Taliban fighters detained Farah farmers
The people of Farah have endured a myriad of social, economic, and cultural challenges for over four decades, and similar to the residents of other provinces, never enjoyed freedom, prosperity, and welfare. However, in the past couple of years, under the oppressive rule of the Taliban, these difficulties have escalated. The impoverished population, mostly daily wage laborers and farmers, are tackling a triple threat of hardships - psychological, economic, and drought - like three deadly misfortunes.
This report aims to provide a glimpse into the harsh realities of everyday life experienced by the oppressed people of Farah, focusing on the challenges beyond the prevalent issues of bribery, corruption, high taxes, and coercion by Taliban authorities.
By briefly examining the above mentioned three significant challenges imposed by both the Taliban rule and natural disasters, which have collectively devastated the lives of Farah's residents, this report will shed light on the difficult existence of the people in Farah under the oppressive rule of the Taliban.
Mental Strain Under Taliban Rule
Since the Taliban's rise to power, the people of Farah province, like those across Afghanistan, have endured immense mental and emotional strain due to the economic, social, and political hardships imposed upon them. Here are a few examples:
- Civil rights and freedoms such as expression and cultural activities have been stripped away. With bans on cultural, artistic, and sports activities, women are particularly affected. Men are forced to grow long beards and hair, wear specific local dress (shalwar kameez), and follow other similar strict regulations, causing confusion and despair.
In the most cities of Afghanistan talib fighters are with their guns on the streets
- Mandated praying five times a day in mosques (only for men, as women should not walk out of their homes).
- Social, cultural, and sports organizations face stringent regulations. Even hairdressers prohibited from shaving or grooming male customers' beards. They are only allowed to cut the hair and shave armpits!! Violating these rules results in humiliation, punishment, or imprisonment. Several of hairdressers have sad events but do not want to share their names and stories out of fear.
- Education has suffered greatly, with schools and universities for girls shuttered. Women are barred from parlors, tailoring shops, and entertainment venues. Music is banned even at weddings and celebrations, intensifying the mental strain on the populace.
-The impact is evident in the faces of young girls deprived of primary or high education, who desired for a brighter future. Many teenagers are suffering from depression and turn to drugs. Female students pursuing medical or computer degrees are now confined to their homes. Forced marriages plague young girls in rural areas, commonly driven by economic hardships. Victims of domestic violence lack avenues for recourse, even if they are facing life threatening conditions.
-The pervasive anxiety and distress are palpable among all age groups and genders in Farah. One can see disheveled and dazed individuals roaming in the streets, questioning their plight and lamenting their undeserved suffering. The haunting refrain echoes through the city: "What have we done to deserve such calamity and punishment?"
Economic Pressure and Unemployment in Farah Province
The high unemployment rate in Farah has created a ripple effect on the economic, social, and security condition of the region. The dire lack of job opportunities and extreme poverty have given rise to several acute challenges:
- A surge in the number of beggars, comprising individuals of all ages and genders, who flock to people's doorsteps daily seeking basic necessities like dry bread and clothing. The sight of dozens lining up at mosque entrances, lamenting their poverty and helplessness, has become a common occurrence. If someone wants to give even a small amount to a beggar, it is hard to choose whom to give first. The overwhelming desperation among these marginalized individuals often leads to addiction and criminal activities as a means of survival.
- Many teenagers and adults resort to searching for recyclables such as garbage, plastic, and scraps in various parts of the city to sell and buy a meager meal. Tragically, conflicts erupt between these scavengers and even street dogs, resulting in injuries and further exacerbating their plight.
- The rise in unemployment and homelessness has fueled an increase in substance abuse and violence. While the Taliban initially rounded up numerous drug addicts in first days of their rule, the prevalence of addiction has now spread to every dilapidated and isolated corner. The lack of infrastructure initiatives by the Taliban has left the populace disappointed with their false promises and ineffective measures.
- Poverty-driven migration to Iran has become a common escape route for many despite the unfavorable conditions faced by Afghan refugees there. The rush to obtain passports at the newly opened passport department underscores the desperation of men, women, and children seeking to flee the oppressive environment and seek better prospects elsewhere.
