The ITV documentary "25 Years in Afghanistan", presented by journalist Mir Hussain, offers a deeply personal revisit to the country he left a quarter of a century ago. The film, which aired on 17 August 2026, captures the stark transformations in Afghanistan under Taliban rule, blending Hussain's own memories with the current realities faced by its people.
A Journey Back to a Changed Homeland
Hussain, who fled Afghanistan as a child, returns to find a nation reshaped by decades of conflict and the Taliban's resurgence. The documentary follows his interactions with locals, from former soldiers to women whose rights have been severely curtailed. He notes that the Kabul he remembers, once bustling with music and education, now feels subdued, with many of its cultural landmarks altered or destroyed.
One of the most striking segments involves Hussain meeting an old school friend who now runs a small shop. The friend recounts how the Taliban's re-imposition of strict laws has made daily life precarious, especially for those who once worked with foreign NGOs. "We thought the worst was over after 2001, but now we are back to the same fears," he tells Hussain.
The Human Cost of Two Decades
The documentary does not shy away from the human toll. Hussain visits a hospital in Herat where doctors describe a shortage of essential medicines and a rise in malnutrition among children. According to the film, maternal mortality rates have climbed sharply since 2021, with many rural areas lacking even basic healthcare facilities. A nurse, speaking on condition of anonymity, says, "We are doing more with less, but we are losing the battle."
Hussain also speaks with a group of young women who have been banned from attending school beyond the sixth grade. Their testimonials are heart-rending, with one teenager expressing a simple wish: "I want to be a doctor, but they say my place is at home." The documentary highlights that these restrictions are not just a loss of opportunity but a systemic erasure of women's participation in public life.
A Nation Between Hope and Despair
Despite the bleak picture, the film also captures moments of resilience. Hussain visits a small underground school where teachers volunteer to educate girls in secret. He meets a former interpreter who now works as a taxi driver, saving money to send his family to Pakistan. "I have hope for my children, but not for myself," he says.
The documentary ends with Hussain standing on a hill overlooking Kabul, reflecting on the cyclical nature of Afghanistan's history. He notes that while the international community has largely moved on, the Afghan people remain trapped in a struggle for basic rights and survival. "The world has a short memory," he says, "but for Afghans, every day is a reminder."
Impact and Reception
"25 Years in Afghanistan" has been praised for its intimate storytelling and Hussain's empathetic approach. Critics have noted that it avoids sensationalism, instead focusing on the everyday realities of life under the Taliban. The documentary has sparked renewed conversation about the international community's responsibility towards Afghanistan, with some viewers calling for increased humanitarian aid.
As the film concludes, Hussain leaves viewers with a sobering statistic: nearly 70% of Afghanistan's population is now living below the poverty line, a figure that has doubled since the Taliban took power. He emphasizes that the country's future remains uncertain, but the resilience of its people offers a glimmer of hope. The documentary serves as a powerful reminder that behind the headlines, there are millions of individual stories waiting to be heard.
