Despite the ongoing war in Afghanistan, which is spread throughout most of the country, there are still a few pockets of peace in the country.

One such area is Zazai Maidan district in south-eastern Khost province – which is a model of security in the war-torn country.

The district, which shares a border with Pakistan, is home to 70,000 people, who live in harmony without enduring the fear of explosions or gunfights.

TOLOnews journalist Tamim Hamid visited the district and stayed with a friend.

According to Hamid, the locals walked freely through the streets of villages both day and night and clearly appeared to have no security concerns.

This in itself is an anomaly as most remote regions in the country have serious security challenges.

According to Hamid, if strangers are spotted out on the streets, especially at night, the locals immediately report them to the police. The police in turn follow up on this and ensure the stranger poses no threat.

Hamid’s friend, Shafiullah, who is an economics student, said the locals all cooperate with security forces and because of this, their district is secure.

“All the tribes should work together and support the government,” said Shafiullah. 

Another local, Abdul Malik, who is a graduate with an engineering degree, said because of the stability, their district has become a tourist attraction and hundreds flock to the region to experience the security and beauty of the local landscape.

“Zazai Maidan residents have worked for the entire Afghanistan. Because now people from all parts of the country come here and the district is a place for tourists,” said Abdul Malik. 

Another resident, Ali Akbar, said he has been working in the district center for 20 years and has never witnessed any insecurity. He said he and his friends have often wondered why the people in the rest of the country do not work for a better future. 

“There are lots of incidents in Afghanistan - that we see on TV or hear from people. But here and around us, we have not faced any problems,” said Ali Akbar. 

Even the shops in district are open until late at night. A shopkeeper who sells flowers at the district center said he stays open late as often wedding guests drop in to buy flowers.  

“There are parties and wedding at nights and all comes and buy flowers and other things from me,” shopkeeper Abedullah Abed said. 

In his shop he has hung Afghan flags – which he said were in memory of fallen Afghan soldiers.