In a busy control hub adorned with numerous TV screens, the Taliban’s police force proudly exhibits their newly established network of 90,000 CCTV cameras designed to oversee the daily activities of millions of individuals. “We manage the entire city of Kabul from this location,” states Khalid Zadran, a spokesperson for the Taliban’s police chief, as he gestures towards one of the screens. The authorities claim that such surveillance will aid in combating crime, but critics are concerned that it could be utilized to suppress dissent and enforce the stringent moral code imposed by the Islamist Taliban government under their interpretation of Sharia law. The BBC is the first international media outlet granted access to witness the system in operation.
Within the control center, police officers sit in rows closely observing the live feeds from thousands of cameras, monitoring the lives of the six million residents of Kabul. Everything from car license plates to facial expressions is under constant surveillance. “In specific neighborhoods, when we observe groups of people that we suspect may be engaging in drug use, criminal activities, or something suspicious, we promptly contact local law enforcement,” explains Zadran. “They swiftly respond to investigate the nature of the gathering.”
During the previous government’s rule, Kabul faced daily threats from the Taliban, Islamic State militants, as well as frequent high-profile kidnappings and car thefts. Upon the Taliban’s resurgence to power in 2021, they pledged to combat crime. The significant rise in the number of surveillance cameras in the capital reflects a more sophisticated approach by the Taliban in enforcing law and order. Prior to their return, only 850 cameras were operational in the capital, as per a spokesperson for the ousted security forces. However, over the past three years, the Taliban regime has implemented numerous severe measures curtailing people’s rights and freedoms, particularly those of women. The Taliban government has not received official recognition from any other nation.
The surveillance setup displayed to the BBC in Kabul includes features like facial recognition for tracking individuals. Images of faces categorize age range, gender, and whether the person has a beard or is wearing a face mask. “On clear days, we can zoom in on individuals from kilometers away,” notes Zadran, pointing out a camera placed high up that focuses on a bustling traffic intersection. The Taliban even keep tabs on their own staff. At a checkpoint, as soldiers inspect the trunk of a vehicle, operators adjust their lenses to scrutinize the contents.
The interior ministry claims that the cameras have significantly improved safety, reduced crime rates, and led to the swift apprehension of offenders. It is stated that the introduction of CCTV systems and motorcycle controls has resulted in a 30% drop in crime rates between 2023 and 2024, though these figures cannot be independently verified. Yet, human rights organizations are worried about the extent and duration of the monitoring. Amnesty International warns that installing cameras under the guise of ‘national security’ provides a framework for the Taliban
Strict rules are in place, limiting access to education and employment for teenage girls and women in Afghanistan. Women training in healthcare have been instructed to stay away from classes. Women in cities like Kabul must wear face coverings when out in public. A young graduate named Fariba living in Kabul has struggled to find work since the Taliban took control. She worries that surveillance cameras could be used to monitor women’s clothing. Human Rights Watch states that Afghanistan lacks proper laws to protect data collected by CCTV cameras. The Taliban claim that only city police have access to the CCTV system and deny using it for surveillance. Concerns remain about the potential misuse of these cameras to target dissenters. The cost of installing the surveillance network is being passed on to ordinary citizens, putting financial strain on already struggling households. The humanitarian situation in Afghanistan is dire, with the economy in crisis and aid funding cut off since the Taliban’s return to power. Many Afghans are in need of assistance, but resources are limited. The Taliban insist that participation in funding the cameras was voluntary, but reports suggest households were pressured to pay up. Rights activists fear the implications of such extensive surveillance on the population. Residents like Jaber, a vegetable seller, feel disempowered by these cameras and the control they represent.
In a heart-wrenching revelation to the BBC, a man lamented the harsh reality faced by women in his community. “We lack the opportunity to earn a living, and the authorities see us as insignificant,” he disclosed with profound despair. “We feel powerless.”
For the sake of their safety, the identities of the courageous women who shared their stories have been concealed. This poignant account underscores the struggles and challenges that go unnoticed by society.
Collaborating closely with our team, Peter Ball has contributed valuable insights to shed light on this pressing issue.
