RASC News Agency: A significant portion of the country’s citizens express deep concern over the escalating poverty and unemployment. They report that, in addition to the suppression and threats from the Taliban, widespread joblessness and hunger have driven many young people to flee the country in desperation. Citizens note that the purchasing power of the populace has plummeted to unprecedented lows, leaving the majority unable to afford basic necessities.
The Taliban frequently tout the stability of the national currency as an achievement; however, economic experts argue that currency stability does not necessarily equate to economic prosperity. In fact, the gross domestic product has shrunk by 35% over the past three years. Furthermore, a researcher contends that financial blockades have emerged in Afghanistan, highlighting the Taliban’s failure to manage the economy effectively.
Under Taliban rule, the economic situation for citizens has become increasingly dire. Many across various provinces report suffering not only from severe unemployment and poverty but also from oppressive security measures and harsh repression. They observe a lack of job creation, provision of welfare services, and support for the financial sector, as the Taliban appear focused on exploiting the populace’s financial distress.
Persistent unemployment and growing poverty have led many young people to leave the country en masse, often falling victim to human traffickers and drug cartels along perilous migration routes. Gulab Shah, a laborer in Herat province, describes walking from Injil district to Bad Murghan in Herat city daily in search of work. Despite his efforts, he may only find employment one or two days a week, often returning home hungry and thirsty on the remaining days.
Lily (a pseudonym), a university professor currently confined to her home by Taliban orders, shares her plight. The recent directive from the Taliban leader sets her monthly salary at 5,000 kabuli rupees, despite being the sole breadwinner for her family of four. Thousands of other female professors face similar circumstances. Workers lament that poverty and unemployment have robbed them of sleep.
Despite Taliban claims of having managed the economy effectively over the past three years, including the purported stability of the national currency as evidence of sound economic management, economic experts warn that this currency stability does not signify a robust economy. Instead, it signals a looming economic crisis in Afghanistan.
To date, nearly one million people have fled the country under Taliban rule.
