In programme five we join Naqeeb's brother, Hijrat, as he makes his way to the border: he is about to cross over from Afghanistan to Pakistan but he's doing so illegally, paying to be taken a back route to avoid any possibility that Taliban troops will spot him. We follow him as he does that and back in London Anita is waiting for news and receiving phone updates of his progress.

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 helping guide Haijrat on the safest possible route out of the country.

This isn’t a unique story, it has cross-over with so many other experiences, but by telling it in such detail it highlights the terrifying reality faced by those dealing with the consequences of the allied forces withdrawal. It also brings home how bonds forged in life and death situations many years ago can lead to such powerful actions now.

Produced by Sue Mitchell
Presented by Anita Anand Show less