Prime Minister Mohammad Hassan Akhund praised the Taliban’s victory over ‘Western occupiers’ and emphasized the government’s responsibility to maintain Islamic rule, protect property, and uphold national respect
KABUL: Afghanistan’s Taliban marked the third anniversary of their takeover with a military parade in Bagram, the former U.S. airbase, showcasing Soviet-era tanks, artillery, and their homemade bombs. The event, attended by Chinese and Iranian diplomats, featured a display of the Taliban’s armed forces and security apparatus. This anniversary is celebrated a day earlier on the Afghan calendar, commemorating the Taliban’s seizure of Kabul on August 15, 2021, following the collapse of the U.S.-backed government.
Despite their display of military might, the Taliban government remains unrecognized by the international community, and its policies, particularly those restricting women’s rights, continue to attract widespread criticism. The United Nations has labeled these restrictions as “gender apartheid,” and many Afghans reflect on the significant setbacks faced by women under Taliban rule.
Madina, a 20-year-old former university student, expressed her disillusionment, stating, “Three years have passed since the dreams of girls have been buried. It’s a bitter feeling that every year, the celebration of this day reminds us of the efforts, memories, and goals we had for our future.” In a statement read by his chief of staff, Prime Minister Mohammad Hassan Akhund praised the Taliban’s victory over “Western occupiers” and emphasized the government’s responsibility to maintain Islamic rule, protect property, and uphold national respect. He highlighted security as a top priority for the Taliban’s consolidation of power over the past three years.
While some, like rugby player Samiullah Akmal, view the anniversary as a sign of progress, with Akmal stating, “As a young man, I see Afghanistan’s future as bright. We are independent and the people surrounding us are our own,” many Afghans remain skeptical. The economic situation in Afghanistan is dire, with a stagnant economy and worsening humanitarian crisis. Zalmai, a 26-year-old non-profit worker, reflected on the hardships faced, saying, “The past three years have been some of the worst of our lives. I don’t know what security the Taliban are talking about. People are hungry, the youth don’t have jobs… both girls and boys are facing an uncertain future.”
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