Latest news with #QudratullahJamal
Fox News
a day ago
- Politics
- Fox News
Taliban marks four years in power by luring young female influencers to boost tourism
Four years after Afghanistan fell to Taliban control, the Islamic country is not only welcoming tourists, it's seeing a recent travel boost. Taliban forces captured the capital city of Kabul on Aug. 15, 2021, following the chaotic withdrawal of American troops under the Biden administration. Deputy Minister of Tourism Qudratullah Jamal told The Associated Press (AP) recently that Afghanistan had nearly 9,000 foreign visitors last year — with 3,000 tourists in the first three months of this year. "Tourism brings many benefits to a country," he said. "We have considered those benefits and aim for our nation to take full advantage of them." United Nations educational, scientific and cultural organization director-general Audrey Azoulay told Fox News Digital in a statement that the Taliban has wiped out any gains for Afghan women. "This exclusion of women from public life in Afghanistan has disastrous consequences for the country's long-term development," she said. "At a time when some are seeking to normalize relations with the Taliban, I call on the international community to remain more mobilized than ever to fully and unconditionally restore Afghan women's right to education." "I expected to feel rather fearful." One of the first Afghan female tour guides recently led a group through the National Museum of Afghanistan – and the group consisted of all women. Suzanne Sandral, an Australian in the group, told AP she was surprised. "It's not what I expected at all. I expected to feel rather fearful. I expected to be given a lot of ... accusatory looks. Not at all." She said, "Wherever you go in the streets, if you smile at someone and give them a little nod or say hello, you get a terrific response. So it's very different." Another woman in the group posted videos of her recent trip in June on TikTok. She captioned a video, "Exploring the nuanced and complex lives of Afghan women in context, and exploring all this beautiful land has to offer." The U.S. Department of State, however, is very clear. It lists travel to Afghanistan as "Travel Advisory Level 4: Do Not Travel" — warning of civil unrest, crime, terrorism, risk of wrongful detention, kidnapping and limited health facilities. "U.S. citizen travelers to Afghanistan have been wrongfully detained for months or even years," said a spokesperson. "We remind all U.S. citizen travelers that no adventure or vacation is worth the price of your freedom." Other traveler influencers and regular tourists have shared their experiences on social media – with most showing the Taliban-run country in a positive light. A travel photographer posted a recap of her trip, saying she was "one of the first tourists to visit the country after the Taliban takeover." She added in a TikTok video that has been viewed over 56,000 times, "I was completely blown away by the incredible hospitality of the locals, amazing food and beautiful scenery." "No adventure or vacation is worth the price of your freedom." A popular solo traveler and social media creator posted a video of his trip to Afghanistan, writing, "I know a lot of people have mixed feelings about Afghanistan travel, but honestly, I had an amazing time there as a solo traveler." Another TikTok video that amassed nearly half a million likes shows an Australian traveler shopping at a food market. "Some of the best food I have had in all my travels was in Afghanistan," said the video's caption in part. Manizha Bakhari, ambassador of Afghanistan to Austria, told Fox News Digital the Taliban's promotion of tourism is an attempt at "image management." "As someone who has lived and worked in Afghanistan, I can say this: What these female influencers experience is not representative of women's lives in Afghanistan," said Bakhtari. She added, "The Taliban treat foreign women differently, and often with exaggerated politeness, because they serve a purpose in the regime's public relations strategy." The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) released its human rights report in May, pointing out that Afghan women are being denied the opportunity to join the workforce and are unable to access services without a male relative — while girls are still deprived of their right to education. The State Department wrote in its 2024 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices document that treatment of woman has become progressively worse. The new report stated that there has been "further restricted access to education, employment, and freedom of movement for women and girls – effectively removing them from public spaces." "By showcasing scenic landscapes and hospitality toward foreign visitors, especially influencers, they aim to create a narrative of stability and openness," said Bakhtari. Bakhtari noted she's seen a growing disconnect in global travel culture when it comes to adventure tourism. "The thrill of visiting the 'forbidden' or 'untouched' often outweighs concern for human rights … [It] becomes a form of voyeurism, one that prioritizes personal experience over the realities of those who live under oppression." Kelley Currie, former U.S. ambassador to the U.N. Economic and Social Council, discussed the danger of visiting Afghanistan, saying Americans should "buy travel insurance." The United States is "unable to provide consular services if something happens, especially if they are kidnapped and sold or given to other extremist groups," Currie told Fox News Digital. Adam Duckworth, Travelmation's president and founder, told Fox News Digital that travel companies take State Department advisories "very seriously." "If you are considering travel to a location in the higher levels, then do your research to understand why those places are on those lists," said Duckworth. Bakhtari said while Afghanistan is breathtakingly beautiful, "beauty should not blind us to injustice." "Travel should open hearts, not close eyes." The Associated Press contributed reporting.
