Afghanistan under Taliban: Rights, poverty and power

Five years after returning to power, the Taliban continue to enforce strict social and political policies across Afghanistan.

Five years after returning to power, the Taliban continue to enforce strict social and political policies across Afghanistan. Their rule has brought major changes to education, employment, media freedom and the daily lives of women.

Women and girls remain among the most affected by the restrictions. Girls are barred from secondary education and women face severe limits on employment. Restrictions also affect access to universities, public parks and other recreational facilities. Rules governing movement and interaction with society have further narrowed women’s freedom.

The difficulties faced by women are also evident in family and legal matters. In one case, an 18-year-old woman sought a divorce after alleging that her husband had repeatedly abused her. She told officials that she had already made her decision and wanted to end the marriage.

Local officials attempted to persuade the woman to remain in the marriage. Her family later indicated that they intended to pursue the matter through the courts. However, obtaining a divorce without the husband’s consent remains difficult under the current system.

The Taliban leadership continues to justify its policies by referring to its interpretation of Sharia. Government representatives say women’s rights, employment and education must operate within what they describe as Islamic frameworks.

The authorities have also imposed restrictions on media activities. Journalists face questioning and monitoring, while media organisations operate under strict regulations. Taliban officials say media outlets cannot broadcast material that contradicts Islamic laws or values.

Restrictions have also extended to technology and communications. Some Taliban officials have faced limits on smartphone use. Officials have acknowledged that such restrictions can make communication and the exchange of documents more difficult.

Several senior Taliban figures who now hold government positions have backgrounds as fighters during the group’s previous insurgency. Some were involved in military operations against the former Afghan government and foreign forces.

One senior official acknowledged his past involvement in operations involving suicide attacks. He avoided discussing specific incidents involving civilian casualties, saying that revisiting the past could reopen painful wounds.

The Taliban’s return has also revived debate over Afghanistan’s cultural heritage. Some senior figures continue to defend the destruction of the giant Buddha statues in Bamiyan in 2001. The statues were destroyed during the Taliban’s first period in power and their loss drew widespread international condemnation.

The current authorities say their decisions are based on their interpretation of Islamic law. However, critics argue that the restrictions have damaged fundamental rights and limited opportunities for a large part of the population.

There are also signs of disagreement within Afghan society. At a gathering attended by Taliban officials, a participant publicly called for girls’ schools to reopen. He argued that education was important for both men and women. His remarks created an uncomfortable atmosphere and he was prevented from continuing.

Women who oppose the restrictions face significant risks. Some activists have been detained after protesting against government policies. Others say they have been forced to abandon educational and professional ambitions because of the restrictions.

Afghanistan is also facing serious economic and humanitarian challenges. Poverty, unemployment and limited access to basic services remain widespread. Many communities continue to struggle with shortages of water, healthcare facilities and infrastructure.

People living in remote areas have called for better roads, clinics and access to clean water. Some Taliban supporters remain hopeful that the authorities will eventually address these problems.

However, critics of the Taliban believe the government’s policies are contributing to the country’s difficulties. They argue that restrictions on education, particularly for women, could have long-term consequences for Afghanistan’s social and economic development.