KABUL: The Taliban plan to shower Kabul with flowers from helicopters on Friday to mark the fourth anniversary of their return to power in Afghanistan, officials said Thursday.
The group regained control of the country on August 15, 2021, just weeks before US and NATO forces completed their withdrawal after a costly two-decade war.
According to Habib Ghofran, spokesman for the Information and Culture Ministry, Defence Ministry helicopters will perform “beautiful aerial displays” above the capital, releasing colorful flowers over the city. Sports performances by Afghan athletes are also scheduled from the afternoon through early evening.
The celebrations come as Afghanistan grapples with a massive refugee influx from neighboring countries, a struggling economy, and cuts in foreign aid, particularly from the United States. Nearly 10 million people face severe food insecurity, and one in three children suffers from stunted growth.
Black-and-white Taliban flags were displayed across Kabul on Thursday.
Ahsan Ullah Khan, from northern Sar-e-Pul province, urged the Afghan diaspora to return and witness the country’s peace and happiness.
However, Kabul resident Zafar Momand said peace alone was not enough. “Along with peace, we need jobs and education opportunities. If these challenges are addressed, Afghanistan can be a great place to live,” he said. “Women are an important part of society and should have access to education and employment.”
Currently, females are barred from education beyond sixth grade, many jobs, and most public spaces. It remains unclear whether women will be allowed to attend Friday’s festivities.
Last year, anniversary celebrations were held at Bagram Airfield, once a hub of America’s war against the Taliban and al-Qaida. Women, including female journalists from The Associated Press and Agence France-Presse, were barred from attending that event.
