Islamic extremists captured Kabul on the 15th of August 2021,  when the U.S.-backed Afghan government failed. The anniversary is one day earlier based on the Afghan calendar. Persecution of all religions with different interpretations of Islam and minority groups such as Ahmadiyya Muslims, Sikhs, Hindus, Christians, and Shi’a Muslims has increased. The Taliban have enforced strict versions of Sharia law, including corporal punishment for disobedience.

The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom has released a report, where they call conditions in Afghanistan menacing, and they highlight the ways Taliban rulers “repress and significantly stifle any action or behaviour that does not conform with their strict interpretation of Islam.” According to the report, the enforcement of Sharia law includes “public executions, lashings and floggings, stoning, beatings, and acts of public humiliation, such as forced head shaving”. 

Former government officials who remained in the country and religious minorities like Christians endure severe pressure in society. The Taliban raid their homes on a regular basis, threaten their families and limit their job and educational opportunities. They also try to cut contact between their citizens and any Western groups. They often send spies among workers. The Taliban also offer monetary compensation to anyone who reports on Christians. If detained, Christians face brutal torture and even death. In the unlikely event of being released, the victims and their families must flee their homes to avoid kidnapping.

Many Christians escape to Pakistan, risking to be captured and killed. They are forced to conceal their faith, because they may receive even more horrible treatment in Pakistan. Some Christian refugees decide to return to Afghanistan, because they believe the Taliban would deal with them slightly better than the Pakistani government. 

Source: https://www.persecution.org/