A number of Australian citizens in Kabul have reached out to SBS Pashto about the crisis developing in Afghanistan, a day after the .
On Monday, amid fears over the possible return of the hard-line rule seen during the Taliban’s first tenure of government from 1996-2001.
In what were chaotic scenes at the airport, frantic Afghans tried to board the few flights available throughout the day.
It comes as more than 250 Australian defence troops prepare to be deployed to Afghanistan to help evacuate Australian citizens and visa holders.
Hundreds of people run alongside a US Air Force C-17 transport plane as it moves down a runway of the international airport, in Kabul. Source: Verified UGC
Requesting anonymity over fears he could be targeted by the Taliban, former Afghan government official and Australian citizen Fazal* says he has "spent nights" at the airport hoping for any news from the Australian government regarding an evacuation flight.
"I don't know how to get help. The US, Canada and other countries are providing support for their citizens but haven't seen anything from Australia," he says.
"I was at the airport at night and one person was shot dead before my eyes. I saw it and don't know why.
"I request the Australian government give special attention to former government officials who hold Australian passports."
Taliban members patrol the streets of Afghan capital Kabul Source: Getty
When asked about the requests for greater assistance, a DFAT spokesperson directed SBS Pashto to a Monday statement by Foreign Affairs Minister Marise Payne.
“The situation on the ground in Kabul, as in the rest of Afghanistan, is evolving rapidly,” the statement read.
“As in any crisis situation, the Australian government’s priority is to ensure the safety of its citizens. We have over 130 Australians in Afghanistan, working in the UN, NGOs, and elsewhere, and we are working to bring them and their families home.”
Minister Payne added, "We are also assisting those who have been granted humanitarian visas, and others who are in the process of applying for protection".
"We are closely connected to the US, UK, Canada, and other allies and partners."
Australian Fazila* and her son Abdul* say there are a number of conflicting messages being circulated in Kabul, and they are calling on the federal government to provide “clearer advice” about how consular assistance can be sought.
“I am in Kabul with my son, I am in shock as we all feel lost too,” says Fazila, who normally resides in Melbourne.
“I don’t know who to talk to as there is conflicting information from multiple sources.”
Javid* is a former Afghan interpreter with the Australian Defence Force who secured Australian citizenship through the government’s program to provide asylum to locally engaged employees (LEEs) during the war.
Now "stuck" in Afghanistan after visiting his sick father, he fears the Taliban will kill him if he's located.
“I have deleted my social media post and trying to hide my identity.
There has not been any assistance given by the Australian government and we also don’t know who to reach out to.
He says he's made several attempts at contacting the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s emergency consular assistance line and being “directed to the auto answering machine”.
“All I need is to talk to real people," he says.
Dual Australian-Afghan citizen Salah* describes Kabul as a “city in chaos”.
“I don’t know what will happen next. The internet and mobile services are not good enough and also, we are lacking any counsellor assistance from the Australian government.
“I go outside and see groups of armed Taliban; I keep avoiding and staying away as I am afraid.
“We have families to visit in Afghanistan, that is why we came here. We have never thought that we will end up in this situation.”
SBS Pashto has made a follow-up request with DFAT for comment on whether further consular advice will be issued.
*Names hidden over safety concerns
