Taliban Finance Ministry to Start Phased Pension Payments from May 16

The Taliban’s Ministry of Finance has announced that the pension payment process for retirees of the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock, as well as former personnel of the National Security, will begin on 26th of Sawr this year (May 16, 2023). According to the ministry, the payments will be made in phases.

In a statement released by the ministry, all retirees have been requested to book an appointment through the relevant website before attending the General Directorate of Pensions in person. Officials have emphasized that services will not be provided without a prior appointment.

This announcement comes amid growing concerns over pension payments, which have become a serious issue for thousands of retirees across the country in recent years. Many have complained about prolonged delays and the resulting economic hardships. Despite repeated announcements by the Taliban administration about the initiation or continuation of payments, some retirees have said the distribution process has not been regular or transparent.

Economic experts stress that timely pension payments are a legal right of retirees and a fundamental responsibility of any administrative system. Any delays in this process can place additional pressure on retirees’ families, who currently rely on this fixed monthly income amid difficult economic conditions.