News Accurate: Thank you for agreeing to speak with us today. To begin, could you tell us about your position within the municipal administration?
Municipal Worker: Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share my perspective. I work in the municipal office (undisclosed locality name to protect the interviewee), overseeing urban planning and infrastructure development. My role involves managing the implementation of public works, supervising maintenance projects, and liaising with local communities regarding their needs and concerns.
News Accurate: How has your work changed since the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan?
Municipal Worker: The changes have been significant. Under the previous government, our focus was largely on modernizing infrastructure and ensuring alignment with international standards. We had partnerships with foreign organizations, and funding was more accessible.
Now, our priorities have shifted. The Taliban emphasize Islamic principles in all aspects of governance, which affects how projects are planned and executed. For example, there is a greater emphasis on projects that align with their interpretation of Sharia law. Public parks, roads, and other facilities must adhere to stricter codes, and certain initiatives, like those promoting cultural or educational events, have been scaled back or halted entirely.
Additionally, funding has become a major issue. International sanctions and frozen assets have crippled our budget, making it challenging to complete even basic tasks. We’ve had to rely more on local resources and community contributions.
(A Taliban member in Kabul)
News Accurate: How have these changes affected your day-to-day responsibilities?
Municipal Worker: Bureaucracy has increased, ironically. Decisions now go through several layers of approval to ensure they meet the regime's standards. There’s also a strong focus on compliance with new rules, which can sometimes be vague or open to interpretation.
For instance, even something as simple as approving the construction of a shop or home requires ensuring it adheres to Islamic architectural guidelines. There is also more oversight from religious clerics, who often review and approve decisions that previously would have been handled by technical experts.
News Accurate: How has life changed for you and your family under the new regime?
Municipal Worker: Life is much more restrictive, especially for my wife and daughters. Women are no longer allowed to work in many sectors, and girls’ education beyond primary school has been banned in most areas. This has deeply affected my family. My wife, who was a teacher, is now at home, and my daughters, who were excellent students, have had their dreams put on hold.
For men, the changes are less visible but still impactful. Dress codes are stricter, and there is an unspoken pressure to be seen participating in religious activities. Social gatherings are more subdued, and any deviation from the prescribed norms can lead to scrutiny.
News Accurate: How have civilians, in general, adjusted to these changes?
Municipal Worker: It varies. Many people are simply trying to survive amidst economic hardships. The majority of civilians, especially in rural areas, have adapted more easily since some of the Taliban’s rules align with their traditional lifestyles.
However, for those in urban areas, particularly professionals, women, and the youth, the changes have been very difficult. There’s a pervasive sense of fear and uncertainty. Many have left the country or are trying to leave.
People are cautious about what they say and do. Even something as simple as criticizing policies in private conversations can have serious consequences. Public dissent is virtually nonexistent.
News Accurate: Could you elaborate on some of the new rules and their impact on daily life?
Municipal Worker: Certainly. The rules are wide-ranging, affecting all aspects of life.
Dress Code: Men must grow beards and wear traditional clothing. Women are required to wear burqas or other forms of full-body coverings in public.
Gender Segregation: Men and women are strictly segregated in public spaces, and interactions between unrelated men and women are heavily restricted.
Education: Girls’ education has been severely curtailed. Boys’ education continues, but with an increased focus on religious studies.
Work: Women are largely barred from employment, except in healthcare, where female doctors and nurses are still allowed to work.
Entertainment and Media: Music is banned, and television and radio broadcasts are heavily censored. Internet access is monitored.
These rules are enforced through local councils and morality police, and punishments for violations can range from warnings to public lashings or imprisonment.
News Accurate: How do you and your colleagues feel about these changes? Are there opportunities to voice concerns?
Municipal Worker: Opinions vary. Some colleagues, particularly those with conservative views, support the changes and see them as a return to tradition. Others, like myself, have reservations but keep quiet for fear of repercussions.
There’s no formal mechanism to voice concerns. Decisions are top-down, and questioning policies can be seen as disobedience. This stifles creativity and innovation in our work and creates an atmosphere of fear.
News Accurate: In your opinion, what is the biggest challenge facing Afghanistan under the Taliban regime?
Municipal Worker: The economic crisis is the biggest challenge. Sanctions, lack of international recognition, and the freezing of Afghan assets have left the country in dire straits. Poverty and unemployment are widespread, and even basic necessities like food and medicine are becoming harder to access.
Another challenge is the erosion of individual freedoms and opportunities, especially for women and the youth. This has long-term implications for the country’s development and stability.
News Accurate: Finally, what are your hopes for the future?
Municipal Worker: Like many Afghans, I hope for peace and stability. I also hope for a more inclusive government that respects the rights and aspirations of all its citizens. Afghanistan has suffered so much, and its people deserve a chance to rebuild their lives with dignity and freedom.
For now, we endure and adapt, hoping that one day, things will change for the better.
News Accurate: Thank you for sharing your experiences and insights. Your courage is deeply appreciated.