Kabul: The Taliban government has significantly increased surveillance in Afghanistan, installing thousands of CCTV cameras in Kabul and other key cities. While officials claim this measure is aimed at crime prevention, concerns are growing that it is being used to enforce strict social restrictions on civilians.
With Kabul’s population at around 5 million, the Taliban have imposed harsh restrictions on women’s education, employment, and public activities since taking power. Alongside these policies, they have deployed an extensive CCTV surveillance network, with approximately 90,000 cameras now connected to a central control room monitoring the city.
Reports suggest that a Chinese company may be assisting in setting up this surveillance system, though the Taliban have not officially disclosed their partners. Bloomberg has reported that China-based firms could be supplying the technology.
Amid Afghanistan’s economic crisis, crime rates remain high, with attacks by the Taliban and ISIS targeting minority communities. While Taliban officials claim the surveillance has reduced theft, robbery, and kidnappings, human rights groups, including Amnesty International, have raised alarms about mass surveillance and potential human rights violations. The Taliban plan to expand the system nationwide.
