Taliban Agrees to Resume Pension Payments for Retirees Following Protests

The Taliban has agreed to resume pension payments to retirees after protests over delayed payments, despite previous opposition from leader Hibatullah Akhundzada.

Since taking power, the Taliban has refrained from regularly paying pensions to most retirees, sparking demonstrations. Retirees protested outside the Pension Directorate on 10 Hamal, complaining that only a small portion of payments have been made. A large number of retirees remain deprived, with only those retired in 1400 receiving salaries.

The Ministry of Finance stated it has paid salaries to retired government officials six times.

Hibatullah Akhundzada, who opposes paying retirees' salaries, agreed to resume payments under pressure from the protests. Earlier, at the beginning of Dalwa 1403, Akhundzada issued an eight-article decree instructing retirees to refer their cases to special courts to receive their salaries.