Afghans Commemorate National Flag Day Despite Restrictions

Afghan citizens inside the country and in the diaspora marked the seventh of Asad as National Flag Day, a date designated under the previous government to honor the three-color national flag.

Residents and activists described the flag as a lasting symbol of patriotism, national identity, unity and pride that remains in people's hearts even after its removal from official use. The three-color flag was first approved in 1928 under King Amanullah Khan and later enshrined in the 2003 constitution.

The Taliban have banned the flag, removed it from government buildings and restricted public commemorations, including posts on social media. Several young people have been arrested, interrogated or beaten for displaying images of the flag online, according to accounts from those who spoke on condition of anonymity.

In Pakistan, Afghan migrants reported additional obstacles from local authorities that prevented organized ceremonies, with some fearing arrest over visa issues. Despite these constraints, participants said they continued private observances to preserve a sense of national attachment.

Activists including Sadaf, Shakib, Yasmin Yaqin Nabizada and Shirin stated that the restrictions have not erased the flag's significance for many Afghans.