Afghan Woman Recounts Being Stopped by Taliban at Border Over Mahram

A female Afghan returnee has recounted being stopped by Taliban personnel at the border while attempting to travel further with her daughter. The woman explained that the group asked about the presence of her mahram and subsequently did not permit them to board the bus. Officials indicated that such movement without a mahram is not allowed according to their guidelines.

During the stop, she said Taliban gunmen pointed guns in her direction and gave instructions regarding her hijab. The returnee asserted that her manner of dress was already proper according to the rules of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan and did not require adjustment.

She further described receiving insulting comments from the personnel. These comments implied that she had done something improper while living abroad, with reference to an anklet that was visible on her person at the time of the encounter.

The woman, who works as a midwife and has sixteen years of education, had lived as a migrant for six years prior to her return. She stated that she raised her voice in protest over the treatment being given to returning migrants. Many of these individuals had already faced various insults during their time in other countries, she noted in her description of the events. She mentioned that the experience was particularly difficult given her professional background and the years she spent away from Afghanistan.