The Fate of the Afghans
To a lot of people, winter is worth celebrating, something worth being joyous for. But to the Afghans, winter is a sign of misfortune.
After the Taliban forces took over the country, the state of the country worsened. Major figures of the country left, food and clothes became scarce, homes were destroyed thereby causing the hope and pride for their country to dissipate. The eyes of hopeless children continue to fill the streets as the sounds of mourning for the dead can be heard. Poverty in the country has reached its peak and only the falling snowflakes could cover the sorrows of the country.
According to the Atlantic Council, the economic state of Afghanistan before the Taliban’s takeover was poor due to its highly centralized fiscal government. Since the Constitution of Afghanistan from 2004, it has given the president a major role in controlling the country’s financial system while excluding local representatives from the budgeting process.
This leads the government to a position where it hasn’t been able to satisfy local needs and preferences, therefore providing a conclusion where Afghans themselves have resorted to losing their faith and trust in the government. This situation remained until the takeover which changed the Afghan’s lives along with the economy.
A source from Nikkei Asia states that “Afghanistan’s economic output could shrink by 30% this year as the Taliban government finds itself isolated from the global community, the International Monetary Fund warned Tuesday, a shock that “threatens to push millions into poverty.” The unexpected takeover resulted in the local and overseas companies pulling out as their freedom has been limited under the new Taliban rules, shrinking the local economy even further.
“[An economic crisis in Afghanistan] will also further increase demand for U.S. dollars in Pakistan, where the central bank has recently mandated that travelers to Afghanistan can only carry $1,000 as opposed to the previous limit of $10,000,” an analyst, Younus stated. Reportedly, Pakistan’s money exchange markets indicate that the dollar demand has grown following the Taliban’s takeover in Kabul.
The economy of Afghanistan lies on the Taliban and what becomes of its legacy will remain unknown.
By: Otis Loong Chun Kit
