RASC News Agency: People from Farah province in western Afghanistan report to RASC News Agency about the transfer of rare birds from this province to Qatar. A local source in Farah province, on the condition of anonymity, told RASC reporter on Thursday, November 16th, that the transfer of these birds from Farah to Qatar is mainly taking place from the districts of Jowin and Pushtkooh in this province.
The source further adds that one of the reasons for the travel and presence of Qatari Arabs in Farah province is their interest in these rare birds, and they mentioned that the price of these birds is more than 15,000 Kabuli rupees, (the local currency). They also mentioned that the Qatari Arabs take with them 10 to 20 of these birds on each trip to Qatar. Meanwhile, Mahmood Rajabi, an informed source on affairs in western Afghanistan, stated, “Qatari Arabs have been traveling to Afghanistan and Farah province for a long time, and their role is not only limited to a few birds, but they have opened up to bigger matters.”
He added that even during the republic period, Qatari Arabs used to travel to areas where the Taliban had a significant presence, and now it can be said that their position and presence have increased compared to the past. Mr. Rajabi also mentioned that Qatari Arabs, due to their close ties with the Taliban, are working on more extensive areas according to analyses. Furthermore, Babak Osmani, a civil activist in Farah province, said to RASC News Agency that Qatari Arabs used to visit this province once a year during the republic period, but now they visit every month. He stated that when the Qataris come to Farah province, they distribute cash and non-cash assistance to tens and hundreds of families.
Osmani added that in some areas of Farah province, infrastructure projects have been carried out by the Qataris, but these have not been significant. This is while, according to the information, the Taliban had granted permission to Qatari Arabs during their rule to freely travel and move around in Farah province and other provinces of Afghanistan. It is worth mentioning that in the previous regime, no official permission had been issued for the travel of Qatari Arabs to Afghanistan, and they did not have legitimate entry and exit procedures. It should be noted that some time ago, a Qatari dignitary released 300 rare birds in the airspace of Farah province.
