Following opposition against a concert by a well-known Afghan singer, civil society activists on Sunday expressed deep concerns over what they called a growing challenge in the development of cultural activities and arts in the country. 
 
They said that imposing pressure on singers and musicians was a move towards pushing Afghanistan backwards.
 
A concert was held in Kabul on Saturday under heavy security to mark Afghanistan's 98th anniversary of independence. 
 
The concert was scheduled to be held at Ghazi Stadium, but Kabul garrison did not allow it to be organized there due to security threats. 
 
Khadija Khawari and her two daughters were among those who attended the concern in Kabul. Khawari and her daughters returned to Afghanistan after four decades. 
 
“Everything in Afghanistan is good, I am very happy to be here, (and grateful) to the soldiers of my country, security was good during the concert, I am happy with everything,” said Khawari.
 
“I found new objectives so that I can overcome all challenges like Aria,” said Suhaila Jaffari, a photographer.
 
“It seems that history is repeating itself for the people of Afghanistan, but this time, we should not allow democracy, gender equality and modernism to fall in Afghanistan,” said civil society activist Laila Jaffari.
 
“Some elements want to promote the ideology of Taliban, Daesh and terrorists by misusing freedom of speech and take actions in defiance of the constitution and democracy,” said wrtier Yasin Negah.
 
This comes after a female cyling competition and music concert was delayed in Samangan province after demonstrations were conducted by some radical elements. 
 
Those who attended the concert said the people are tired of war and violence and that being happy is their right.