Retirees Protest Again After Seven Months Without Pension Payments in Kabul

On Monday, a group of retirees gathered in front of the General Directorate of Pensions in Kabul to protest the Taliban administration’s failure to fulfill its promise to pay their pensions. They say that despite approximately seven months since the commitment was announced, the majority of retirees have yet to receive any payments.

According to the protesters, only a limited number of retirees, particularly those who retired in 1400 (2021-2022), have managed to receive their pensions, while others remain waiting. The retirees emphasize that this situation has caused severe livelihood difficulties for them and their families.

After the Taliban took control of Afghanistan, the payment of government retirees’ pensions was halted; this move has sparked repeated street protests by retirees over the past four years. During this time, they have gathered multiple times in front of the General Directorate of Pensions demanding their legal rights be addressed.

In response to ongoing protests, Hibatullah Akhundzada, the Taliban leader, issued an eight-article decree at the beginning of Dey 1403 (December 2024 – January 2025), instructing retirees to pursue their pension claims through special courts. However, protesters say this directive has not yet led to widespread or regular pension payments, and they continue to await concrete action from the Taliban administration.