Farid's Family and His Losses

Farid's personal history of loss during the wars and his growing bond with Amir.

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Farid's Tragic Past

Farid's Tragic Past The Jihad Farid was born in Mazar-i-Sharif. At fourteen, he and his father joined the jihad against the Soviet occupation. They fought in the Panjsher Valley for two years until his father was killed by helicopter gunfire. Farid carries the scars of war, both physical and emotional. The Land Mine Years later, a land mine explosion killed his two youngest daughters and severed three fingers from his left hand and toes from his feet. He moved his remaining family to Peshawar. He works as a driver, shuttling people between Pakistan and Afghanistan. He is bitter and distrustful of wealthy Afghans who fled the war. The Change of Heart When Amir explains that he is going to Kabul to rescue his half-brother's son, Farid's attitude softens. He agrees to help. During the journey, they bond over Mullah Nasruddin jokes and shared experiences. Farid becomes a loyal friend, risking his life to help Amir escape after the fight with Assef. Amir gives him a generous payment, and they part as friends.

1980s to 1990s