Written by Hamid Mahdi, Translated by Rostam Safdari
Residents in Kabul report that the Taliban are demanding thousands of Afghanis from households under the pretext of installing surveillance cameras, raising concerns about privacy and growing economic pressure.
The Taliban first announced the plan in September 2023. The Ministry of Interior, led by Sirajuddin Haqqani, stated at the time that 62,000 cameras had been installed across Kabul. According to ministry spokesperson Abdul Matin Qane, that figure rose to more than 80,000 last year. No data has been released for the current year.
Interviews conducted by Afghanistan Women’s Voice reveal widespread resentment over the scheme. Abdullah (a pseudonym) said the Taliban initially sent a mosque caretaker to collect money.
“When we said we didn’t have any, two armed Taliban came with the local representative and forced us and our neighbours to pay,” he said.
Abdullah added that each household was required to pay 2,000 Afghanis and that those who resisted were beaten.
Wais, a Kabul shopkeeper familiar with camera prices, said the actual cost is far lower than what people are charged. He estimated that installing six cameras on a street of 60 houses costs about 10,000 to 12,000 Afghanis, yet residents collectively paid 120,000 Afghanis.
“Private schools spend 15,000 to 20,000 Afghanis for eight cameras with wiring and a monitor,” he said, adding that the Taliban use low-quality equipment while collecting large sums from the public.
Another resident, Mahmoud (a pseudonym), said the cameras have not reduced crime.
“Instead of lowering criminal activity, thefts and mysterious killings have increased,” he said.
Residents also complain that the cameras have brought no benefit to their daily lives and have instead placed private homes and neighbourhoods under Taliban surveillance.
People report that they are forced to pay the electricity bills for the cameras, despite Kabul suffering from severe power shortages.
“We only get three hours of electricity a day,” one person said.
Some argue that the Taliban should focus on providing power instead of extorting money for cameras.
Many Afghans fear the surveillance network is being used to suppress dissent. Street protests have vanished, and even women’s home-based demonstrations have dwindled since the cameras were installed. While the Taliban initially claimed the program was meant to ensure public safety, critics say it has become a tool for control. Reports indicate that the group has used these cameras to monitor dozens of homes and track the movements of former government soldiers and opponents, leading to arrests and killings.
Note: The photo from the Internet