Fox News
3 days ago
- Fox News
Taliban lures young travel influencers four years after Afghanistan takeover
Nearly four years after Afghanistan fell to Taliban control, the Islamic country is continuing to welcome tourists and seeing a recent travel boost. Taliban forces captured the capital city of Kabul on Aug. 15, 2021, following the chaotic withdrawal of American troops under the Biden administration. Deputy Minister of Tourism Qudratullah Jamal told The Associated Press (AP) recently that Afghanistan had nearly 9,000 foreign visitors last year, with 3,000 tourists in the first three months of this year. "Tourism brings many benefits to a country," he said. "We have considered those benefits and aim for our nation to take full advantage of them." One of the first Afghan female tour guides recently led a group through the National Museum of Afghanistan – the group consisted of all women. Suzanne Sandral, an Australian in the group, told AP she was surprised. "It's not what I expected at all. I expected to feel rather fearful. I expected to be given a lot of ... accusatory looks. Not at all." She said, "Wherever you go in the streets, if you smile at someone and give them a little nod or say hello, you get a terrific response. So it's very different." Another woman in the group posted videos of her recent trip in June on TikTok. She captioned a video, "Exploring the nuanced and complex lives of Afghan women in context, and exploring all this beautiful land has to offer." The U.S. Department of State, however, is very clear. It lists travel to Afghanistan as "Travel Advisory Level 4: Do Not Travel" — warning of civil unrest, crime, terrorism, risk of wrongful detention, kidnapping and limited health facilities. "U.S. citizen travelers to Afghanistan have been wrongfully detained for months or even years," said a spokesperson. "We remind all U.S. citizen travelers that no adventure or vacation is worth the price of your freedom." Other traveler influencers and regular tourists have shared their experiences on social media – with most showing the Taliban-run country in a positive light. A travel photographer posted a recap of her trip, saying she was "one of the first tourists to visit the country after the Taliban takeover." She added in a TikTok video that has been viewed over 56,000 times, "I was completely blown away by the incredible hospitality of the locals, amazing food and beautiful scenery." "No adventure or vacation is worth the price of your freedom." A popular solo traveler and social media creator posted a video of his trip to Afghanistan, writing, "I know a lot of people have mixed feelings about Afghanistan travel, but honestly, I had an amazing time there as a solo traveler." Another TikTok video that amassed nearly half a million likes shows an Australian traveler shopping at a food market. "Some of the best food I have had in all my travels was in Afghanistan," said the video's caption in part. Manizha Bakhari, ambassador of Afghanistan to Austria, told Fox News Digital the Taliban's promotion of tourism is an attempt at "image management." "As someone who has lived and worked in Afghanistan, I can say this: What these female influencers experience is not representative of women's lives in Afghanistan," said Bakhtari. She added, "The Taliban treat foreign women differently, and often with exaggerated politeness, because they serve a purpose in the regime's public relations strategy." The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) released its human rights report in May, pointing out that Afghan women are being denied the opportunity to join the workforce and are unable to access services without a male relative — while girls are still deprived of their right to education. The State Department wrote in its 2024 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices document that treatment of woman has become progressively worse. The new report stated that there has been "further restricted access to education, employment, and freedom of movement for women and girls – effectively removing them from public spaces." "By showcasing scenic landscapes and hospitality toward foreign visitors, especially influencers, they aim to create a narrative of stability and openness," said Bakhtari. Bakhtari noted she's seen a growing disconnect in global travel culture when it comes to adventure tourism. "The thrill of visiting the 'forbidden' or 'untouched' often outweighs concern for human rights … [It] becomes a form of voyeurism, one that prioritizes personal experience over the realities of those who live under oppression." Kelley Currie, former U.S. ambassador to the U.N. Economic and Social Council, discussed the danger of visiting Afghanistan, saying Americans should "buy travel insurance." The United States is "unable to provide consular services if something happens, especially if they are kidnapped and sold or given to other extremist groups," Currie told Fox News Digital. Adam Duckworth, Travelmation's president and founder, told Fox News Digital that travel companies take State Department advisories "very seriously." "If you are considering travel to a location in the higher levels, then do your research to understand why those places are on those lists," said Duckworth. Bakhtari said while Afghanistan is breathtakingly beautiful, "beauty should not blind us to injustice." "Travel should open hearts, not close eyes."
