The recent Taliban takeover of Afghanistan has sent ripples through Afghan communities worldwide, with the UK hosting one of the largest diaspora groups expressing deep concerns about the nation's uncertain future.
Among them is Qari Abdul Wakil, who fled the Afghan Civil War in 1991. After relocating to Pakistan, he settled in London in 1996 and now leads a mosque and community center in Hounslow, a suburb known for its significant Afghan population.
\"We don't want this war to continue any longer,\" Wakil shared from the Islamic Integration Community Centre (IICC), which he founded in 2008. The IICC serves as a pivotal hub for Afghans in the capital, offering essential services like weekly Friday prayers, Islamic marriages, and funerals.
Reflecting on decades of conflict, Wakil emphasized the enduring love Afghans hold for their homeland. \"In my lifetime, I've witnessed 45 years of fighting in Afghanistan. Nobody is happy to leave their country. All this fighting has forced us to escape. But the love we feel for our country is in everyone's hearts. It's not like we've forgotten our nation,\" he added.
Concerns aren't limited to the older generation. Yusuf Ibrahimi, a 24-year-old working at the IICC, highlighted the anxiety among the youth. \"I think all the Afghan community, especially the youth, are in a state of shock. Things have happened very quickly, very dramatically. We couldn't expect how quickly the Taliban could take over. But the first hope is that people are safe,\" Ibrahimi stated.
With many Afghans still having family ties in their homeland, the UK community remains vigilant, seeking ways to support those affected by the ongoing turmoil in Afghanistan.
Reference(s):
Afghans in UK worry about nation's future after Taliban takeover
cgtn.com
