New York (Web Desk): Afghanistan is enduring an unprecedented humanitarian crisis under the rule of the Taliban, where poverty, hunger, and deprivation are making everyday life increasingly unbearable for ordinary citizens, according to a recent United Nations (UN) report.
The UN has voiced deep concern over the plight of the Afghan people, noting that mismanagement by the Taliban and the spread of extremist activities have pushed the country into severe distress.
The latest findings from the UN World Food Programme (WFP) reveal that nearly 17 million Afghans are confronting extreme food shortages and poverty, with the harsh winter set to amplify their struggles.
The report warns that as many as 4 million children could suffer from malnutrition, the highest number recorded in decades.
Global organizations, including UNICEF, have highlighted the critical situation.
UNICEF reports that almost 90 percent of children under two years of age are experiencing malnutrition, signaling a deeply alarming humanitarian emergency.
Afghanistan’s crumbling economy has left millions of families unable to secure basic necessities. Job opportunities are scarce, and the fragile economy has destroyed most sources of income, forcing households into dire circumstances.
As per the report, an assessment reveals that in early 2025, the country’s GDP contracted by 6.5%, while unemployment soared to an alarming 75%.
Meanwhile, reports indicate that Taliban leaders are living in luxury, funded by corruption and illicit gains, while the general population faces life below the poverty line.
Humanitarian agencies warn that the incompetence and indifference of the Taliban leadership are exacting a heavy price on ordinary Afghans, who continue to endure extreme hunger, hardship, and insecurity.
The UN emphasized that the Taliban government cannot be officially recognized due to its illegal status, ongoing human rights violations, and the imposition of financial restrictions.
The report also raises concerns about regional security, noting that the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and ISIS-K are active within Afghanistan, carrying out terrorist activities that threaten peace and stability across the region.