KABUL, Afghanistan — The Taliban-led Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs announced that Sunday, August 18 (Asad 28), will be observed as a public holiday in Afghanistan, marking the 105th anniversary of the country’s independence from British rule.
Afghanistan gained its independence on August 19, 1919 (Asad 28), under the leadership of King Amanullah Khan. The announcement comes amid reports that some Taliban members have damaged or removed images of King Amanullah Khan from public spaces, despite his historical significance as a proponent of Afghanistan’s constitution and sovereignty.
King Amanullah Khan is remembered for his efforts to secure Afghanistan’s independence early in his reign and for his support of constitutional reforms. Afghanistan’s independence was won after three major wars against the British Empire: the First Anglo-Afghan War (1839-1842) and the Second Anglo-Afghan War (1878-1880), both of which ended in victory for the Afghans.
Taliban also recently designated August 15 (Asad 24) as the “Day of Victory,” commemorating the withdrawal of foreign troops from Afghanistan in 2021. But the fall of Kabul had happened on August 15, 2021, a day many Afghan citizens refer to as a “dark day” in the nation’s history, citing the increasing restrictions imposed by the Taliban, particularly against women and girls.
