Taliban Investigates Man Claiming 140 Years Old

The Taliban government in Afghanistan has launched an official investigation into the extraordinary claim of a man who asserts he is 140 years old, a claim that, if verified, would rewrite the record books for human longevity. Aqel Nazir, a resident of the eastern Khost province, alleges he was born in the 1880s, though currently possesses no documentation to substantiate his birthdate.

According to reports, Nazir vividly recalls witnessing the aftermath of the Third Anglo-Afghan War in 1919, even claiming to have been present at celebrations alongside King Amanullah Khan following the conflict. “I was in the palace with King Amanullah Khan. I was over 30 at the time and I remember saying that the British had fled and knelt down,” Nazir reportedly stated, recalling a moment of national rejoicing. He further noted the passing of many contemporaries who shared that historical moment.

Nazir’s claim is supported by his large family, who believe he is indeed the world’s oldest living person. Khyal Wazir, one of his grandsons, emphasized the multi-generational nature of their family, stating, “I am 50 years old. He is my grandfather, and I have my grandchildren as well.”

Mustaghfar Gurbaz, a Taliban spokesman for Khost province, confirmed the investigation, stating a dedicated civil registration team has been assigned to verify Nazir’s age. “If confirmed by documents or assessments, we will work to register him as the oldest person in the world,” Gurbaz said.

Currently, the oldest person ever recorded was Jeanne Calment, who lived to be 122 years old, passing away in 1997 after being born in 1875.

This isn’t the first recent claim of extreme longevity. Earlier this year, Deolira Gliceria Pedro da Silva of Brazil claimed to be nearly 120 years old. However, Guinness World Records stated they had not received a confirmed application from Ms. Pedro da Silva, citing the frequent influx of similar claims.

The situation presents a fascinating, if challenging, verification process for the Taliban, given the lack of readily available historical records. While skepticism is warranted, the potential to confirm such an extraordinary lifespan is undeniably compelling. It highlights the enduring human fascination with longevity and the ongoing quest to understand the limits of the human lifespan. The outcome of the investigation will be closely watched, not just for the individual involved, but for what it might reveal about the possibilities of human aging.