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Struggles Persist for Afghan Workers Ahead of Eid ul Adha
KABUL: Abdul Saboor, like many public sector employees in Afghanistan, typically spoils his children with new outfits for Eid ul Adha. However, this year has been different as he struggles to make ends meet while waiting for a delayed paycheck.
Since the Taliban regained control in 2021, the government has repeatedly faced challenges in compensating civil servants, leaving many families in a state of financial uncertainty in one of the poorest nations worldwide.
"We could only manage to buy cookies and dried fruits to celebrate Eid," said Saboor, noting they would share these treats with visiting friends.
Eid ul Adha, one of the most significant holidays in the Islamic calendar, begins this Saturday. It is marked by the sacrifice of an animal, symbolizing the story of Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God, who provided a sheep in lieu.
The 45-year-old, who works in the rural development department for the Parwan provincial government, recently managed to cash a two-month salary, but quickly used the funds to settle debts accumulated from shopkeepers providing credit.
"We felt embarrassed approaching some shopkeepers," he shared with AFP.
Since the Taliban’s return to authority in 2021, Afghanistan has grappled with significant economic hurdles and has been classified by the United Nations as facing one of the most severe humanitarian crises globally.
An April World Bank report highlighted that "delays in wage payments reflect ongoing liquidity issues and broader challenges in timely government spending."
Although there are signs of a potential recovery, the economic forecast remains "uncertain," according to the Bank. They cited increasing fiscal pressures, a widening trade deficit, and persistent poverty.
Public sector employees faced similar wage issues in March, receiving delayed payments before the Eid ul Fitr holiday, which marks the end of Ramadan.
‘Struggling to Get By’
This week, the Finance Ministry announced that it was in the process of distributing two months’ worth of back pay to civil servants but did not clarify the reasons for the delay or whether future payments would be made timely.
Ahmad Wali Haqmal, a spokesperson, reported on Tuesday that "nearly all departments have received their salaries" for the past two months.
While the Taliban’s recent budgets remain undisclosed, analysts suggest that security expenditures have been prioritized over other departments.
On Wednesday, a central bank in Kabul was packed with government employees demanding their salaries before the Eid festivities. In Kandahar, workers gathered outside the bank as well, some expressing gratitude simply for receiving pay.
Hayatullah, a 21-year-old teacher from a strong Taliban province, mentioned only receiving a single month’s salary.
"We’ll do our best to make ends meet," he said, opting to remain anonymous for fear of retaliation. "However, we can’t cover our Eid expenses."
Children and Family Expectations
Just last year, the government drastically reduced salaries for female staff who were forced to remain at home because of restrictions on their ability to work in mixed offices following the Taliban’s takeover.
In recent months, job cuts have also been implemented in various departments. Zabihullah Mujahid, a government spokesperson, mentioned in April that staff reductions are considered a "normal" measure to enhance operational efficiency.
Mohammad, another government employee from Ghor who chose not to disclose his name, stated that he had exhausted his salary repaying loans to shopkeepers, leaving nothing for Eid celebrations.
"Our paychecks, received almost two months late, have caused numerous difficulties," he lamented.
"Eid is approaching, and it’s genuinely concerning when there isn’t enough money. The expectations from children and family, along with Eid expenses, weigh heavily on me," said the 40-year-old, who is the sole provider for a family of ten.
"My family will have to wait."
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