Zahra Hashimi
Dear Sir/Madam,
I hope this email finds you well. My name is Zahra Hashimi, and I am an Afghan citizen currently in Pakistan. I am writing to request a visa to Romania for myself and my children due to serious threats to our lives.
I belong to the Hazara ethnic minority and Shia community, both of which have been systematically targeted by the Taliban. Additionally, my past work in women's rights and healthcare has put me at significant risk. I worked as a volunteer at the Social Council for Peace Stability, where I educated Afghan women on their rights and maternal health. Unfortunately, the Taliban opposes such activities, and my work made me a target.
My husband, Sayed Ali Akbar Hashemi, worked in multiple Afghan government positions, including:
Deputy at the Ministry of Justice
Chairman of Internal Audit at the Ministry of Transport
Deputy to the Legal, Legislative, and Judicial Directorate at the Presidential Office (ARG)
Chairman of Internal Audit at the Ministry of Information and Culture (his last job)
His work in judicial, legal, and anti-corruption areas made him a target, as he exposed corrupt officials and reported them to authorities. When the Taliban took over Afghanistan, many of these individuals were released from prison and are now a major threat to our family.
At the Ministry of Information and Culture, my husband worked directly with artists, musicians, and cultural figures, supporting Afghanistan’s artistic and cultural heritage. The Taliban strongly opposes art and free expression, and they view those who worked with cultural institutions as enemies of their ideology. Because of this, my husband received multiple death threats from the Haqqani network, and when the Taliban took over, they came to arrest him on August 16 and September 7, 2021.
We escaped to Iran, but after our visas expired, the Iranian government deported my husband back to Afghanistan. Since then, he has been missing for seven months, and we fear he has been arrested or killed by the Taliban.
Serious Issues We Face in Pakistan:
1. Mass Deportations of Afghan Refugees – The Pakistan government is deporting large numbers of Afghans, which puts us at great risk of being sent back to Afghanistan, where our lives are in danger.
2. No Rights or Facilities for Afghan Refugees – As Afghan refugees, we have no legal rights, no access to basic services, and no financial support.
3. Denial of Education for My Children – My children are not allowed to attend school because they are Afghan, leaving them with no future.
As a widowed mother, I am struggling to protect my children. We are living in fear, poverty, and uncertainty. I humbly request the Romania government’s protection and seek a humanitarian visa so that my children and I can live safely.
I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to discuss my case further. Please let me know if any documents or further information are required.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I sincerely hope that Romania Government, which has always stood for human rights, will help me and my children in this difficult time.
I hope that the Government of Romania pay attention to our situation.
Best regards,
Zahra Hashimi
Pakistan ,Islamabad
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