The Ismaili community, particularly residents of Badakhshan’s Ishkashim, Darwaz, and surrounding areas, is widely described as educated, peaceful, and socially cooperative. However, in recent years, serious concerns have emerged regarding their security and social conditions, especially concerning women within the community.
Killing of Female Worker Sparks Concern
Lailma, the wife of popular local artist and singer Abdul Salam Muftoon, who also managed a women-only restaurant, was reportedly killed on 7 May 2026 while traveling to her workplace along with her child in Ishkashim district of Badakhshan. She was allegedly shot by unidentified armed men.
The incident has triggered widespread reactions. Observers link the killing to three factors: her being a woman, her professional activity, and her belonging to the Ismaili minority community.
In these regions, Ismailis traditionally place strong importance on women’s participation in education and society. Prior to recent restrictions, girls from these communities attended schools and even traveled to other provinces for higher education. Despite growing challenges, Lailma continued managing her women-focused restaurant.
Broader Pattern of Violence Reported
The incident is not seen in isolation. Reports from recent months indicate an increase in killings of women in Badakhshan and other parts of Afghanistan. Cases mentioned include female doctors, minors, and civilians in Badakhshan, Kabul, Kunduz, Herat, and other provinces. Many of these cases reportedly remain unresolved without proper investigations.
As a result, roads and public spaces in Afghanistan are increasingly described as unsafe for women and civilians.
Concerns Over Religious Pressure on Ismailis
The situation is reported to be more complex for the Ismaili minority. In 2022, Maulvi Abdul Halim allegedly referred to Ismailis as “polytheists” during an Eid sermon and called for their excommunication. These remarks have been interpreted by some observers as part of a broader environment of religious intolerance.
Following this, reports have emerged of pressure, coercion, and attempts to change the religious practices of Ismailis. In some cases, individuals were allegedly forced to recite declarations of faith and adopt Sunni Hanafi practices. Armed figures are also reported to have labeled members of the community as “non-believers” and subjected them to pressure.
Reported Incidents (2024–2025)
Over recent years, multiple incidents have been reported from Ismaili-populated areas:
- May 2024: Reports of torture, beatings, and threats against Ismailis in Badakhshan.
- August 2024: Muhammad Nabi from Zebak reportedly abducted, tortured, and killed.
- October 2024: Restrictions on Ismaili religious ceremonies in Nasi and Shughnan, with pressure to follow Hanafi jurisprudence.
- November 2024: Establishment of religious schools in Ismaili areas to teach Sunni Hanafi teachings.
- December 2024: Killing of a 14-year-old boy in Wakhan district.
- Late 2024: Reports of executions near Jamaatkhanas in Zebak.
- Late 2024: Killing of Fazal Ahmad inside his home in Zebak.
- Early 2025: Allegations of forced religious conversion of more than 50 Ismailis.
- April 2025: Syed Amandin reportedly injured.
- July 2025: Fazal Ahmad Faiz, an Aga Khan Foundation official, reportedly killed in Badakhshan.
- July 2025: Arrests and extortion of former Ismaili military personnel in several districts.
- Late 2025: At least three Ismailis reportedly killed within one month.
- December 2025: Families allegedly threatened to send children to Hanafi religious schools.
- January 2025: Closure of five Jamaatkhanas and reported assaults on youths.
- May 2025: Lailma killed in Ishkashim while traveling to work.
Forced Religious Conversion Allegations
Reports also suggest that individuals who changed their sect are sometimes described not as converts but as having “returned to Islam,” reflecting contested narratives around identity and belief.
Growing Concerns Over Security and Rights
In recent months, increasing reports of targeted killings and hate speech against women and Ismaili community members have raised serious concerns among observers.
This situation continues despite long-standing development work in Afghanistan by the Aga Khan Development Network and Aga Khan Foundation, which have contributed to education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, women’s empowerment, microfinance, and cultural restoration projects.
However, despite these efforts, reports indicate that members of the Ismaili community in certain regions continue to face insecurity, restrictions, and safety concerns, raising ongoing questions about their protection and freedom.
