Former Afghan Intelligence Officer Recounts Fear of Taliban Kidnap, Resettles in UK

Parwiz Bakhtari, an Afghan national currently residing in British military accommodation in south Oxfordshire, expressed his desire to move past experiences such as living under the constant threat of abduction, fabricating narratives at Taliban checkpoints, and being separated from his family for interrogation. Mr. Bakhtari was employed by the Afghanistan National Defense and Security Forces, an agency of the Afghan government overthrown by the Taliban in 2021. Following what he described as a “nightmare” journey to Pakistan, Mr. Bakhtari, along with his wife and teenage daughter, ultimately received protection from the British military in Islamabad, preceding their flight to the United Kingdom. Prior to the Taliban’s ascent to power, Mr. Bakhtari served as an intelligence officer for the Afghan government, collaborating with British forces. This role rendered him a prominent target for retaliatory actions. He stated, “We lived in constant fear that the Taliban might kidnap our family members.” He added, “My office was attacked several times. “I was not harmed. Tragically, several of my colleagues were not as fortunate.”” Upon the Taliban’s rapid takeover, Mr. Bakhtari confronted the choice of either escaping his residence in Kabul alone or accompanying his family in an attempt to reach Pakistan. He opted for the latter course of action. He explained, “I couldn’t bear the thought of leaving them behind knowing the Taliban could easily target them.” The passage to the Pakistani border presented significant hazards. During this journey, he encountered the genuine possibility of apprehension at Taliban checkpoints. He recounted, “Fortunately, we didn’t have any identification documents on us.” He further added, “We made up different stories at each checkpoint.” Upon reaching the border crossing, they underwent questioning by Pakistani police. Following the provision of accommodation in Islamabad by the British military, he and his family subsequently arrived in the United Kingdom. Their resettlement occurred under the framework of the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP), which is designated for Afghan citizens who were employed by or collaborated with the UK Government in Afghanistan. Operation Lazurite involves the British army securing housing for Afghan individuals and their families, prior to local councils assisting them in locating more permanent residences. Mr. Bakhtari and his family are presently housed in military accommodation situated in Watchfield, close to Shrivenham. The Vale of White Horse District Council stated that its housing needs team is collaborating with landlords to secure private rented accommodation for Afghan families. Major James Cooke-Rogers, who has participated in the operation in south Oxfordshire, commented, “These people risked their lives and their families lives and everything to try and support our forces.” He added, “We owe them that debt of gratitude to look after them and provide them that safety away from persecution.” Mr. Bakhtari now anticipates a more promising future for his children, notwithstanding the distress of departing his native country. He remarked, “To leave everything behind, a country that I’ve grown up in, that gave me [an] education and my wife and kids, was a nightmare. “But now I’m lucky to be able to send my daughters to school and give them [everything] they deserve.”” BBC Oxfordshire is available for follow-up on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external sites. Further information regarding its policy on external linking is accessible.