Afghan-Canadian scared for family members in Kabul Its heartbreaking
An Edmonton woman is reflecting on a life path that would have never been available to her had she remained in Afghanistan.
Marghalara Rashid holds a PhD in medical sciences and is an accomplished researcher with numerous awards.
The research associate at the University of Alberta said her current life couldâve easily slipped away from her.
Read more: âWe are desperateâ: The frightening new reality faced by the women of Afghanistan
â[The situation many people are facingâ¦] that could definitely be me. That could be one of my sisters. We could be living that suppressed life.â
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Marghalara Rashid with her family in an undated photo. Courtesy: Marghalara RashidRashid said it still feels shocking and surreal to see images of the current crisis in Afghanistan, particularly in Kabul, where she grew up.
âMy mom and dad were both professors at Kabul University. We were raised on campus.
âI have amazing, beautiful memories of Afghanistan.â
Rashid and her family left the country and immigrated to Canada in 2004.
Read more: Canadian special forces operating outside Kabul airport amid growing danger: officials
âWe came at the time when the Taliban were ruling â" that was the main concern for my parents. They wanted to get us out and make sure we could get an education.â
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She still has family back in Kabul, who are amid growing danger. Many are in hiding or desperately trying to escape the country, Rashid said.
âThey donât have a voice anymore. I am very scared for them.
âItâs disturbing. Itâs heartbreaking to see we are going back to the dark ages. Itâs a matter of life or death.â
2:21 Afghan exodus: Families in Canada worried about loved ones under Taliban rule Afghan exodus: Families in Canada worried about loved ones under Taliban ruleRashid has kept a close eye on federal aid. She said she wants the government to help more people as violence in Kabul intensifies.
Read more: Afghanistan crisis: NDPâs Singh slams Trudeau government for not doing more to help
âI really want people to know that we canât shut our doors on these people,â she said.
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âWhen I was just a little girl and I always knew that Canada was a peacekeeping nation.
âLetâs give these people an opportunity. They would love for Canadians to have an open mind and to support them.â
A family photo from Marghalara Rashid. Courtesy: Marghalara RashidThe Afghan-Canadian said she feels there is a stigma toward people living under Taliban rule. Rashid underscored that no one desires to be oppressed.
âThis is not what they want. This is imposed on them. It is forced on them and they have no other option.â
1:34 Trudeau: Canada redoubling Afghanistan rescue efforts Trudeau: Canada redoubling Afghanistan rescue effortsWhile family and friends have had their own voices taken away, Rashid said she will not be quieted.
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âThere are young girls in Afghanistan, just like me, waiting for a life-altering opportunity.â
There will be a rally at the Alberta legislature on Saturday as a display of support for those living through the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan.
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