Despite widespread reports by international bodies highlighting the severity of Afghanistan’s economic and humanitarian crisis, a senior Taliban official in Panjshir has painted a starkly different picture—claiming that the country is “moving toward prosperity, well-being, and self-sufficiency,” and will soon achieve “economic independence.”
United Nations agencies have warned that Afghanistan is currently experiencing its worst surge in malnutrition in recorded history, with half the population in need of humanitarian aid.
Local residents say food prices have skyrocketed since the Taliban takeover, leaving many unable to afford basic daily necessities.
The Taliban governor’s remarks have been sharply criticized, with many accusing him of either being “delusional” or attempting to obscure the grim realities on the ground.
Mohammad Agha Hakim, the Taliban-appointed governor of Panjshir, also declared that no individual or group will be allowed to “interfere in the fate of Afghanistan’s oppressed nation.” Four years into Taliban rule, the group has yet to initiate inclusive intra-Afghan dialogue or move toward establishing a broad-based government.
Hakim insisted that Afghanistan has now entered a phase of “reconstruction” after decades of war and called on those he described as “conspirators” to return to the “embrace of the Islamic system.” He claimed the Taliban holds no hostility toward any political faction and that it has created a “dignified environment” for all citizens.
These remarks were issued just one day after the U.S. State Department released its annual human rights report, which accused the Taliban of carrying out civilian killings in provinces where the National Resistance Front has been active.
The Taliban official’s statements are in direct contradiction with findings from UNAMA, other UN agencies, and numerous foreign governments.