- The pervasive poverty and joblessness have directly contributed to a deteriorating security situation in Farah. Despite the Taliban's claims of ensuring security nationwide, their grip on maintaining order in Farah is tenuous at best. Incidents of motorcycle and car thefts from homes, as well as brazen daylight killings, have become alarmingly frequent, underscoring the escalating lawlessness in the region. These days, only the work of the passport department, Government Afghan Bank (to pay the fee for the passport), and the clerks and petition writers who provide computer services around this passport office, are thriving.
In short, while the poverty and hunger continue to erode the social situation of Farah, the Taliban authorities prioritize investing substantial funds in constructing religious schools to brainwash the youth further. For instance, the commencement of building the largest girls' Madrassa in Afghanistan with a very high budget in Poshtrood district reflects their skewed priorities amid the deteriorating socioeconomic landscape.
Drought Pressure in an Agricultural Province
-Despite persisting for several years, the water scarcity problem escalated significantly last year. The water level dropped to a depth of 36 meters, resulting in a decline in grain, fruit, and crop production. The impact was felt across the agricultural sector, affecting not only the livelihoods of farmers but also the region’s overall economy. The devastation extended to trees, greenhouses, water canals, pastures, and grasslands. Nomadic communities, heavily reliant on livestock, suffered immense losses as well. The price of cattle plummeted, and the income of those involved in cattle trading was severely affected.
Unfortunately, this year’s disaster is even more severe than the last. The water level in the city center has now reached 48 meters, indicating a monthly decline of one meter. The situation is dire.
-In certain districts of Farah province, including Jawin and Khak-e-Safid, accessing water at a depth of 150 meters remains impossible. If the drought persists and rainfall remains scarce, crop yields will continue to decrease, and people may be forced to leave their homes.
-Not surprising that the Taliban administration has not implemented any specific plans or actions to address this critical issue. Their approach has been limited to praying for rain, yet not a single drop has fallen!
-City tap water flows only every two days, providing a mere one and a half to two hours of supply with very low pressure. Only a handful of affluent families have adequate water storage facilities. Unfortunately, this essential service is available in just 5 districts of Farah city, leaving the remaining three districts without any city water supply or canalization.
The Bakhshabad dam project, which the government had advertised for years, has turned out to be nothing more than an illusion. The Taliban, much like the corrupt Ghani administration, is deceiving the people of Farah. A few months ago, Mullah Baradar visited Farah and fervently promised that the Bakhshabad Dam would soon be constructed and operational. He assured the people that their water and electricity woes would finally be resolved. However, his words were as hollow as Ghani’s empty pledges.
Regrettably, no substantial efforts have been made toward the actual construction and operation of this dam. The excuse given is a lack of budget. Yet, when we observe the extravagant spending elsewhere, it becomes evident that funds are available. The Taliban authorities and officials allocate substantial resources for building madrassas across the country, purchasing high-end cars worth tens of thousands of dollars, and acquiring numerous properties and treasures. Despite this, the essential infrastructure and welfare projects remain neglected.
The Plight of Farah’s People: A Call for Unity
The suffering of the people in Farah, primarily Pashtuns (the same ethnic group as the Taliban), dispels the claims made by some self-proclaimed intellectuals. These individuals assert that the criminal actions of the Taliban solely target non-Pashtuns. Such assertions are false and run counter to the unity and solidarity of all Afghans. We must not forget that residents of Pashtun provinces also endure the same hardships as other non Pashtun regions in Afghanistan.
The pain and sorrow of our surviving masses will persist unless we confront the fundamentalist Taliban, Jihadi traitors, thieves, and criminals. Let us not overlook the deadly role played by those who collaborated with these enemies of Afghanistan—the defenders of the US/NATO. Any form of religious or ethnic discrimination must be rejected.
The path to liberation and happiness for the oppressed people of all ethnics and classes in Afghanistan lies in a unified and unanimous uprising.
Captions for the Images:
a-Poverty and Unemployment: Desperation has driven many to scavenging for survival.
b-Drug Addiction: A grave issue affecting families. Female addicts face multifaceted challenges, and unfortunately, their numbers are increasing.
c-Scrap Collection: Scrap metal and paper collection from roads and garbage has become the sole source of income for many. Meanwhile, the Taliban seeks new ways to exploit people financially.
d-Water Scarcity: The lack of water for agriculture and drinking forces numerous farmers in Farah to abandon their land. The Taliban’s promises to address these issues remain largely empty propaganda.