Last summer as I left my office (Ministry of Finance of Afghanistan) in the evening and walked towards Da Afghanistan Bank. I stopped to take a photo with my mobile as sunset was creating a beautiful view in Pashtonistan square. As soon as I took some photos, a security person in uniform approached me and asked me about my identity and why had I taken the photo? I responded that I am an employee of MoF and I took the photo of this beautiful scene to upload it google maps and thirdly there is no sign of ‘No Photography’ around. The security guy asked me to delete the photo as it could be used by ‘enemies of the country’ for terrorist actions. I did what he said but asked for permission once again for taking a photo. This time, the security person himself told me which angle was better to take the photo from.
That day I learn a lesson and wanted to share with you as to how to take a photo of public place in Kabul city (and other major cities in Afghanistan):
- If you are to take a photo in Kabul city, you will surely see security personnel (either police, army or local guards) roaming around. Before you take a photo, approach and greet them.
- Introduce yourself and appreciate their hard duty. If possible, take a selfie with them.
- Ask for permission to take a photo of the public building and explain to them that you are going to use it to help others navigate better and easily find addresses.
Taking a photo without asking the security personnel could put you in real trouble. In case they approach you to delete the photo, do not resist. It might exacerbate the problem and put you even in a bigger problem. This might not happen always, but caution is better than trouble.