Several retirees in Kabul say that despite the Islamic Emirate’s leader issuing an order to establish a special court for their pension payments, the court has yet to be formed.
Habib al-Rahman, who worked for many years at the Ministry of Defense in Republic, urges the de-facto government to set up the special court as soon as possible to address their issues. He adds, “We want the court to be established quickly. We are ready to go to court; we are not criminals, and if we were, we would have fled the country.”
Halima, who has not received her pension for three years, says she is still waiting for the establishment of the special court and the payment of her pension. “Our demand from the government is that they pay our pensions; all retirees are confused and distressed. Pensions are meant to ensure that retirees do not become dependent on others.”
These retirees mention that due to the non-payment of their pensions, they are facing economic difficulties.
Habibullah, another retiree, says that because of the non-payment of his pension, he is unable to meet his family’s basic needs. “Our living situation is terrible; I am stuck with a 10-afghani taxi fare; we don’t have fuel for heating in this cold weather. We have repeatedly visited the ministry to solve our issue.”
Around a month ago, Hebatullah Akhundzada, the leader of the Islamic Emirate, issued an eight-point decree calling for the establishment of a special court to review retirees’ requests and ensure the payment of their pensions.
However, Zabiullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate, says work on the structure of the special court is ongoing, and once it is finalized, the court will begin its work.
He adds, “The issues related to retirees’ pensions are under process; relevant departments, including the Ministry of Finance, need to take action. We needed a new structure, and the issue is currently in the Organizational Commission, in the Administrative Commission. Once finalized, actions will be taken.”
For over three years, retirees have repeatedly called on the Islamic Emirate de-facto government in Afghanistan to pay their pensions.
