Archive · 15 Aug 2026
Taliban Celebrates Five Years of Afghanistan Rule; Critics Decry Restrictions
The Taliban are a group that has been in charge of Afghanistan for five years, and on Saturday they are celebrating that anniversary.
They hung white flags in Kabul and say the country is now free and safe.
But many people disagree and say life feels full of strict rules.
Girls cannot go to school after age 12, and women cannot go to parks or have most jobs.
Some Afghans say the government brought security and built new things, though many young people cannot find jobs.
The United Nations says people are experiencing very real harm from all the restrictions.
A young woman said the years have been so hard that she feels like a 500-year-old woman who cannot die.
Afghanistan is also struggling because the government is only accepted by one country, Russia, and other countries have cut their help.
The Taliban government is marking five years in power in Afghanistan, with officials hailing the country's 'freedom' and security and critics decrying 'suffocating restrictions' on daily life.
Celebrations in Kabul include white flags of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, murals declaring independence a sign of dignity, and sports events that girls and women are banned from attending.
Women are barred from public places such as parks and from most jobs, and education for girls beyond age 12 is outlawed.
Supporters cite security, infrastructure projects and entrepreneurial opportunities, though university student Pirooz Mirzaie said young people face a shortage of jobs.
The government is recognized only by Russia, relations with Pakistan have fallen since the two countries went to war this year, and international aid cuts have worsened the humanitarian crisis.
- Who
- The Taliban government of Afghanistan, its supporters and critics, including the United Nations mission UNAMA.
- What
- Marking five years in power by celebrating independence and security while critics highlight tightening restrictions on daily life.
- When
- On Saturday, five years to the day since Taliban insurgents entered Kabul.
- Where
- Kabul and across Afghanistan.
- Why
- An anniversary of the Taliban's unopposed capture of the capital after a lightning offensive and the chaotic withdrawal of US-led troops.
Critics and human rights groups
Taliban government
Assessment of Taliban rule
Critics and human rights groups
People face 'suffocating restrictions' that intrude on almost every aspect of daily life and their human rights, causing 'very real harm,' according to the United Nations.
Taliban government
Authorities say the country has achieved 'freedom' and security, with infrastructure projects and plenty of opportunities for entrepreneurs.
Economy and jobs
Critics and human rights groups
GDP per capita is declining, young people face a major shortage of jobs, and international aid cuts have worsened the humanitarian crisis.
Taliban government
The government says it is laying the 'foundations of the economy' and that patience is needed.
- Anniversary
- 5 years of Taliban rule
- Government spokesman
- Zabihullah Mujahid
- International recognition
- Recognized only by Russia
- World Bank real GDP growth estimate
- 4.8 percent
- Migrants from Iran and Pakistan in 3 years
- More than six million
- Girls' education
- Banned beyond age 12
- Women's rights
- Banned from most jobs and public places including parks