AhlulBayt News Agency: Ghor province, one of the largest provinces in Afghanistan with a significant Shia population, continues to face deprivation, governmental neglect, and widespread discrimination. Despite its strategic and historical importance, the Shia community of Ghor suffers from a lack of basic services and systemic marginalization—particularly under Taliban rule.
Ghor is the seventh-largest and thirteenth most populous province in Afghanistan, and has historically been a stronghold for the Shia community alongside central provinces such as Daikundi, Bamyan, Badghis, and Herat. Yet, both during the past two decades and under the current regime, the province remains underdeveloped and is still treated as a third-tier region.
Shia-populated areas such as the districts of Lal wa Sarjangal, Dawlatyar, and Pasaband—with Lal wa Sarjangal being entirely Shia—are particularly affected by deep-rooted deprivation.
Field reports reveal that residents of these areas not only lack basic facilities, but also face structural discrimination in the local Taliban administration.
A local Shia source, speaking anonymously to ABNA, stated: “Over the past three years, Shias have been repeatedly arrested without reason and subjected to violence.
We have no representation in local government. Shias are excluded from administrative roles and are merely viewed as a source of tax revenue, with no real attention to their needs.”
The source further added that Shia areas suffer from the absence of healthcare services, lack of medicine, and the non-existence of aid organizations.
Restrictions imposed by the Taliban and financial burdens, including heavy taxation, have worsened the situation. This comes on top of widespread poverty, unemployment, and recurring droughts that have deeply impacted daily life.
Most Shias in Ghor rely on traditional farming and animal husbandry, with a small number engaged in small businesses and shopkeeping in the provincial capital, Firozkoh. "The economic situation of Shias is dire," he said.
“Recurrent droughts, government neglect, and a decline in international aid have pushed people below the poverty line. Even basic medical services are extremely limited, and there is virtually no support for economic development or job creation.”
The source emphasized that Shias have a long-standing role in fostering peace and brotherhood: “If Shia areas are secure, it’s not because of the government—it’s because of the people themselves.
We should not be expected to thank the government for this; rather, the government should be grateful to the people for maintaining peace.”
In conclusion, he stated that despite discriminatory treatment and severe economic hardships, the Shia community of Ghor continues to live peacefully alongside other ethnic groups. However, they demand the recognition of their civil rights and an end to existing discrimination.
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