Afghanistan's Economy Remains Fragile Amid Border Closures and Reduced Aid

Afghanistan's economy remained fragile and under severe pressure over the past year due to the closure of commercial crossings with Pakistan, reductions in foreign aid, the return of about two million migrants from Iran and Pakistan, and regional tensions including conflicts involving Israel, America and Iran. These factors contributed to increases in the prices of goods during the solar Hijri year 1404.

Residents in Herat described extreme poverty ahead of Eid. Zia Gul, who lives in a rented house in Herat suburbs and cares for her sick husband, said she lacked food, clothes, sweets, flour and oil for the holiday. "Eid has come, we have no clothes, no garments, no Eid sweets, no flour, no oil, we have nothing," she said.

Abdul Razzaq, another Herat resident, stated: "By God, we have nothing, but we hope in God that he will solve our problems." Mohammad Allah said a lack of money prevented buying clothes for Eid, while Mohammad Ishaq noted: "We couldn't prepare clothes for ourselves for this Eid because there is no money; we don't even have Eid expenses, our situation is very bad."

The Taliban stated they are seeking alternative trade routes. Afghanistan faces the world's second-largest humanitarian crisis, with the United Nations reporting that more than 20 million people need assistance but funding remains insufficient.

Citizens entered the new year amid reduced foreign aid, migrant expulsions and fewer job opportunities, further straining the economy.