Several widows of former Afghan National Security Forces members say Nangarhar province’s Department for Martyrs and Disabled Affairs has stopped paying them the government pension.
The widows, who each go by one name, include Nooria, Saima, Fatima, and Zarghuna.
They claim the Taliban-run department is allegedly giving preferential treatment to the families of its dead fighters instead of paying pensions of the previous government’s soldiers who fought them.
Some widows say the suspension of payments began as far back as two years ago and repeated attempts to rectify it with the department have been met with no clear response.
Nooria and Saima, residents of Jalalabad city, whose husbands said they’ve struggled as sole providers for their families.
Fatima, from Hesarak district, said the financial hardship she’s faced as a widow with four children is compounded by the lack of employment opportunities or income sources for women.
Zarghuna, from Chapa Dara district, said her efforts to seek assistance from the department has left her feeling feeling ignored and abandoned by the Taliban authorities.
The widows called on the Taliban to honor their obligation in taking control of Afghanistan by paying the pensions, or facilitate opportunities for them to be better employed and generate income.
Head of the Martyrs and Disabled Affairs Department in Nangarhar Mawlawi Saber Zwak acknowledged there had been “disruptions” in the payment process, saying it had happened during the recent Ramadan and Eid holidays.
He said efforts are being made to address the concerns of all female guardians, emphasizing equitable assistance in the new Persian solar year (from March 21) based on allocated budgets.
Mr Zwak also pledged to collaborate with aid organizations to provide food aid and support to these widows
