B’s Testimony

Running from the Taliban

My father held a high-ranking position in the Afghan government, and my uncle worked as a technician and wire connector contractor for Western forces, particularly the Americans for several years. Similarly, my brother served as a tank driver for the Australian forces. In 2010, I had a part-time job as a carpenter's assistant with Canadians forces. In August 2021, the Taliban captured our city. They raided into our home, apprehended my father and brother, and next morning brutally murdered them due to their affiliations with Western Forces and the Afghan government. During the search of our house, the Taliban discovered photographs of Jesus Christ, a Bible, and Christian literature. I was away from our house and learned about the Taliban's killing my father and brother. I fled to Kabul city by myself. From there, I made my way to Kabul airport in an attempt to escape Afghanistan. I was not able to board any of the planes. The Taliban relentlessly pursued me, torturing my mother for information, but she remained steadfast and divulged nothing about my whereabouts. They eventually apprehended and tortured my mother solely because of my beliefs. Their objective was to locate and kill me, as they had done to my family members. They incessantly called me, issuing threats and attempting to blackmail me. They warned that if I did not surrender to them, they would execute my mother. Despite their efforts, they failed to locate me. I endeavored to seek assistance from American or Canadian organizations, but my attempts were fruitless. After the evacuation deadline in August 2021, I found myself stranded and abandoned in Kabul city. I maintained contact with my mother for a few days, during which she cried over the phone. My heart aches as I lost all contact with her. Feeling disheartened, I contemplated surrendering to the Taliban in exchange for my mother's freedom, sacrificing myself. However, some members of my extended Christian friends, intervened and urged me to persevere, offering support. The Christians eventually got me to Pakistan in December 2021. Since then, I have been waiting for assistance in Islamabad. I face a lot difficulties and harassment of the Pakistan government and corrupt organizations. I am still adjusting, managing and hoping that a country will provide me with the necessary visa to seek safety and freedom. Unfortunately, the situation remains dire as the Islamabad police in Pakistan continue to conduct nightly and daily harassments. They continue operations against persecuted Afghans and attempt unlawful detainments against us. I humbly ask my good Christian brothers to extend support in helping my find safety and freeing me from the persecution and harassment that I am currently enduring. I do not know how long I will survive, but I trust in God and Jesus Christ to protect me!