UN: 90% of Afghans Live in Poverty as Unemployment Soars to 75%

DID Press: Afghanistan’s economy is in a deepening crisis, with unemployment reaching around 75 percent and more than 90 percent of the population living below the poverty line, warned UN.

In its latest report, the UN said Afghanistan’s gross domestic product contracted by about 6.5 percent in the first half of 2025, while average monthly per capita income has fallen to roughly 100 dollars. The decline reflects a shrinking economy, falling household incomes, and a sharp reduction in international assistance.

According to the report, more than 70 percent of Afghans now depend on humanitarian aid to meet basic needs, even as such assistance has declined significantly in recent months, placing additional strain on families and social structures.

The UN also noted that the closure of border crossings with Pakistan is costing Afghanistan approximately one million dollars per day, while the forced return of Afghan migrants from neighboring countries has added further pressure on public services and social cohesion.

While the UN Security Council described Afghanistan’s economy as “relatively resilient,” it stressed that it remains highly fragile, warning that the Taliban’s ambitious infrastructure plans face serious uncertainty without fundamental reforms and financial transparency.

Analysts say the current trajectory underscores Afghanistan’s urgent need for sustained international support and regional cooperation, cautioning that continued neglect could further intensify economic and social instability.