Taliban Celebrates Five Years in Power Amid Growing Criticism

The Taliban are marking the fifth anniversary of their takeover of Kabul, announcing that the country is now “more secure and free.” The celebration, held in the capital, is framed by the group as proof that its governance has stabilized the nation after years of conflict.

Despite the party’s claims, the anniversary has drawn sharp criticism. Women and girls continue to face sweeping restrictions on education, employment and public life, while the economy remains in crisis, with inflation, shortages of fuel and food and a steep decline in foreign investment. Internationally, the Taliban remain largely isolated, with most Western governments refusing to engage and many sanctions still in place, limiting the country’s access to global markets and aid.

The celebrations, therefore, come at a time of mounting domestic and international pressure. Human‑rights organisations and foreign governments continue to call for reforms, while the Taliban insist that their policies are necessary for Afghanistan’s stability and sovereignty.