Deepening poverty, widespread unemployment, and an unresolved political crisis are intensifying public anger across Afghanistan, raising serious concerns about growing instability and the potential for civil unrest under Taliban rule.
According to Afghan media outlet Afghan International, former Afghan Finance Minister Anwar-ul-Haq Ahady has issued a stark warning that the Taliban’s governance approach marked by repression, economic mismanagement, and disregard for public welfare is pushing the country toward further turmoil.
Mr. Ahady emphasized that the Afghan population is facing severe economic hardship, with millions struggling to meet basic needs amid rising poverty and the near-collapse of livelihoods. He noted that ordinary citizens are increasingly demanding accountability from the Taliban authorities over the worsening economic crisis and the absence of meaningful employment opportunities.
“Afghans are enduring extraordinary economic pressure,” Mr. Ahady stated, adding that public expectations for economic relief and job creation remain unmet. Instead, he warned, the ruling authorities appear primarily focused on consolidating power rather than addressing the urgent needs of the population.
Analysts and observers suggest that the Taliban’s rigid and exclusionary governance model, combined with international isolation and internal policy failures, has significantly weakened Afghanistan’s economic foundations. The lack of inclusive political structures and the continued suppression of dissent have further eroded public trust, amplifying frustration across urban and rural communities alike.
Mr. Ahady cautioned that ignoring public grievances could have serious consequences. He warned that prolonged economic distress, coupled with political repression, risks fueling widespread discontent that may ultimately threaten internal stability.
Humanitarian conditions continue to deteriorate as unemployment remains high, public services remain limited, and opportunities for economic recovery are scarce. Experts argue that without a shift toward responsive governance, economic reform, and engagement with the Afghan people, the current trajectory could deepen social unrest.
The warning underscores growing concern among former officials, economists, and civil society voices that Afghanistan stands at a critical crossroads where sustained neglect of public welfare may lead to heightened instability with far-reaching consequences for the country and the wider region.
