In this episode of The Farewell Land, host Mohammad Sharif Danish welcomes Zia Nijrabi — a beloved Afghan singer whose soulful voice has long carried the spirit of Afghanistan. Now living in exile in Pakistan, Nijrabi opens up about his musical journey, the role of traditional music in preserving culture, and the challenges of living away from home.
Listeners will also hear segments of his most popular songs, sparking deep memories of homeland and heritage. With heartfelt reflections and a powerful message of resilience, Nijrabi reminds us of the enduring strength of the Afghan people.
This episode honors Afghan art and culture, keeping alive the voices and stories of a community in exile.
#AfghanMusic #CulturalHeritage #ExileVoices #AfghanArtists #Resilience #TheFarewellLand
In this episode of The Farewell Lnad ,host Sayed Reza Shah Tohur speaks with Bahadur Falak, a highly educated Afghan refugee in Pakistan whose story reflects both resilience andloss.
With a background in Law, Political Science, and International Relations, Bahadur once served as a politicalanalyst, civil society activist, and government official in Afghanistan. But migration brought unforeseen trials. On March 15, 2025, duringRamadan, he lost his young son, Maulana Baha Falak, in a tragic accident— a heartbreak that became one of the defining moments of his refugee journey.
In this candid conversation, Bahadur shares the struggles faced by Afghan migrants in Pakistan: barriers to employment, legal uncertainties, limited healthcare access, and the emotional toll of displacement and personal loss.
Despite his qualifications andexperience, Bahadur — like many Afghan refugees continues to face challengesin finding dignified work and stability. His story sheds light on the resilience of refugees and the urgent need for solutions.
🎙️ In this episode of The Farewell Land, hosted by Shabnam, we bring you an intimate and insightful conversation with two Afghan writers—Anousheh Bahar and Sadaf Mohammadi.
Anousheh Bahar, originally from Ghazni province and a graduate of Kabul University in Language and Literature, shares her journey as a writer and refugee. Before the political shift in Afghanistan, she worked with several online news platforms and actively pursued her writing career. Now living in Pakistan for the past four years, Anousheh opens up about the challenges of displacement, her continued literary passion, and the rich cultural heritage of Ghazni.
Sadaf Mohammadi, another passionate Afghan writer, discusses her deep love for reading and the transformative role literature plays in Afghan society. She offers valuable insights into the culture of reading in Afghanistan, highlighting how books shape thought and resilience, even in challenging times.
Host: Mohammad Sharif Danish
In this episode of The Farewell Land, we meet
Mohammad Martin, an Afghan refugee artist whose life story is told through music. For Martin, melodies are more than just art; they are a means of survival, a language of resistance, and a way of remembering.
He reflects on the hardships of displacement in Iran and Turkey, his return to Afghanistan, and the struggles of living under constant insecurity and exile. His journey shows how music becomes a companion in migration — a source of strength when everything else is uncertain.
Through his calm yet commanding voice, Martin speaks of a lost generation: Afghans who disappeared at borders, yet whose presence lives on through art and memory.
Join us on this emotional journey into the world of Mohammad Martin, where every note tells a story of pain, resilience, and hope.
#thefarewellland
In this episode of The FAREWELL LAND Podcast, host Shabnaam welcomes Ms. Elaha Jan Tareq, a journalist and migrant woman, to share her powerful story. Elaha Jan opens up about her journey of migration, discussing the challenges, hardships, and resilience that have shaped her experience. She sheds light on the difficulties faced not only by herself but also by many of her fellow countrymen along the path of migration.
Listeners will hear about the activities Elaha Jan is involved in during her time as a migrant, how long she has lived away from home, and the unique obstacles she has encountered along the way. This conversation offers an insightful look into the realities and hopes of migrants, highlighting both their struggles and their ongoing contributions.
Join host Shabnaam for this thoughtful discussion with Elaha Jan Tareq on Awaz-e-Dosti, where voices and stories of migration come to life.
Shabnaam interviewed Dr. Maryam Mubarez, a psychologist and mental health consultant with extensive experience in the field, to discuss the topic of depression and mental health.During the interview, Dr. Mubarez explained what depression is—a mental disorder characterized by a range of symptoms, including difficulty sleeping, changes in appetite, struggles with daily tasks, impaired thinking, and challenges in decision-making, all of which persist for at least two weeks. She emphasized that depression is a serious condition that affects both the mind and body.Dr. Mubarez also discussed which groups of people are more likely to suffer from depression, stress, and other mental disorders. She highlighted the role that childhood experiences play in shaping mental health in young people, explaining how early trauma or adverse experiences can contribute to mental health challenges later in life.Furthermore, she explored possible solutions for individuals suffering from mental disorders, emphasizing the importance of professional help, therapy, and support systems. Dr. Mubarez also clarified the difference between psychosis and depression, noting that while depression involves persistent sadness and a lack of interest in daily life, psychosis can involve losing touch with reality, including delusions and hallucinations. Through her expertise and years of experience, Dr. Mubarez provided valuable insights into mental health, offering practical advice for those struggling with mental health issues and encouraging awareness and understanding.
In today’s podcast, our reporter, Deeba Akbari, interviews Shizar Samim, a 21-year-old Afghan refugee living in Pakistan. She sheds light on the challenges Afghan refugees face, including financial struggles and the uncertainty of their future.
Deeba also discusses the alarming rise in suicide incidents among Afghan youth in Pakistan, driven by financial hardships and the inability to migrate to other countries for better opportunities. Now, with the Pakistani government setting a deadline for undocumented Afghan refugees to leave the country, their situation has become even more critical.
Shizar appeals to international organizations and the Pakistani government to address these urgent issues and find sustainable solutions for Afghan refugees.
