This year’s Ramadan has begun in Afghanistan at a time when millions of people face serious challenges in meeting their basic needs. Rising food prices, the closure of the Torkham crossing, and a reduction in humanitarian aid have made living conditions even more difficult for the population. Meanwhile, the Taliban government, which holds control of the country, has so far failed to present an effective plan to manage this crisis, and its inability to address the economic situation has exacerbated the problems.
*Rising Food Prices and People’s Economic Challenges*
With the arrival of Ramadan, food prices in Afghanistan’s markets have spiked significantly. While this trend typically occurs each year at this time, it has intensified this year due to reduced imports and weak market oversight. The prices of essential items such as meat, rice, oil, legumes, and vegetables have surged in many cities across the country, placing additional pressure on low-income families.
This price hike comes as many people are grappling with financial difficulties. Unemployment rates remain high, and a large segment of Afghan society is struggling with widespread poverty. In the past, previous governments implemented measures to control prices and support citizens in such circumstances, but the Taliban has yet to announce any specific plan to alleviate the economic burden on the population.
*Closure of the Torkham Crossing and Its Impact on Afghanistan’s Economy*
One of the primary factors driving the price increases is the closure of the Torkham border crossing between Afghanistan and Pakistan. This crossing, a vital trade route, has been shut for over ten days due to disputes between the Taliban and the Pakistani government. Torkham serves as the main entry point for essential goods, including food, medicine, and other basic necessities, into Afghanistan, and its closure has directly impacted the domestic market.
Afghanistan relies heavily on imports, and the blockage of this border has reduced the supply of goods, leading to higher prices. While it was expected that the Taliban would devise a solution to reopen this route, no progress has been made so far. The group’s inability to resolve commercial and diplomatic disputes has complicated the crisis further, intensifying the livelihood struggles of the people.
*Food Insecurity and Declining Humanitarian Aid*
The rise in food prices is occurring at a time when many families in Afghanistan are facing food insecurity. The United Nations has reported that approximately 14.8 million people in the country are experiencing food insecurity, with 3.1 million of them in emergency conditions.
At the same time, international aid to Afghanistan has decreased. According to reports, only 0.9 percent of the budget required for humanitarian assistance to the country has been funded. The withdrawal of some international organizations from Afghanistan and a reduction in financial support have worsened the situation. Nevertheless, the Taliban has not yet introduced any initiatives to address these shortages or assist vulnerable populations.
*The Taliban’s Failure to Manage the Economic Crisis*
Since coming to power, the Taliban has faced numerous challenges in managing Afghanistan’s economy. While many countries take steps to ease economic pressures on their populations ahead of Ramadan, the Taliban lacks a clear policy in this regard. Its inability to regulate the market, ensure food security, and resolve trade issues highlights the group’s weakness in governing the country’s economy.
The absence of economic transparency and the failure to provide information about the country’s financial status have heightened concerns. While previous governments undertook measures such as market regulation and food aid distribution during crises, the Taliban has so far been unsuccessful in these areas. If this situation persists, it could deepen the livelihood crisis during Ramadan, placing even greater strain on the people of Afghanistan.
