Afghanistan’s Unemployment Soars to 75 Percent Amid Economic Crisis: UN Report

The United Nations reports that Afghanistan’s economy is in crisis, with unemployment reaching 75 percent and over 90 percent of the population living below the poverty line.

A recent United Nations report highlights Afghanistan’s deepening economic crisis, with unemployment reaching 75 percent and more than 90 percent of the population living below the poverty line.

Declining per capita income, a shrinking GDP, and reduced humanitarian aid have painted a bleak picture of the country’s economy, the report says. Afghanistan’s GDP fell 6.5 percent in the first half of 2025, while monthly per capita income dropped to around $100.

More than 70 percent of Afghans rely on humanitarian assistance, which has sharply decreased in recent months. Border closures with Pakistan are estimated to cost the economy roughly $1 million daily, while the forced return of citizens from neighboring countries adds further strain on public services and social cohesion.

The UN Security Council described Afghanistan’s economy as “relatively resilient” but “fragile,” warning that the Taliban’s ambitious infrastructure development plans lack clarity on funding without fundamental reforms.

Analysts say the combination of unemployment, poverty, and reduced aid threatens Afghanistan’s stability and underscores the urgent need for international support and regional cooperation.

Separately, the UN Security Council estimates that ISIS-K maintains approximately 2,000 fighters in Afghanistan, posing a major threat to both national and regional security. Leadership is dominated by Afghan Pashtuns, while many members come from Central Asian countries.

The report also highlights that ISIS-K has established schools for children under 14 in northern Afghanistan and near the Pakistan border, indoctrinating minors and training them for suicide attacks, raising serious humanitarian and security concerns.

Experts warn that the country’s economic fragility is compounded by ongoing security challenges, emphasizing the need for coordinated efforts to stabilize Afghanistan’s economy and counter extremist threats.

Without urgent measures to address unemployment, poverty, and the presence of extremist groups, Afghanistan risks further humanitarian crises and potential destabilization across the region.

The post Afghanistan’s Unemployment Soars to 75 Percent Amid Economic Crisis: UN Report appeared first on Khaama Press.