The Taliban have significantly expanded their surveillance system in Kabul, deploying 90,000 CCTV cameras across the capital. The newly enhanced network, monitored from a high-tech control centre, is intended to combat crime, but critics fear it may be used to suppress dissent and enforce strict social regulations.

Taliban police spokesperson Khalid Zadran showcased the system to the BBC, the first international media outlet permitted to observe its operation. Officers in the control room closely monitor live footage, tracking individuals through facial recognition technology that categorizes people by age, gender, and physical appearance. Zadran stated that the system allows authorities to respond swiftly to suspected criminal activity, including gatherings they find suspicious.

The Taliban claim the surveillance initiative has led to a 30% drop in crime between 2023 and 2024, but independent verification remains unavailable. While security officials maintain that the system improves safety, human rights organizations warn it may be used to further restrict freedoms, especially those of women, who already face severe limitations on education, employment, and public presence.

Concerns have also emerged regarding the financial burden on residents, as some households were reportedly required to contribute funds for camera installations. Citizens expressed frustration over being forced to make payments despite economic hardships, with some fearing repercussions for refusal.

The surveillance system appears to rely on Chinese technology, with branding from Dahua, a company linked to Beijing. Taliban officials declined to disclose further details about the sourcing of equipment.

Despite the Taliban's insistence that the CCTV network is used solely for law enforcement, rights groups warn that the absence of data protection laws raises significant privacy risks. Many Afghans, particularly former security personnel, activists, and women, fear increased monitoring and potential repercussions for opposing Taliban rule.

As Afghanistan continues to face economic distress and humanitarian challenges, many citizens question whether an extensive surveillance network should be a priority. A vegetable vendor in Kabul voiced the frustration of many, saying, "We are struggling to survive, and now we are being watched at every moment."