Afghanistan’s biggest female pop star Aryana Sayeed has told women in the country to take a stand against the Taliban and “never give up the fight” after fleeing Kabul on a US plane.

The gorgeous 36-year-old singer told Reuters: “One of my friends, who is the owner of one of the airline companies, called me on 14th August. He said that there was a flight the next day and that we had to leave Afghanistan.

“The situation in the country was getting worse. He said that the Taliban could enter Kabul at any time.

“We went to the airport, and while we were waiting for transferals, all of a sudden, we heard gunshots. All employees, including security guards, left the airport. People started running and flocking to get on the planes.

“I have stood against the Taliban for many years. I have sent messages showing I am against them. That’s why I was really scared if they would come and get me. That would be the end of me and my fiancee. I am very happy to be able to get out of Afghanistan alive. I’m in Washington right now, but I don’t feel normal, I’m shaken.

Aryana, who lives in Istanbul in Turkey after leaving Afghanistan as a girl, also advised women to stay and fight the Taliban: “I can’t believe I had to go through all this. I don’t think I deserve this. Why is it a great sin for a person to make music or sing? Why am I being treated like this? I only demand basic rights for all Afghan women I speak on behalf of. I want women not to give up.

“I saw women going out on the street seeking justice. I want them to continue this and never give up the fight.”

Aryana fled Afghanistan onboard a US Air Force plane.

The pop star, who is also a judge on Afghanistan’s version of The Voice, was photographed at Kabul airport along with her producer and partner Hasib Sayed.

She first left her Afghan homeland when she was eight years old, with her family finally settling in London in the United Kingdom.

After she became famous, she regularly visited Afghanistan for concerts and public appearances.

She has always been a vocal supporter of women’s rights, now in jeopardy after the Taliban took control of the country.