Fox News
3 days ago
- Fox News
Taliban lures young female travel influencers four years after takeover
Nearly four years after Afghanistan fell to Taliban control, the Islamic country is continuing to welcome tourists and seeing a recent travel boost. Taliban forces captured the capital city of Kabul on Aug. 15, 2021, following the chaotic withdrawal of American troops under the Biden administration. Deputy Minister of Tourism Qudratullah Jamal told The Associated Press (AP) recently that Afghanistan had nearly 9,000 foreign visitors last year, with 3,000 tourists in the first three months of this year. "Tourism brings many benefits to a country," he said. "We have considered those benefits and aim for our nation to take full advantage of them." One of the first Afghan female tour guides recently led a group through the National Museum of Afghanistan – the group consisted of all women. Suzanne Sandral, an Australian in the group, told AP she was surprised. "It's not what I expected at all. I expected to feel rather fearful. I expected to be given a lot of ... accusatory looks. Not at all." She said, "Wherever you go in the streets, if you smile at someone and give them a little nod or say hello, you get a terrific response. So it's very different." Another woman in the group posted videos of her recent trip in June on TikTok. She captioned a video, "Exploring the nuanced and complex lives of Afghan women in context, and exploring all this beautiful land has to offer." The U.S. Department of State, however, is very clear. It lists travel to Afghanistan as "Travel Advisory Level 4: Do Not Travel" — warning of civil unrest, crime, terrorism, risk of wrongful detention, kidnapping and limited health facilities. "U.S. citizen travelers to Afghanistan have been wrongfully detained for months or even years," said a spokesperson. "We remind all U.S. citizen travelers that no adventure or vacation is worth the price of your freedom." Other traveler influencers and regular tourists have shared their experiences on social media – with most showing the Taliban-run country in a positive light. A travel photographer posted a recap of her trip, saying she was "one of the first tourists to visit the country after the Taliban takeover." She added in a TikTok video that has been viewed over 56,000 times, "I was completely blown away by the incredible hospitality of the locals, amazing food and beautiful scenery." "No adventure or vacation is worth the price of your freedom." A popular solo traveler and social media creator posted a video of his trip to Afghanistan, writing, "I know a lot of people have mixed feelings about Afghanistan travel, but honestly, I had an amazing time there as a solo traveler." Another TikTok video that amassed nearly half a million likes shows an Australian traveler shopping at a food market. "Some of the best food I have had in all my travels was in Afghanistan," said the video's caption in part. Manizha Bakhari, ambassador of Afghanistan to Austria, told Fox News Digital the Taliban's promotion of tourism is an attempt at "image management." "As someone who has lived and worked in Afghanistan, I can say this: What these female influencers experience is not representative of women's lives in Afghanistan," said Bakhtari. She added, "The Taliban treat foreign women differently, and often with exaggerated politeness, because they serve a purpose in the regime's public relations strategy." The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) released its human rights report in May, pointing out that Afghan women are being denied the opportunity to join the workforce and are unable to access services without a male relative — while girls are still deprived of their right to education. The State Department wrote in its 2024 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices document that treatment of woman has become progressively worse. The new report stated that there has been "further restricted access to education, employment, and freedom of movement for women and girls – effectively removing them from public spaces." "By showcasing scenic landscapes and hospitality toward foreign visitors, especially influencers, they aim to create a narrative of stability and openness," said Bakhtari. Bakhtari noted she's seen a growing disconnect in global travel culture when it comes to adventure tourism. "The thrill of visiting the 'forbidden' or 'untouched' often outweighs concern for human rights … [It] becomes a form of voyeurism, one that prioritizes personal experience over the realities of those who live under oppression." Kelley Currie, former U.S. ambassador to the U.N. Economic and Social Council, discussed the danger of visiting Afghanistan, saying Americans should "buy travel insurance." The United States is "unable to provide consular services if something happens, especially if they are kidnapped and sold or given to other extremist groups," Currie told Fox News Digital. Adam Duckworth, Travelmation's president and founder, told Fox News Digital that travel companies take State Department advisories "very seriously." "If you are considering travel to a location in the higher levels, then do your research to understand why those places are on those lists," said Duckworth. Bakhtari said while Afghanistan is breathtakingly beautiful, "beauty should not blind us to injustice." "Travel should open hearts, not close eyes."
