Disabled Afghans Decry Cuts in Stipends Amid Economic Struggles

Despite receiving monthly assistance, a number of individuals with disabilities have expressed concerns over ongoing economic difficulties.

They are calling for sustained support from the government and humanitarian organizations.

Zubair, a disabled individual, said: “Our stipends for four months of 1402 and three months of 1403 have not been paid. The allowance we receive is too little and does not meet our needs.”

Another disabled individual, Abdul Maher, stated: “Our request to the Islamic Emirate is to support us with our stipends. In previous years, we used to receive a higher amount up to 36,000 afghanis a year. Now, we are only given 8,000 afghanis. How are we supposed to manage with such a small amount?”

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Martyrs and Disabled Affairs announced that in the past two months, it has distributed stipends worth 4.55 billion afghanis to hundreds of thousands of disabled individuals, orphans, and widows.

The ministry emphasized that efforts to support the families of martyrs and individuals with disabilities are ongoing.

Faisal Khamoosh, spokesperson for the ministry, said: “Over the past two months, we have distributed 4.55 billion afghanis to orphans, people with disabilities, and widows.”

According to the ministry’s data, more than 653,000 individuals with disabilities, orphans, and widows have been registered across the country over the past three and a half years.