Woman Recounts Taliban Enforcers Expelling Family from Guldara Garden

Shabnam, a woman in Afghanistan, described an incident where Taliban members from the Amr bil Maruf and Nahi anil Munkar commission forced her family to leave Guldara public garden shortly after arriving for recreation.

According to Shabnam's account, months after the Taliban's takeover, women have been barred from parks and public spaces. Her family, including her mother, sister, father, and brother, visited the garden mid-week under strict conditions: full hijab, no makeup, no colorful clothing, to comply with Taliban rules. They arrived covered, spread a mat, and placed their feet in a stream to relax. Two groups of Taliban enforcers were present: one seated and another patrolling armed.

Less than 10 minutes after arrival, Taliban members approached aggressively, telling Shabnam's mother to leave immediately, claiming women's entry was forbidden and criticizing their appearance and lack of male guardians. Shabnam's father explained they were with male relatives and sought only brief recreation, but the enforcers refused. The family packed up and left amid stares from onlookers. The enforcers then approached two other families.

Shabnam noted her brother's prior warning and family reproaches afterward. She described broader Taliban restrictions preventing women from education, work, driving, sports, and recreation, contributing to depression. Shabnam expressed despair, questioning endurance in a life without basic freedoms.