On Thursday night, an entertaining program was held right in front of Bamyan statues destroyed by Taliban militants in 2001. According to reports around seven thousand people participated. Several popular figures including Hussien Sadeqi, a well-known Afghan-Australian, the martial art champion, Rohullah Nikpa, the bronze medalist from Beijing and London Olympics, Wahid Rastgar, Aryana Saeed and several other singers and athletes participated. The program was arranged by provincial office of UNAMA and Orange Media.

There were several programs for holding of the program. The first problem which overshadowed was the security on the way to Bamyan. It should be noticed around six hours long travel to the province is almost except a few kilometers where residents are believed to support Taliban militants. Meanwhile the government has not done anything to bring under the pressure to report any suspicious movement to security forces.  That short distance actually prevents many to travel to the city which should earn hugely from tourism due to natural beauty and host of ancient civilization.

Definitely, if this short distance between Kabul and Bamyan be dealt with, there is no worry about the safety of Afghan and foreign nationals to travel by road to the province.

The second problem was reportedly the opposition of some religious scholar branding the program as anti-Islam. They asked civilians not to take part. But the overwhelming participation of the people showed that people indeed do not much care about the blather of conservatives whose mentality has held the country back.

The problem was also the lack of facilities in the city. In spite of flow of billions of dollars in Afghanistan, the city has remained neglected and tremendously pour. It is one of the ancient cities that if paid attention can attract hundred of thousand of tourists annually but surprisingly the center of the city does not have electricity. So, due to lack of visitors and negligence of the government, still private investment has not been made. For instance, there is not a luxurious hotel or guesthouse to host foreign visitors.

Thus, it is hoped that such innovative programs introduce Bamyan and motivate Afghans and foreign nationals to visit the city which unfortunately lost its symbols of civilization, dignity and glorious history. People should notice that Bamyan residents are peaceful, moderate, hospitable and importantly tolerant.