Families living in Wazir Akbar Khan, in the diplomatic zone in Kabul, have spoken out about the difficulties they face living in the heavily fortified but extremely vulnerable part of the city.

Wazir Akbar Khan, or WAK as its known to many, houses many embassies, businesses and residential homes, but is constantly under insurgent threat. It has also been a repeated target of bombings and rocket attacks in recent years.

In the past few weeks however, security measures have been tightened considerably. Some roads have been closed and check points have been dramatically increased.

This has in turn led to serious traffic congestion especially as security forces check almost every car entering the area.  

TOLOnews journalist Tamim Hamid visited one family living in the area to get their impression of what life has become for them under these new security measures.  

The family said they have lived in the area for 17 years. When they moved in to the area most of the family lived together but slowly family members have moved out, leaving only eight behind.

Of these eight people, only two were prepared to be interviewed – the rest citing security concerns as the reason for not appearing on camera.  

They said many of their neighbors have moved away from the area due to security threats.

“High profile people used to live here; those who had higher education and were doctors, engineers or traders,” said Azimullah Niazi, one of the two residents interviewed.  

According to this family, since the roll out of such tight security measures in the area, life has become a lot more challenging for them.

“We do not come home late at night and when we have guests, they leave early. During the day also, we never let our children go out without an elder,” Niazi said. 

Kefayatullah Niazi, a younger member of the family has been studying in China. He is currently at home for a month. He said due to challenges in Wazir Akbar Khan area, he prefers to study abroad. 

“When we go out, the family gets worried. Also, we cannot go freely anywhere we want,” said the younger Niazi.