In the wake of a major data breach by the UK Ministry of Defence, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has reiterated its commitment to the general amnesty decree, stating that no former Afghan collaborators with foreign forces are being prosecuted or targeted for their past affiliations.
The leak, which exposed the identities of approximately 19,000 Afghans who had worked alongside British forces during the NATO mission, has sparked widespread concern among those still in Afghanistan. Many fear retaliation or arrest following the disclosure of their personal and professional records.
Addressing these fears, Hamidullah Fitrat, the deputy spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate, dismissed the reports as “baseless” and emphasized that the leadership remains fully committed to the amnesty decree issued by the Supreme Leader following the fall of Kabul in 2021.
“Intelligence agencies have no need to monitor those who have been granted amnesty,” Fitrat said. “All relevant documents are securely maintained by the Ministries of Defence and Interior, as well as the General Directorate of Intelligence. There is no reliance on political or intelligence files from foreign governments like the UK.”
He went on to say that the publication of such reports by international media appears to be aimed at spreading fear and provoking uncertainty among former government employees and their families.
UK Relocation Program Halted
Following the breach, the UK government quietly relocated over 4,500 Afghans to undisclosed locations for their safety. However, the emergency relocation program has since been shut down, raising questions about the future safety of those whose data was exposed but who remain in Afghanistan.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer addressed the controversy in Parliament, stating that the responsibility for the leak lies with the previous administration. “We will ensure a full investigation is carried out,” Starmer said, “and appropriate steps will be taken to prevent such failures in the future.”
The data leak has reignited debate over the handling of Afghan allies by Western governments after the withdrawal from Afghanistan. Human rights groups and former military officials in the UK have called for a renewed commitment to protecting those who risked their lives to support NATO missions.
Meanwhile, the Islamic Emirate continues to urge calm and insists that no individual will be targeted for their past roles, as long as they respect the laws and values of the current government.
For ongoing updates on this issue and other developments in Afghanistan, visit www.u.af.
