been negotiating a deal to supply gasoline and other commodities with government representatives.

Rocket hits vacant house in Afghanistan, no causalities reported

July 31, 2022, 1:37 pm

The Ministry of Interior on Sunday said a rocket hit an empty house in the Sherpur area of Afghanistan’s capital Kabul where no causalities were reported.

The occurrence of an explosion in Kabul city was confirmed by the acting spokesperson of the Ministry of Interior in the Taliban-led government.

“But the ministry does not give details about the nature and location of this explosion. On the other hand, some residents of the capital say that they heard the sound of several explosions in various parts of Kabul,” Tolo news said.

Earlier in the day, an explosion was heard in the Dehmazang area of Kabul, Tolo News reported. Meanwhile, another explosion occurred this week at the Kabul International Cricket Stadium in which several people were injured.

However, the attacks in Afghanistan had increased since the Taliban took control of the country. Even the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) report outlined the human rights situation in Afghanistan over the 10 months since the Taliban takeover.