Thursday , March 28 2024

National Geographic’s ‘Afghan Girl’ Arrested In Pakistan

Image Source: National Geographic

The girl with the most beautiful eyes in the world was arrested in Pakistan on Wednesday on charges of obtaining fraudulent national identification cards.

Sharbat Gula captured the hearts of millions with her piercing blue eyes, but the iconic refugee who once helped to raise awareness of the war in Afghanistan has been detained by Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) after suspicions that she has been involved with an identity fraud ring for over a year now. The star of National Geographic was arrested in Peshwar, near the Afghan border.

Image Source: Geo TV

Mass arrests were made after Pakistani police started cracking down on Afghans with illegal national identity cards. The FIA is also after two security officials, who are believed to have helped Ms. Gula and her two sons obtain ID cards.

The portrait of National Geographic’s “Afghan Girl” was taken in 1984 in a refugee camp in north-west Pakistan and became one of the most printed portraits in the world.

After hearing of her arrest, Steve McCurry, who captured the shot, immediately posted the notorious image on Instagram and wrote: “Two hours ago, I got word from a friend in Peshawar, Pakistan, that Sharbat Gula has been arrested.”

“I am committed to doing anything and everything possible to provide legal and financial support for her and her family.”

“I object to this action by the authorities in the strongest possible terms. She has suffered throughout her entire life, and her arrest is an egregious violation of her human rights.”

Committed to her cause, the photographer has never forgotten about her and even traced Ms. Gula once again back in 2002, when he asked her to sit for him for a second time.

Image Source: National Geographic

The arrest has raised further awareness of the suffering and torment of Afghan refugees in Pakistan and across the globe.




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