The Taliban government celebrates five years of ruling Afghanistan on Saturday, with the authorities hailing their country’s “freedom” and security, while critics decry tightening restrictions in all areas of daily life.
They took the capital unopposed after a lightning offensive that swept across Afghanistan, toppling government forces in the wake of the chaotic withdrawal of US-led troops. Although Taliban officials have forged ties with multiple countries, including in Europe, their government is still only recognised by Russia.
Beside vendors selling flags, university student Pirooz Mirzaie said the government has brought security, infrastructure projects and “plenty of opportunities for entrepreneurs”. Zabihullah Mujahid, the government’s chief spokesman, said this month that the authorities were laying the “foundations of the economy” and that patience was needed. Some countries have opted to limit their relations with the Taliban authorities until there are changes in Afghanistan, where people are suffering “very real harm” according to the United Nations. A 23-year-old woman said she felt a “profound sense of suffocation”, speaking to AFP on condition of anonymity for security reasons.
