Kabul’s Economic Crisis Deepens: Surge in Begging Highlights Urgent Need for Solutions

The economic crisis continues to exacerbate the challenges faced by residents of Kabul, as the number of beggars in the city remains high. The Taliban government has reported the identification of 110,000 individuals during their campaigns aimed at addressing the issue of begging.

Increase in Beggars in Kabul

Poverty, unemployment, and dwindling job opportunities have contributed to the rising number of beggars in Kabul. Reports indicate that some individuals are resorting to begging to meet their daily needs. A poignant example is an elderly woman publicly pleading for help, worried for her family, driven to this desperation by economic hardship.

In another report, a man named Gul Mohammad expressed to the media his fears of being arrested by the Taliban while begging. In a dire situation, he voiced his concerns about his children’s hunger and the threat of detention.

Campaign to Address Begging

The Taliban government has launched a new campaign focused on collecting beggars in Kabul since September 9. Abdul Rahman Munir, the deputy minister for drug control at the Ministry of Interior, stated that approximately 110,000 beggars have been collected since the Taliban assumed power, with 35,000 identified as needing assistance.

Despite this effort, many beggars still populate the streets and markets of Kabul. Habib Ghazni, a shopkeeper, reported that daily, between 15 to 20 individuals come to his shop, and shopkeepers are unable to assist everyone.

Social and Economic Challenges

Economic experts stress that addressing the plight of beggars requires an examination of the underlying causes. Mohammad Ibrahim Momand, an expert in the field, highlighted the need for skills training and job creation for vulnerable individuals. He proposed that the government establish a special fund to help these individuals engage in economic activities.

According to a report from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), it is anticipated that by 2025, 74% of Afghans will be unable to meet their basic needs. The return of the Taliban to power has intensified unemployment and reduced foreign aid, further exacerbating economic troubles.