Retired Officials protest once again over unpaid pensions in Kabul
Retired officials in Kabul once again protested, demanding unpaid pensions, urging public support amid growing economic hardship and authorities’ inaction.
A large group of retired Afghan government employees gathered once again on Saturday, April 6, outside the Taliban’s Pension and Treasury Directorate in Kabul, demanding the payment of their long-overdue pensions.
The protesters urged fellow Afghans to stand in solidarity with them, saying, “If you have any humanitarian feeling, stand with us to help reclaim our rights from the Taliban.” They also appealed to the international community to pressure the Taliban into releasing the funds owed to them.
One retired employee, speaking in a video sent to the media, said that the Taliban has misled retirees with false promises for over four years. “Even during Eid, we had no bread at home—I had to sell my carpet to survive,” he added.
Since seizing power in August 2021, the Taliban suspended pension payments to retired public workers, leaving thousands in limbo. Protesters say their situation has only worsened amid rising poverty, unemployment, and food prices.
The retirees warn that without their rightful pensions, daily survival is becoming increasingly difficult. “Our lives are collapsing,” one demonstrator said. Many face severe hardships and lack basic necessities.
In January 2025, Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada ordered pension cases to be reviewed by special courts. However, retirees claim the process has yielded no outcomes, and only deepened their frustration.
The growing unrest highlights the Taliban’s inability—or unwillingness—to address the needs of vulnerable populations. Without action, the situation could fuel further dissent, particularly among groups already suffering the brunt of Afghanistan’s economic collapse.
The post Retired Officials protest once again over unpaid pensions in Kabul appeared first on Khaama Press.