The Star
29-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Afghanistan's Taliban government hopes to grow tourism industry
By plane, motorbike, campervan and even on bicycles, tourists are beginning to discover Afghanistan, with solo travellers and tour groups gradually venturing into a country that until recently was wracked by war. And the country's Taliban government, which seized power more than three years ago but has yet to be formally recognised by any other nation, is more than happy to welcome them. 'The Afghan people are warm and welcoming and wish to host tourists from other countries and engage with them,' deputy minister of tourism Qudratullah Jamal said in an early June interview. 'Tourism brings many benefits to a country. We have considered those benefits and aim for our nation to take full advantage of them.' Tourism is a vital, multi-billion-dollar industry for many countries. Afghanistan's isolation on the international stage, largely because of the Taliban's restrictions on women and girls, has left much of its 41 million people mired in poverty. As it struggles to attract foreign investment, the lucrative potential of tourism is far from lost on the government. 'We are currently earning a considerable amount of revenue from this industry, and we are hopeful it will grow even more in the future,' Jamal said, noting money spent by visitors can reach more layers of society than revenue from other industries. 'We are optimistic this sector will evolve into a large economy, bringing significant benefits. It plays an important role in strengthening our national economy.' Tourist visas are quick and easy to obtain and flights from major transit hubs such as Dubai in the United Arab Emirates and Istanbul in Turkiye operate several times a week. The government has even set up a training institute for men – and it is only for men – seeking jobs in the hospitality and tourism sector. While visitor numbers are still very much a trickle rather than a flood, they are increasing. Nearly 9,000 foreign tourists visited Afghanistan last year, while nearly 3,000 people visited in the first three months of this year, Jamal said. A view of the 'Buddhas of Bamiyan' statues in Bamiyan, which were destroyed by the Taliban in 2001. This is one of Afghanistan's top tourist spots. True traditions Four decades of near-continuous conflict kept nearly all vacationers away from this landlocked country of towering mountains, deep gorges and millennia of history. The Taliban's takeover from a United States-backed government in August 2021 stunned the world and sent thousands of Afghans fleeing. But with the insurgency over, the bloodshed from frequent bombings and suicide attacks all but ended too. Attacks still occur, however. In May 2024, six people were killed by gunmen in Bamiyan, one of the country's main tourist attractions where centuries-old giant Buddhas carved into the cliffs were blown up by the Taliban in 2001. While Western countries still advise against travel to Afghanistan, a drop in violence from the two decades of US-led military presence is indisputable, as the government is keen to point out. 'Afghanistan has gone through many years of war and hardship. Now, we want tourists to come and see the true traditions and customs of Afghans, to understand Afghan life, creativity and resilience,' Jamal said, noting there was 'comprehensive security across Afghanistan'. Critics question the ethics of foreigners visiting Afghanistan for pleasure when its government discriminates so heavily against half the country's population. Education beyond primary school level is banned for girls and women and few professions are open to them. Women cannot enter parks, gardens or gyms. Beauty salons are forbidden. Authorities dictate how women dress and have demanded they cover their faces in public, a decree still flouted by many, particularly in Kabul. Some visitors say they contemplated the ethics, but ultimately wanted to see the situation for themselves. French-Peruvian Illary Gomez said she and her British partner, James Liddiard, debated for about a year whether to drive through Afghanistan as part of their Britain-to-Japan campervan journey. 'Some things didn't feel morally right,' she said. But once here, they said they found a warm, hospitable and welcoming people and beautiful landscapes. They didn't feel their presence was any form of support for the Taliban. By travelling, '... you put money in the hands of the people, not the government,' Liddiard said. Restrictions vary The treatment of women is particularly sensitive for government officials. Jamal declined to comment on the subject beyond saying male and female visitors were welcome. 'Those who respect our laws and traditions have already come and can continue to come,' he said. While most restrictions are strictly enforced on Afghan women, they are far more relaxed for foreigners. Although they must still wear a headscarf in public, foreign women are more likely to gain entry into some restricted areas such as parks and are rarely asked to cover their faces in public. Opening the country to foreign visitors was also a way of building bridges, Jamal said. 'It is a great way to promote interaction between the people of different countries. It helps build international relations and is also beneficial for trade,' he said. 'When foreigners come here, Afghans also learn a lot from them. In addition to expanding commerce, tourism also helps foster mutual understanding, cultural exchange and strengthens talents as people learn from one another.' A foreign traveller seeing the country with his own eyes '... creates closeness, builds connections and fosters trust among people,' Jamal said. 'They will respect each other's culture and the distance between peoples will diminish. 'So this is not just economic development; it also brings spiritual and political benefits,' he said. – AP
