Afghanistan resumes pension payments after years of disruption
Taliban-led government reintroduces pension disbursements after document verification, easing financial strain on families
KABUL, Afghanistan (MNTV) — Afghanistan has resumed pension payments for civilian and military retirees after years of disruption, providing long-awaited relief for thousands of families dependent on state benefits.
The Ministry of Finance announced that payments would now be made nationwide according to a fixed schedule, but only for retirees whose documents have been fully verified and approved by a designated court. Officials said the process was designed to ensure transparency and prevent irregularities.
Pensions are being reinstated for employees who served in a wide range of state institutions, including the National Standards Authority, the Disaster Preparedness Directorate, the Ministry of Economy, the Environmental Directorate, the Ministry of Martyrs and Disabled, the Administrative Reform Commission, the Directorate of Physical Education, and the former National Security Council office.
Since the Taliban returned to power in 2021, pension payments had been halted as authorities sought to stabilize records and confirm the eligibility of claimants. A special court was established to review applications, requiring retirees to submit documentation proving their service. With part of that verification process now complete, disbursements have resumed.
According to the Ministry of Finance, around 152,000 retirees are currently eligible for payments. International agencies had earlier estimated that more than 170,000 people were entitled to pensions, underscoring the scale of delays and gaps in the system.
Many retirees had complained in recent years of prolonged non-payment and the severe financial hardship it caused. For households dependent on pensions as their only source of income, the resumption marks a critical development amid Afghanistan’s broader economic crisis.
The Ministry said the rollout will continue in phases as further retiree records are verified. Officials stressed that only individuals with court-approved documentation will receive pensions, signaling that thousands remain under review.
Have Your Say!
Have you been affected by the issues raised in this story? Please share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@soundvision.com.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a Muslim Network TV’s representative. You can also get in touch in the following ways:
Tweet: @MuslimNetworkTV
We must take charge of our narrative. Research indicates that 92% of their Muslim coverage is negative. Help us change that.
