Five years after the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan, residents in Kabul report a sense of increased safety but are urging the current administration to prioritize job creation and access to education. The Taliban returned to power on August 15, 2021, following the withdrawal of U.S. and NATO troops after two decades of war.

"Thank God, the past five years have passed in safety," said Mohammad Qasim, a 30-year-old Kabul resident. "Our wish and hope from the government is to create job opportunities for the youth." He and others have called for the government to encourage education for all.

Prior to their takeover, the Taliban had stated they would permit women access to education and employment within the framework of Islamic principles. However, shortly after seizing power, they imposed an indefinite ban on girls' education beyond the sixth grade and later suspended higher education for women. Restrictions also limit women's access to public spaces and require a male guardian for travel.

Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid has stated that the administration is working to create conditions for women and girls to attend educational institutions in line with Sharia law, though these restrictions remain in place.

Stability and International Concerns

The United Nations has acknowledged an increase in stability within Afghanistan since the Taliban's return. However, the UN has also warned that lasting stability is contingent on the Taliban lifting restrictions on women and girls, protecting fundamental rights, and addressing terrorism concerns. The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) noted in a statement that a reduction in conflict has benefited many Afghans, creating opportunities for recovery and development. However, it also cautioned that restrictions on women and girls hinder Afghanistan's progress and its reintegration into the international community.

UN Women has described the situation for Afghan women and girls as the world's most severe, stating that their rights violations threaten the country's social and economic future. The agency reported that the exclusion of women and girls from education, employment, public life, and healthcare has intensified over the past year, exacerbating a significant rights crisis.

Fazila Soroush, a Kabul-based entrepreneur and advocate for women's rights, emphasized the need for clear decisions from the Islamic Emirate regarding the reopening of schools and universities.

Government Perspective and Economic Conditions

Despite these concerns, some Taliban officials highlight accomplishments. Molvi Hayatullah Mahajar Farahi, deputy minister for broadcasting at the Ministry of Information and Culture, cited security, currency stabilization, infrastructure improvements, and job creation through industrial parks as key achievements over the past five years. He dismissed UN reports of terrorist networks as enemy propaganda intended to destabilize the country.

Farahi stated the Taliban government is engaging with approximately 40 countries, although Russia is currently the only nation to formally recognize the administration. He asserted that Afghanistan has met the requirements for official recognition and urged the international community to take action.

UNESCO reports that approximately 2.4 million girls are now excluded from secondary education, an increase from the previous year, reversing two decades of educational progress. The agency also noted that 53% of primary school-aged children are out of school, with many schools lacking basic infrastructure and facing closures due to natural disasters.

Dost Mohammad Khan, a Kabul resident, expressed support for the stability brought by the Taliban but stressed the need for trained professionals and urged the authorities to keep all sectors operational. He also called for women to be permitted to attend school under Sharia dress codes.

The World Food Program has reported critical levels of child malnutrition in a third of Afghanistan's provinces, with expectations of worsening conditions due to funding shortages affecting food distributions and support.