KABUL: The Taliban marked five years in power in Afghanistan on Saturday with a military parade in Kabul. The anniversary comes as the country faces serious humanitarian, economic and rights challenges.
Taliban authorities presented the anniversary as a victory over Western intervention. At the same time, international organizations warned about worsening conditions across the country.
Taliban Holds Military Parade in Kabul
Taliban forces displayed armored vehicles, flags and banners outside the former US Embassy in Kabul.
The government called the anniversary “victory day.” Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani said the Taliban returned to power through what he described as morale, courage and divine assistance.
He also acknowledged that Afghanistan still faces major problems.
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The Taliban seized control of Afghanistan in 2021 after US and allied forces withdrew from the country.
Restrictions on Women and Girls
The Taliban initially promised a more moderate form of government. However, its authorities have imposed wide restrictions on women and girls.
According to UNESCO, about 2.5 million girls and women have been excluded from secondary schools and universities.
UN Women also reported that half of Afghan women now leave their homes only once or twice a month.
The Taliban says it respects women’s rights under Islamic Sharia law.
Afghanistan Remains Diplomatically Isolated
The Taliban government remains largely unrecognized internationally.
Russia is currently the only country that has formally recognized the Taliban government, according to the source.
Relations with Pakistan have also deteriorated. Islamabad has accused Kabul of supporting Pakistani insurgents, while the Taliban has rejected such accusations.
Despite its diplomatic isolation, the Taliban has expanded contacts with several countries.
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Taliban officials are also seeking economic agreements based on Afghanistan’s location between South, Central and West Asia.
Anniversary events were expected in Pakistan, China, Uzbekistan, Iran, Turkey and Malaysia, according to Reuters as cited by the source.
Security Challenges Continue
Security remains another major concern for Afghanistan.
The Taliban’s information director in Badakhshan was killed in late July in an attack claimed by Islamic State.
The mayor of the provincial capital was also killed in an attack on Thursday, according to local media.
These incidents add to concerns about militant violence despite the Taliban’s repeated claims that it has improved security across Afghanistan.
Humanitarian Needs Reach Record Levels
Afghanistan also faces a growing humanitarian crisis.
The International Rescue Committee said humanitarian needs have reached a record level.
Drought, deadly earthquakes and the return of Afghans from Iran and Pakistan have added pressure on communities.
The group said the number of Afghans needing humanitarian assistance has increased by 3.5 million since 2021.
At the same time, international aid budgets have declined.
UN Calls for Protection of All Afghans
UN officials have stressed the need for lasting peace in Afghanistan.
They said sustainable peace requires a society that protects the rights and potential of all Afghans.
Five years after the Taliban returned to power, Afghanistan therefore faces a difficult path ahead. The government has strengthened regional contacts, but humanitarian needs, rights concerns and security threats remain major challenges.
