KABUL: Since the Taliban’s return to power, Afghanistan’s economy has plunged into severe decline, with experts warning that the country is heading toward an unprecedented economic and humanitarian crisis.
Analysts said the Taliban regime has focused more on repression, authoritarian control, militancy, and the alleged patronage of extremist elements rather than pursuing meaningful economic recovery, further weakening the already fragile economy.
In an interview with Afghanistan International, former Afghan finance minister Anwar-ul-Haq Ahadi dismissed Taliban claims of economic progress as baseless, stating that Afghanistan lacks even the most basic framework required to attract investment.
Ahadi said there is no functional legal system in the country, while state institutions are dominated by Taliban-backed individuals, leaving little room for transparency or accountability.
The former finance minister revealed that under the current conditions, investors face serious risks as there is neither adequate security nor a trained workforce available, making any form of investment highly unsafe.
He added that international sanctions and the absence of clear and credible economic policies have further restricted investment opportunities in Afghanistan.
According to a United Nations report, unemployment in Afghanistan has surged to nearly 75 percent due to ongoing terrorism and the collapse of economic activity.
The report also warned that the presence of terrorist groups in Afghanistan poses a serious threat to regional peace and stability.
The UN has cautioned that Afghanistan, under Taliban control, is likely to face a major economic crisis in 2026 if current trends continue.
