Taliban’s symbolic reconstruction projects draw criticism amid Afghan economic hardship

KABUL: As poverty and hunger continue to rise in Afghanistan, with many citizens struggling to secure daily bread, the Taliban has turned to decorative projects in various parts of cities. A move that critics calling it as “symbolic reconstruction.” Haji Zaid, a spokesperson for the Taliban governor in Balkh, published photos of the beautification of Mazar-i-Sharif, showing certain streets decorated with lights and paint. The focus appears to be on the city’s appearance rather than addressing the actual living conditions of the people. Local sources revealed that, by order of Haji Yusuf Wafa, the Taliban governor, a 60-meter column has been erected to display the Taliban flag at the governor’s compound. The cost of the column has not been disclosed, but critics argue it reflects a prioritization of show over the basic needs of the population. Reports have indicated that many families in Balkh have resorted to eating stale bread due to the increasing poverty, making daily bread procurement difficult for many. The situation is not limited to Balkh, but in Kabul, Herat, and other cities, the Taliban has also implemented decorative projects, inviting media and social media activists to the inaugurations. International organizations have warned that the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan persists, with the UN Office predicting that approximately 21.9 million people will need humanitarian aid by 2026. A stark example of the impact of widespread poverty is Nooria, a young woman from Helmand who, due to economic pressures and the ban on women’s work, was forced to work in a café dressed as a man. She was recently detained by the Taliban, and her current situation remains unclear. Critics assert that the funds spent on the symbolic projects could alleviate some issues of poverty and hunger, yet the Taliban’s focus remains on the superficial appearance of cities.