Afghanistan Peace CampaignThe protesting retirees stated that they are enduring severe economic hardships, especially during the holy month of Ramadan.
Following previous gatherings of retirees, a number of them once again held a protest today (Saturday) in front of the Pension Treasury Directorate, demanding the payment of their overdue pensions.
The protesting retirees stated that they are enduring severe economic hardships, especially during the holy month of Ramadan.
They say that for nearly four years, they have been gathering almost daily at the doors of the Pension Treasury, hoping to receive their pension payments.
Abdul Hanan Oryakhil, one of the retirees, told TOLOnews: “We only want the pension we used to receive every year. Our wives and young children also have the right to receive our pension.”
Abdul Khaleq, a representative of the retirees, said: “We have served this country, and our beards turned white in service. We roamed the mountains and dedicated our lives to this land. As you can see, all these retirees are facing economic hardship.”
Among the protesters, a former Ministry of Defense employee told TOLOnews that he is now struggling with countless challenges day and night.
Qader, another retiree, told TOLOnews: “We don’t have flour at home, no oil, nothing. Our pensions must be paid. The UNAMA office and the United Nations exist, but we have not received any assistance so far.”
Previously, the leader of the Islamic Emirate issued a decree for the payment of retirees’ pensions. However, there have been no recent updates on its implementation, and details remain unclear.