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Call to Kabul

Escape from the Taliban

Duration: 14 minutes

First broadcast: on BBC Radio 4 LWLatest broadcast: on BBC Radio 4 FM

Available for over a year

In programme four we join Naqeeb and Paul in the UK as they plan how to help get Hijrat and his family to safety. Gathering intelligence from past and current members of the armed forces helps them decide which border is safest to aim for and how to navigate the Taliban checkpoints on the way.

Hijrat, his wife Aziza and their three children have been moving between safe houses - hours after leaving their latest address the Taliban are hard on their trail. They need to get out of Afghanistan right now.

A friend offers to drive them to the border and they detail how they will hide in the boot of the car at key points and the clothes they will use for disguise once they're there. As they set off they speak of their fear and confusion and also the distress of their children, who are too young to properly understand what's happening and where they're going.

Exposure on the BBC’s Any Answers programme in August was critical in saving Naqeeb’s life. The transmission of pleas made by the former officer reached MPs, Government ministers and others able to assist. Eight years earlier the interpreter, Naqeeb, had helped to save eight soldiers from an attack by a suicide bomber. Now those same soldiers are happy to help Hijrat as he starts this difficult and dangerous journey.

Produced by Sue Mitchell
Presented by Anita Anand Show less

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