Pleas of surviving relatives: Abdul Wali’s father, Abdul Ghani, shared his grief and anguish over the loss of his son, emphasizing that Abdul was not involved in politics or conflict — he was simply a teenager working hard to support his family back in Afghanistan. “He wasn’t a politician, he was just a teenager, working hard to support our family back home,” his father said. Injured and unable to work himself, Abdul Ghani had depended on his son’s income for survival. He spoke of Abdul’s abandoned dream of going to university, a dream he sacrificed to send money home.
The family is also facing the painful reality that Abdul’s body may not be returned to Afghanistan due to the ongoing conflict. “The body is still at the hospital. He may have to be buried in Iran, at least it’s an Islamic country,” his father added, expressing both sorrow and reluctant acceptance.
His death has caused alarm within the wider Afghan community in Iran. Many are now urging their loved ones to return to Afghanistan, even if it means facing poverty, out of fear that staying in Iran could cost them their lives.