Kabul Resident Reports Taliban Soldiers Collecting Money from Homes for Mosque Mullahs Every Week

A Kabul resident has reported that Taliban soldiers are conducting weekly door-to-door collections in the capital, seeking 100 afghanis from each household to support mosque imams. The resident stated that the armed presence of the soldiers prevents people from refusing the payments.

The same resident criticized the construction of mosques at frequent intervals, noting that one is built every 600 meters in some areas. This practice was highlighted as particularly problematic given the widespread poverty affecting many families in Kabul.

Such collections have drawn previous criticism from citizens, who have described similar efforts by the Taliban as extortion under various pretexts.

These reports emerge as the United Nations projects substantial humanitarian needs across Afghanistan in the coming year. The organization estimates that 21.9 million Afghans, or 45 percent of the population, will require humanitarian aid in 2026.

Of this number, 17.4 million people are facing acute food insecurity, a situation expected to worsen. Furthermore, 4.9 million children under five years old and pregnant or lactating women are in need of treatment for acute malnutrition.

The resident's account underscores the economic pressures on ordinary Afghans amid these broader challenges.