Economic updated: August 31, 2026
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Families in Afghanistan are expressing deep concerns about the severe economic shifts following the Taliban’s takeover. They are enduring tough times and struggling to meet their basic needs.
Since the Taliban took control, many families in Afghanistan have faced significant changes in their economic and living conditions. A resident of Kabul, who wished to remain anonymous, shared, “We haven’t had dry tea in our home for ten days, living in abject poverty and hunger has become unbearable.”
According to the United Nations, three out of four people in Afghanistan are unable to meet their basic needs. Alexander De Croo, the Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme, confirmed this situation during his recent visit to Afghanistan.
A family of fifteen living in Kabul is grappling with serious economic challenges. To cope with living expenses, they are limited to two meals a day and resort to cheaper food options due to the scarcity of supplies.
Humanitarian organizations in Afghanistan have received only 17% of the funds they requested to assist nearly 22 million needy individuals. This shortfall highlights the inadequate access to resources for aiding those in dire need.
Azarakhsh Hafizi, an economic expert, pointed out that the collapse of the previous republican regime has led to increased poverty and unemployment in the country. In the first year under Taliban rule, Afghanistan’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) decreased by 33%.