Kazakh Influencers' Video on 'Travel to Afghanistan' Sparks Controversy

A video featuring seven young Kazakh women dressed entirely in black hijabs on TikTok, along with their brief comments about traveling to Afghanistan, has sparked significant reactions.

A local Kazakh media outlet reported on Thursday, July 11, that the video has "alarmed the people of Kazakhstan”.

The video shows seven girls dressed in full black hijabs, with one of them carrying the flag of Kazakhstan on her back.

Azattyk Ryhy, a Kazakh media source, quoted a citizen saying, "This is terrifying; our sisters never dressed like this. They might be hiding weapons under their clothes."

The video's creators, following widespread criticism, wrote, "Enough people, we're going to Afghanistan tomorrow."

There is no real indication that these influencers are actually traveling to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan. Many speculate that they might have dressed this way and mentioned Afghanistan to attract more viewers, likes, and comments on TikTok.

Previously, leaders of the Commonwealth of Independent States, of which Kazakhstan is a member, have consistently warned about the threat of extremism infiltrating Central Asia during their meetings.