Afghanistan Facing Five Major Crises in 2025

DID Press: Afghanistan enters 2025 gripped by a combination of deepening political, economic, humanitarian, social, and environmental crises. Analysts warn these overlapping challenges are driving the country toward heightened instability and potential structural collapse.

Political Rift Within Taliban

Serious divisions have emerged within the Taliban’s interim government. According to insiders, senior officials are competing for greater power and privileges, while hardline factions oppose any such concessions. Observers fear that these internal disputes could erode the group’s cohesion, increasing the risk of nationwide instability.

Humanitarian and Economic Emergency

Global reports indicate that 22.9 million Afghanistan citizens—more than half the population—need humanitarian assistance this year. Severe droughts, a sharp decline in foreign aid, and restrictive Taliban policies have worsened conditions, particularly for women and children.

More than 14 million people face food shortages, while 4.7 million are at risk of acute malnutrition. Health and education systems remain critically underdeveloped, leaving millions vulnerable.

Rights Under Siege

Since taking power in 2021, the Taliban have enforced sweeping restrictions on women and ethnic–religious minorities. Women have been banned from higher education, most forms of employment, and even public life. Human rights groups have described the situation as “gender apartheid.”

Ethnic minorities—including Hazaras, Uzbeks, and Tajiks—have reported harassment, forced evictions, and widespread discrimination, further deepening social divisions.

Environmental Pressures Intensify

Climate change continues to take a heavy toll on Afghanistan. Rising temperatures and prolonged droughts are depleting water resources, devastating agriculture, and forcing mass migration.

At the same time, large-scale projects such as the Qosh Tepa Canal have raised concerns in neighboring countries, including Iran and Pakistan, about regional water security.

Diplomatic Efforts Fall Short

Taliban group has pushed to strengthen ties with China, Pakistan, and Iran in hopes of attracting investment and trade. China has begun mineral and oil extraction projects, while Pakistan has sought to integrate Afghanistan into the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Yet, without formal recognition from most of the international community, these initiatives have done little to bolster the Taliban’s legitimacy, leaving the country isolated and vulnerable.

A Nation at a Crossroads

Afghanistan’s overlapping crises are pushing the nation toward deeper uncertainty. Experts warn that without sweeping policy reforms and greater international engagement, the country risks remaining locked in a cycle of instability and humanitarian disaster.

by Mohsen Mowahed – DID Press