“Did that really just happen?” a bystander whispered, clutching his neighbour’s arm as the dust settled on the street. Taniwal Square, usually bustling with the energy of everyday Kabul life, was eerily silent. This very square, named for the former governor of Paktia, Hakim Taniwal, was now tragically linked to his fate. On September 10, 2006, Taniwal was assassinated by a suicide bomber just outside his office in Gardez. The attack, a grim reminder of the instability that gripped Afghanistan, sent shockwaves throughout the nation. Even here in Kabul, miles from the site of the bombing, the echoes of violence were felt. It was a stark contrast to the image of Taniwal as a man of peace. He had returned to Afghanistan from exile in Australia after the fall of the Taliban, determined to help rebuild his war-torn country. He served as a minister in Karzai’s government and as governor of Khost before becoming governor of Paktia. His dedication to rebuilding his nation made his assassination at Taniwal Square all the more poignant. It was a harsh reminder of the high price Afghans paid for peace and stability. The silence on Taniwal Square was finally broken by the wail of sirens. The city, however, continued to mourn the loss of a leader who dedicated his life to its future.
Paghman Bridge
Slipping through time, let’s journey back to a Kabul brimming with life, where the Paghman Bridge stood as a silent