Russian Tourists Arrive in Panjshir as Residents Still Face Restrictions

The arrival of a convoy of Russian tourists in Afghanistan’s Panjshir province has been highlighted by local officials of the Taliban administration, even as local sources say residents of the province continue to face movement restrictions and security pressure.

Saifuddin Laton, spokesman for the Taliban-appointed governor in Panjshir, said a convoy of 70 Russian tourists in 13 vehicles had entered the province. He said the tourists are expected to visit Panjshir’s natural attractions and recreational sites.

Local sources in Panjshir told Independent Persian that women were among the Russian tourists. This comes as the Taliban administration requires Afghan women and girls to have a male guardian for long-distance travel, and in some cases has also barred them from entering parks and recreational areas.

Local sources also say the Taliban administration’s welcome for the unrestricted entry of foreign tourists into Panjshir comes at a time when some residents of the province still cannot move freely because of fears of arrest and retaliatory measures. According to these sources, those who in the past worked with the former government, especially in the army, police and the National Directorate of Security, are more affected by these concerns.

Panjshir is located in northeastern Afghanistan and has in past years been considered one of the country’s most sensitive provinces from a security perspective. Since the Taliban took control, the province has repeatedly been mentioned in reports because of restrictions and security pressure on residents.