The Irish Sun
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Taliban launches warped Afghan TOURISM campaign with vid of brutes posing beside ‘hostage' in ISIS-style mock execution
AFGHANISTAN has launched a bizarre video campaign to attract tourists - including a chilling hostage video. The slick professionally produced video starts with footage of a hooded man surrounded by armed men in an Advertisement 10 The video begins with what initially resembles a heinous execution video Credit: Instagram / @afghanarabc 10 But when the bag is lifted, a man is smiling with his thumbs-up and says in an American accent 'welcome to Afrghanistan' Credit: Instagram / @afghanarabc 10 An American 'tourist' appears in the video Credit: Instagram / @afghanarabc 10 One even shows a man waving a gun while swimming Credit: Instagram / @afghanarabc Five men holding gargantuan machine guns are seen eerily standing over three prisoners, with their The leader is heard saying: "We have one message for America." The hood is then snatched off before he grins: 'Welcome to The weird promotional ad then focuses on gunmen in the back of pick-up trucks amid rugged scenery alongside a group of American tourists. Advertisement read more news Pictures of armed Mujahideen warriors whose weapons are emblazoned with the words 'fake gun" are shown. And the group are seen diving into lakes, eating extravagant meals, standing under waterfalls and taking pictures with presumably confused children. One chilling clip shows an American holding a US Army-issue M4A1 carbine. This was the weapon predominantly used by American soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan. Advertisement Most read in The US Sun It comes as no surprise that women have no role in the vile video. It currently remains unknown whether the video is connected to official Afghani institutions. Terrifying bodycam shows moment driver pulls gun & shoots cops at point-blank range after ranting about the Taliban Taliban mullahs desperate to soften their terrifying image are behind the tourist marketing video, shared across social media by in Arabic (@afghanarabc). The Taliban began their drive to make Afghanistan a tourist hotspot in spring 2024, with a tourism and hotel management school opened. Advertisement Since then, social media channels have worked to promote the country's history as a way to lure in holidaymakers. Last month, Afghanistan's Deputy Minister of Tourism Qudratullah Jamal said: "The Afghan people are warm and welcoming and wish to host tourists from other countries and engage with them. "Tourism brings many benefits to a country. We have considered those benefits and aim for our nation to take full advantage of them. "We are optimistic this sector will evolve into a large economy, bringing significant benefits. It plays an important role in strengthening our national economy." Advertisement Nearly a whopping 9,000 foreign tourists visited the country last year alone, while nearly 3,000 visited in the first three months of 2025, Jamal said. He refused to answer questions about the Taliban's treatment of women, however. 10 Taliban members paddle in a boat as they and Afghan families enjoy a visit to one of the lakes in Band-e Amir national park Credit: Getty 10 The video features American holidaymakers as they go on various activities Credit: Instagram / @afghanarabc Advertisement 10 It comes as no surprise that women weren't featured in the video Credit: Instagram / @afghanarabc 10 The Taliban have made desperate efforts to attract tourists Credit: Instagram / @afghanarabc Jamal added: "Those who respect our laws and traditions have already come and can continue to come." Since US forces withdrew in 2022, has been under the boot of the extremist regime. Advertisement In the Taliban-controlled country, women are unable to leave the house without a man, speak in public or even look through a window while home. The Afghanistan government's strict "virtue and vice" laws force women to stop doing various things in public, like showing their face and bodies, singing or reading aloud, and looking at men they are not related to. Women in the country are also no longer able to visit national parks or beauty salons, play sports or even go solo travelling beyond the perimeter of their houses due to sickening morality laws. Some social media sites like Instagram and TikTok are beginning to show travel guides for Afghanistan, predominantly created by female travel from countries like the UK, Australia and Hungary. Advertisement The Foreign Office warns against all travel to the nation and the heightened risk of detention. 10 One man even records himself under a waterfall for the bizarre video Credit: Instagram / @afghanarabc 10 Various clips are shown in the video to promote Afghanistan Credit: Instagram / @afghanarabc
