Retirees Protest: Four Years Without Salaries
A determined group of retirees has once again gathered in front of the Pension Fund building to protest the prolonged non-payment of their pensions.
These retirees have been repeatedly appealing for their rightful salaries, which have been withheld for nearly four years. Their protests highlight the growing frustration and financial hardship faced by many elderly citizens who depend solely on these pensions for their livelihood.
Voices of the Affected Retirees
Gol Mullah Bakhtiar, one of the protesters, expressed deep frustration over the repeated, yet fruitless, attempts to receive their pensions. He stated, “These brothers who have gathered here have not come just once, twice, three times, or ten times — they have come hundreds of times. For four years, each of them has borrowed money from their wives, children, and shopkeepers, paid transportation costs, and spent five or six thousand Afghanis each time, only to achieve nothing.” His words underscore the financial and emotional toll the delay has taken on these retirees.
Another retiree, Mirowais, appealed directly to the Islamic Emirate’s leadership, saying, “Our request to the Amir al-Mu’minin is to ensure the enforcement of the decree he issued regarding retirees so that the rights of these oppressed and impoverished people are fulfilled.” This plea highlights the retirees’ hope that the government will honor its commitments and provide relief.
Personal Stories Highlighting the Crisis
Abdul Jaleel, a middle-aged retiree who dedicated a significant part of his life to government service, shared his personal struggle. “We are only asking for the payment of our pensions. We urge the Director General of Retirees to take the necessary measures to pay our pensions for the past four years and now into the fifth year, through any possible means,” he said. His statement reflects the desperation and urgency felt by many retirees who have waited patiently but are now facing increasing hardship.
Lack of Government Response and Uncertain Future
Despite nearly four years of persistent protests in front of various government institutions—including the Ministry of Finance, the courts, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), and the Pension Fund—the caretaker government has yet to provide a clear timeline or concrete plan for the payment of retirees’ salaries. This ongoing uncertainty leaves thousands of retirees in a precarious financial situation, raising concerns about the government’s commitment to supporting its elderly population.
Conclusion
The retirees’ ongoing protests serve as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by vulnerable groups in the current political and economic climate. Their calls for justice and timely payment of pensions remain unanswered, underscoring the urgent need for government action to address this humanitarian issue. Without immediate intervention, the plight of these retirees is likely to worsen, deepening their financial insecurity and social marginalization.
