KABUL: As the fourth anniversary of the Taliban’s rule in Afghanistan approaches, several former government employees report the harsh realities of their lives. Lack of job opportunities and physical and mental health issues are among their primary challenges. While the Taliban prepare to celebrate their four years in power, those excluded from the group’s structure have faced numerous hardships during this time. Rahmatullah, a former military personnel from Badghis province, struggles to afford his kidney treatment due to unemployment. He shares, “I have wounds, and my leg is connected to a dialysis machine. I am financially weak, and my family and friends help me continue my treatment.” In Nimroz province, some former employees have used their savings to establish greenhouses for vegetable cultivation to cover living expenses. Hamid Khan, who previously worked in the Ministry of Education, states, “The work is hard, and the profit is low, but it’s better than being unemployed and helps me get by.” Another former employee, Ahmad, describes his financial situation: “I pay about 3,000 afghanis for shop rent, 4,000 for house rent, and 1,000 for electricity. I earn between 800 to 1,000 afghanis daily and manage to get by.” Four years after the Taliban regained power, thousands of former employees still face serious challenges. Some struggle with illness and lack the means for treatment, while others endure tough jobs with low income to sustain their lives. A recent report by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) reveals that in just three months, seven killings of former government security personnel have been recorded. Additionally, the report documents eight cases of arbitrary detention and three instances of torture and mistreatment of former officials.
