Interview with a project partner who was able to flee to Pakistan
"The memories don't let go"
We were able to bring 25 employees from our projects in Afghanistan, who have campaigned for children and women's rights. Many others still live in danger of being discovered by the Taliban because so far there is no commitment to them. Mariam* has managed to escape to Pakistan with her husband and children, but they are not safe there either, as she reports in the interview.
Why did the Taliban follow them?
As a teacher and peace activist, I primarily supported refugee girls. The Islamists believed that we would teach their daughters western culture, and they were against their daughters learning English. That's why they called me again and again and threatened me on the phone.
She and her family had to hide for many months. How did you experience that?
When the Taliban took over power, fear spread. We waited for our evacuation to Germany, unfortunately in vain. We hid for seven months until we finally made it to Pakistan.
How did you go to Pakistan while fleeing, was it dangerous?
The worst were the Taliban controls. We were very afraid that she would not let us through and that something bad. We needed several attempts to get across the border. The memories of these dark hours do not let go of us.
How is your situation in Pakistan?
We have a lot of problems. Our children cannot go to school and it is very difficult to survive because we are not allowed to work. If one of our children is sick, it is very difficult to get treatment. The biggest problem is: When our visa runs out, we have to go back to Afghanistan. That is why we urgently need the recording by Germany or another country.
What can we do in Germany for people in Afghanistan?
My request to the people and the government in Germany is to help the weak, especially the women in Afghanistan, who are suppressed and are in danger. I sincerely ask the German government not to forget Afghanistan and not to recognize the cruel Taliban.
*Name changed
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