Former Pakistani Envoy Warns of Worsening Poverty Crisis in Afghanistan

Asif Durrani, Pakistan’s former representative on Afghan affairs, has highlighted the dire living conditions of the Afghan people, stating that the majority of the population is enduring severe economic hardship. He urged the Taliban leadership to acknowledge this harsh reality. According to Durrani, about 97 percent of Afghanistan’s population is struggling with hunger, and nearly half of its citizens rely on international aid to survive—figures that underscore the depth of the country’s economic and humanitarian crisis. These remarks come amid widespread economic restrictions, reduced job opportunities, and blocked financial resources since the Taliban took control, which have placed unprecedented pressure on the daily lives of Afghans. Those suffering most are low-income families and residents of impoverished areas. Observers and social activists stress that if the situation persists without accountability or effective action by the Taliban administration, the poverty crisis and dependence on foreign aid will deepen, leading to long-term social consequences for Afghanistan.