LEGACY

‘Afghan Girl’ from Iconic ‘National Geographic’ Photo Arrested

After she was allegedly caught with a forged ID.

The Afghan woman whose face became famous after she graced the cover of National Geographic in June 1985, when she was just 12 years old, has been arrested. Authorities said Sharbat Gula was arrested in Peshawar, Pakistan for allegedly possessing a forged national ID card. A two year investigation led to Gula's arrest, and she may face up to 14 years in prison if she is found guilty. Gula's picture was taken after her parents were killed and she had guided her grandmother and siblings across mountains and into Pakistan's refugee camp. Her face, and the striking green-eyed photo, became a symbol for the plight of refugees in the area.