Key Takeaways:

• A British couple, aged 75 and 79, were arrested by the Taliban on February 1 while running educational programs in Afghanistan.
• Their daughter, Sarah Entwistle, is calling on the UK government to secure their parents' release after losing contact with them.
• The Taliban have confirmed the couple's detention alongside a Chinese-American friend and their translator, with efforts reportedly underway to resolve the situation.

A British couple in their seventies, Peter and Barbie Reynolds, have been arrested by the Taliban in Afghanistan, stirring urgent calls for intervention from their family. The couple, who were involved in education programs aimed at training mothers and children, were detained on February 1 while returning to their home in Bamiyan. Their daughter, Sarah Entwistle, has been vocal about their plight, stating, "they were just trying to help the country they loved," according to BBC.

In a recent appeal, Entwistle urged the British government to "do everything" possible to secure their release, highlighting the couple's dedication to the Afghan community for over 18 years. Initially able to stay in touch via text messages, the family lost contact three days after the couple's arrest. They have not heard from them since, and their concerns are growing, especially regarding the health of Peter, who requires medication following a mini-stroke. "The idea they are being held because they were teaching mothers with children is outrageous," she expressed in an interview with Reuters.

The Taliban's spokesperson confirmed the arrest of the Reynolds and their associates, including a Chinese-American friend, Faye Hall, and an Afghan translator. The situation has raised alarms as previous incidents have shown the potential risks for foreigners in Afghanistan since the Taliban regained control in 2021. "Efforts are under way to resolve this issue," stated Abdul Mateen Qani, the Taliban interior ministry spokesman, but no detailed reasons for their detention have been provided, according to SCMP.

While the couple devoted themselves to teaching and aiding local communities, the Taliban has imposed strict regulations that restrict educational and working opportunities for women, prompting international criticism. The Reynolds' family hopes to leverage public pressure on the UK government for immediate action, with Entwistle adding that "after more than three weeks of silence, we can no longer wait," as reported by India Times.

The UK Foreign Office is reportedly in contact with the family but has limited means due to the absence of diplomatic representation in Afghanistan since the Taliban takeover. This situation highlights the ongoing complexities and dangers facing not only humanitarian workers but also the broader implications for nations still engaging with Afghanistan under its current regime.