To learn more about this pressing issue, listen to the full episode of "The Farewell Land.
n today's episode of The Farewell Land podcast, our Afghan reporter, Deeba, speaks with Azad, a young Afghan woman who fled Taliban oppression and is now struggling as a refugee in Pakistan. She shares her harrowing journey—leaving behind a home where women’s rights were stripped away, enduring imprisonment and torture, and escaping to seek safety.
Azaada bano speaks of her fight to empower women through her small business in Afghanistan, only to be repeatedly shut down by the Taliban. She recounts the terrifying days she spent in a Taliban prison, witnessing inhumane punishments and fearing for her life. Even after finding refuge in Pakistan, she lives in constant fear of deportation, facing harassment despite holding legal documents.
Her words carry the weight of survival, resilience, and a desperate plea for understanding. She calls on the world—especially the United Nations and Pakistan’s government—to stop treating Afghan refugees like criminals and grant them the right to live with dignity. Join us as we step into Azaada's world and listen to her story of exile, struggle, and unbreakable hope.
In today’s episode of The Farewell Land podcast, Afghan citizen journalist Khatera talks to Shabnam Ayam, a talented artist and psychologist from Bamyan, Afghanistan. Despite facing numerous challenges in her life, Shabnam has excelled in multiple fields.
She discovered her passion for art at the young age of eight. However, with the current situation in Afghanistan, where schools and universities remain closed, she has found alternative ways to continue learning and growing. She has expanded her skills beyond art and psychology—she has become a skilled writer and has also mastered traditional handcrafting, particularly sewing for women.
Now, with expertise in four different fields—art, psychology, writing, and handcrafting—Shabnam is a true example of resilience and determination.
To learn more about her inspiring journey, tune in to this episode of The Farewell Land podcast. Don’t forget to subscribe and stay connected for more incredible stories!
In today’s episode, we bring you the voice of Ayesha Sultani, a 40-year-old Afghan refugee, whose story echoes the fears and uncertainty faced by thousands like her.
Ayesha was a teacher in Afghanistan, educating young minds with hope for a better future. But like many others, she was forced to leave her homeland due to conflict and instability. Now, she lives in Islamabad with her family, trying to rebuild her life in an unfamiliar land. However, the recent decision by the Government of Pakistan to relocate and repatriate Afghan refugees has left her deeply worried.
Afghan citizen journalist Diba Akbari sat down with Ayesha to record her thoughts on this unsettling development. With a heavy heart, Ayesha expressed her fears: "Where will we go? We have no choice. We are already facing so many challenges as refugees, and now this decision has only added to our uncertainty."
Pakistan has long been home to millions of Afghan refugees, many of whom have lived here for decades. Some were born and raised in Pakistan, never setting foot in Afghanistan. Others, like Ayesha, came here seeking safety and stability. Over the years, Afghan refugees have contributed to Pakistan’s economy, education, and culture. Yet, now they find themselves caught in a storm of policies that threaten to uproot them once again.
The new government plan aims to relocate registered Afghan refugees from Islamabad and Rawalpindi in phases, eventually sending many back to Afghanistan. This move comes amidst rising concerns over security, border control, and international diplomatic pressures. But for refugees like Ayesha, the decision is more than just a policy—it is a question of survival.
"We don’t want to go back," Ayesha pleads. "It is not safe for us. And settling in another city in Pakistan is also very difficult. Where do we belong?"
Her words reflect the growing anxiety within the Afghan refugee community. They fear being sent back to a country still struggling with political instability, economic collapse, and human rights challenges. Many Afghan women, especially those who have worked as teachers, journalists, and activists, worry about their future under the current regime in Afghanistan.
In today’s episode, we bring you Ayesha’s voice—her story of resilience, fear, and an urgent plea for reconsideration. Stay tuned as we delve deeper into this pressing issue.
In this episode, you will hear from Muzhdah Neshaty, an Afghan refugee who has been living in Pakistan for the past few years after the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan. She shares her experiences as a refugee, highlighting the major challenge of visa-related issues. Due to these difficulties, Afghan refugees face numerous hardships in Pakistan.
In her conversation, Muzhdah also discusses other struggles refugees encounter and expresses her hope that the Pakistani government will recognize their problems and find solutions so they can live peacefully.
This report is by Citizen Journalist Deeba Abkari, an Afghan refugee living in Pakistan.
To learn more, listen to this interview in Dari and stay tuned to The Farewell Land podcast.
In this report, Shabnaam conducts an insightful interview with Afghan Hazara refugees living in Pakistan, focusing on the experiences and challenges faced by the Hazara community. The report provides an in-depth look at the Hazara people of Afghanistan, discussing who they are, their population size, and the regions they predominantly inhabit. The Hazaras are an ethnic group mainly residing in the mountainous central region of Afghanistan, particularly in areas such as Hazarajat.
The report also explores the unique challenges faced by the Hazara community, including widespread discrimination and persecution that has forced many to flee Afghanistan. For a detailed understanding of the Hazara community’s struggles, resilience, and cultural identity tune in to the complete report and hear the voices and perspectives of Afghan Hazara refugees.
Welcome to the very first episode of Farewell Land! In this episode, we introduce you to the mission and vision behind our podcast, a space dedicated to sharing the stories, experiences, and culture of the Afghan people. Our hosts—Khatereh Naeimi and the team—explore the challenges and triumphs of Afghanistan, offering a deeper understanding of its rich history and vibrant culture. Through personal stories and insightful conversations, we aim to celebrate the resilience and determination of the Afghan people. Join us as we begin this journey to honor and share the untold stories of Afghanistan.