Over the past four weeks, a small but growing band of ordinary Afghans have been marching from Helmand to Kabul to demand an end to 40 years of war and violence. It's a protest unlike any other and in a country short on hope, it's captured the imagination of many Afghans. BBC Kabul's Karim Haidari went to meet them.
In Wardak province, 50 kilometres (31 miles) south west of Kabul, an extraordinary procession is making its way down a dusty road in the countryside.
Around 80 men, young and old, wearing turbans and hats to protect them from the burning sun, are greeted with garlands and cheers by local people.
Carpets have been laid out on the ground to offer them a chance to rest and break their Ramadan fast.
After another long day's marching, the cool wind that has picked up offers a welcome respite from the searing heat of the Afghan summer.
These are the Helmand peace marchers – initially a group of just seven men who began their journey back in March in the regional capital Lashkar Gah.
The catalyst for the march
The catalyst for their protest was a devastating suicide attack on an open-air wrestling match in the town over the…