Afghan Citizens: Taliban should end hostility toward national values, days, and events

KABUL: The Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, under Taliban control, has declared a public holiday on August 18 to commemorate the 106th anniversary of Afghanistan’s independence. According to the ministry’s statement, this holiday will be observed tomorrow. 106 years ago, King Amanullah Khan regained Afghanistan’s independence from British colonial rule. This independence was achieved under the three-colored national flag by Amir Amanullah Khan, but the Taliban has imposed strict restrictions on it for the past four years. During the republic, the Afghan government allocated a special budget to celebrate the country’s Independence Day with extensive and grand preparations. Hundreds of thousands of Afghans would take to the streets on this proud day, raising slogans of national unity, solidarity, and independence under the three-colored national flag. The Taliban has previously canceled several national days and dates in the country. Afghans are urging the Taliban to end their hostility toward Afghanistan’s national values, days, and events.