RASC News Agency: As Muslims worldwide observe fasting during the holy month of Ramadan, the worsening electricity crisis in Kabul has emerged as a major obstacle, disrupting not only daily life but also religious observances. The crisis has severely impacted fasting individuals who rely on electricity, particularly during pre-dawn (Suhoor) and evening (Iftar) hours. The frequent and prolonged power outages have exacerbated the hardships of citizens, exposing the Taliban’s failure to manage the country’s energy sector and amplifying public frustration. Ramadan is a sacred period for prayer, reflection, and devotion, during which many dedicate their nights and days to spiritual practices. However, with electricity frequently cut off across various districts of Kabul, residents face mounting difficulties in carrying out essential daily activities and religious obligations. Families are struggling to light their homes, prepare meals for Iftar and Suhoor, and utilize necessary electrical appliances.
The persistent nighttime power outages, particularly in the crucial hours leading up to Iftar, have led to widespread disruption, depriving households of the ability to cook, limiting access to proper lighting for prayers, and throwing daily routines into disarray. The rising temperatures during Ramadan have further heightened the demand for fans and cooling devices, yet the ongoing electricity shortage has left citizens with no relief. Despite months of Taliban rule, their failure to address critical infrastructure and economic challenges remains glaring. The electricity crisis, now an acute problem during Ramadan, underscores their lack of strategic planning and crisis management. Analysts argue that the Taliban possess no coherent energy policy and remain preoccupied with consolidating political control rather than addressing essential public needs.
In response to the deteriorating situation, a RASC News Agency correspondent interviewed several Kabul residents, capturing their grievances over the worsening electricity shortage during this sacred month: Mohammad Hassan, 47, shopkeeper:
“Ramadan is a month of worship and blessings, yet these relentless power outages have made it incredibly difficult for us. As families struggle to prepare meals for Iftar and Suhoor, even our religious practices are being disrupted. The Taliban must acknowledge and address the people’s suffering.” Maryam, 33, teacher:
“This holy month is meant for prayer, spiritual connection, and inner peace, yet we find ourselves unable to read the Quran or perform night prayers in proper conditions due to the constant power cuts. This situation is simply unbearable, and immediate action is required.”
Rahmatullah, 59, retired citizen:
“Ramadan is a time when we seek tranquility and devotion, but the unrelenting power outages, both day and night, have turned it into a struggle. Instead of experiencing spiritual harmony, we are grappling with worsening hardships.” The ongoing electricity crisis in Kabul, particularly during Ramadan, stands as undeniable proof of the Taliban’s incompetence in handling fundamental national crises. While Afghanistanis seek spiritual solace and comfort in this sacred month, the frequent blackouts are not only disrupting their lives but also diminishing their quality of life and amplifying psychological distress.
Kabul’s citizens are demanding swift and decisive action from the Taliban to resolve this crisis. Should the Taliban continue to neglect these fundamental issues, the deteriorating living conditions in Kabul will persist not just in Ramadan, but throughout the entire year.
