Sources in Kabul say some women stand along roads and ask drivers of private vehicles for financial assistance. In some cases, these requests are reportedly accompanied by threats and pressure.
Sources told the Hasht-e Subh Daily on Tuesday, September 29, that the women initially board private vehicles by explaining their financial difficulties and asking for a free ride. They then demand money from the drivers along the way.
One source said he encountered such an incident on the 40-Meter Road near Kabul Airport.
According to the source, two women, estimated to be between 35 and 40 years old, were standing by the roadside and pleaded with him to take them to Wazir Akbar Khan Hospital.
They said they had a sick person and had come to Kabul without sufficient means, and needed help getting to the hospital.
The source added that after the women got into his vehicle, they demanded 2,000 Afghanis from him during the journey.
According to the source, the two women threatened to report him to the Taliban if he refused to pay, claiming that he had assaulted them.
The source said he was forced to pay the requested amount out of concern that his reputation and standing could be damaged.
He also claimed that the two women identified themselves as being connected to the Taliban and threatened him repeatedly.
