Category: Investigative reports

‘I can’t even sleep’; Afghan youth in Pakistan live in fear of deportation

Young Afghan migrants in Pakistan say the current conditions have caused them serious psychological distress. Jamila, 26-year-old, who has lived with her family in Pakistan for three years, says: “I cannot even sleep because of the fear of deportation. Economic problems, unemployment—every kind of fear is inside me. We were warned to hide ourselves; otherwise nothing can be done for us. The situation for refugees is extremely difficult.”

‘My last vertebra was damaged’; stories of 15 women who faced physical violence

Asma, a 33-year-old resident of Kabul, says that although she covers most of the household expenses, she still faces physical violence—violence that has caused both psychological and physical harm. She says, “I cover about 90% of the household expenses and all the needs of my daughters. Yet I have been repeatedly beaten by my husband—slapped, punched, and kicked. The violence was so severe that my last vertebra was damaged, and now I cannot sit or stand properly. My husband beats me and asks why I do not put money in his pocket. This is extremely humiliating and painful because, even with financial independence, I still face violence.”

Silent workplace victims; stories of youth suffering occupational depression

“I have been teaching for three years; the factor that has made me depressed is that I am not working in my own field, and this situation has exhausted me mentally.” she says.

A home without son is incomplete; stories of girls who face discrimination

Chaman, a 35-year-old from Faryab, talks about the impact of this behavior on herself. She says, “These words have had a negative effect on my mental health. Hearing phrases like ‘A house without a son is not a house, it’s like a dark house’ makes us feel worthless and even fills us with anger.”

From nepotism to skill gaps; obstacles keeping youth unemployed

Rahmatullah, a 27-year-old from Kabul, says: “I have seen many educated and capable people doing hard labor because they could not find suitable jobs. There is widespread discrimination. Unqualified individuals are hired for positions they are not qualified for. I have personally experienced this favoritism.”

A number of women in Afghanistan have no role in making their children’s fate

She added, “They did not allow my daughter to attend school. Even though my children are now grown, I have never had any real authority in their lives.”

Cargo in Afghanistan; Youth face challenges in exporting goods abroad

Shahidullah Amin, 26-year-old and from Kunar, who has worked in goods transportation for three years, says, “The biggest challenges include customs delays, high costs, documentation issues, and sometimes a shortage of transportation vehicles. Yes, tax changes and incorrect paperwork slowdown our work.” He notes that in some cases, losses have occurred due to bad weather or transportation problems.

Women in Afghanistan face barriers to maternal healthcare

“My anemia became very severe; I had no strength to move. I received blood once or twice. It is because of poverty that I cannot go to the doctor. There were even days when we could not find bread to eat, and I spent the day drinking only water,” she said.

Afghan youth and social withdrawal

Farzana, 30 years-old also resident of Kunduz, said, “Loneliness and avoiding society have caused me anxiety and depression, and now I take antidepressants.”

Economic challenges drive women to small loans

Following the political changes in Afghanistan, small businesses have emerged as a key source of hope for women seeking financial independence. Interviews with 23 women reveal that while many rely on small loans to sustain themselves, for some, these loans also bring economic and emotional stress.

Salam Watandar’s survey on people affected by the Kunar earthquake

On Sunday night, 31 August 2025, a powerful earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan, especially Kunar Province. The tremors were also felt in nearby provinces. According to reputable global seismic centers, the earthquake registered 6.0 on the Richter scale, which is relatively rare in Afghanistan’s history of natural disasters. Most districts of Kunar were affected, with the strongest shaking felt in Nurgal, Sawkai, Khas Kunar, and some other districts. This earthquake has been recorded as one of the deadliest in Afghanistan in recent years. As a result, around 2,200 people lost their lives, more than 4,000 were injured, and over 8,000 homes were destroyed.

Afghanistan drought survey: Impacts on farmers’ livelihoods and food security

Provinces like Badghis, Logar, and Kunduz are in an extreme crisis; Faryab and Maidan Wardak are severely affected, while Badakhshan is among the less affected provinces. Geographically, central provinces face high migration and land dryness, Northern provinces experience reduced production, and eastern provinces show limited coping responses.