Let hope be the gift you give this year.
Iran’s Export Halt Deepens Food Crisis and Drives Up Prices Across Afghanistan
https://8am.media/eng/irans-export-halt-deepens-food-crisis-and-drives-up-prices-across-afghanistan/
Following the escalation of tensions among Iran, Israel, and the United States, Tehran has banned the export of food products and agricultural goods until further notice. At the same time, several economic experts say that this decision by Tehran, coming at a time when trade between Afghanistan and Pakistan is also blocked, will hurt Afghanistan’s domestic markets. According to them, Afghanistan has in recent months relied heavily on imports from Iran to meet a significant portion of its food and agricultural needs, and any restriction along this route could lead to price increases and shortages of some essential goods. They believe that if this ban continues, economic pressure on citizens, particularly low-income families, will intensify.
Speaking to the Hasht-e Subh Daily, these experts emphasized that the Taliban must prioritize expanding trade with Central Asian countries in the coming weeks to prevent potential shortfalls and must keep trade routes with other countries open. In their view, while the Iranian and Pakistani routes cannot be fully replaced, utilizing alternative routes could reduce some of the pressures stemming from these restrictions and prevent sharp price fluctuations in the market.
Qutbuddin Yaqubi, an economic expert, considers Iran’s new decision to halt the export of food products and agricultural goods to be alarming, given Afghanistan’s current circumstances. He says that if this decision is implemented, Afghanistan’s market will face shortages of essential goods and further price increases. According to him, given Afghanistan’s dependence on imports and the lack of domestic production, any restriction on trade routes could intensify economic pressure and affect the livelihoods of families.
Mr. Yaqubi says, “Unfortunately, the suspension of imports from Iran will plunge the country’s economy into crisis and widespread poverty, and the daily lives of people will be most severely affected. The import of cooking oil, industrial raw materials, and other goods that were sourced from Iran are already facing difficulties, and this is having a very serious impact on economic activities. Afghanistan does not have sufficient strategic reserve capacity, and if this situation continues, an economic and humanitarian crisis will emerge.”
Shaakir Yaqubi, another economic expert, considers Tehran’s new decision to halt exports, coinciding with the blockage of trade with Pakistan, to be a serious alarm bell for Afghanistan’s economy. In his view, within Afghanistan’s economic system, which is already grappling with fixed incomes and high unemployment, even the smallest shock at the borders can translate into a wave of price hikes.
Mr. Yaqubi warns that if this situation continues, the likelihood of significant inflation is very real, particularly in the food and fuel sectors, which make up the largest share of household consumption in Afghanistan. He explains: “We are a country that imports the bulk of our food, medicine, and essential goods through these two routes. When these routes close simultaneously, the cost of imports rises, the supply of goods decreases, and the trade balance, which is already in deficit, comes under even greater pressure. This means that currency outflows increase and managing the domestic market becomes more difficult.”
Mr. Yaqubi sees the mitigation of the effects of Tehran’s new decision as contingent on keeping trade active with neighboring countries, particularly Central Asian nations. He continues: “Afghanistan must expand trade with Central Asian countries, activate alternative routes, or reach interim agreements with neighbors to contain market shocks. But if the conflicts are prolonged and effective alternative routes are not established, we will face market stagnation, commercial activities will decline, and pressure on the currency’s value will increase. In such circumstances, smart management of economic diplomacy and securing essential goods will be the determining factor in whether the crisis becomes a short-term shock or turns into a deep, multi-month challenge for Afghanistan’s economy.”
Abdul Nasir Rishtia, an economic expert, says that Iran’s decision to halt the export of food products and agricultural goods could have a negative impact on Afghanistan’s market. According to him, Afghanistan imports a significant portion of its essential needs from Iran, and any restriction along this route will result in goods shortages and price increases. He stresses that, at a time when trade with Pakistan is also facing challenges, the imposition of these restrictions places additional pressure on the domestic market and makes it more difficult for people to access basic goods.
Mr. Rishtia says, “Well, you know that any tension in the region can have its negative effects on other countries as well. Since Afghanistan is still dependent on imports and sources the majority of its needed goods from neighboring countries, the escalating tensions among the United States, Israel, and Iran, combined with the simultaneous blockage of trade with Pakistan, could have serious negative consequences.”
Tehran’s decision to ban the export of food products and agricultural goods has not only alarmed experts but has also worried several citizens of Afghanistan. Some of them say that food prices have already reached their peak, and people are facing serious economic challenges, and if this decision is implemented and continues, it will become very difficult for families to secure food. These citizens are calling on the Taliban to set aside pride and arrogance and focus on meeting the needs of the people.
Sulaiman Khan and Sadiq, two residents of Kabul, find the rising prices of food items in the capital to be alarming. They say that prices have already risen to a level where people’s purchasing power is under severe strain, and if this decision is put into effect in the coming days, the humanitarian crisis in the country will worsen.
Sulaiman Khan says: “Items imported from Iran, such as sugar, pulses, cooking oil, and gas, have become extremely expensive. For example, an 18-liter tin of cooking oil that previously cost 850 Afghanis has now reached 1,850 Afghanis. Food prices have increased by approximately 30 to 40 percent, which is unacceptable for people.”
Sadiq adds: “In the current situation, the prices of flour, sugar, and cooking oil have risen significantly, and I do not understand why the Taliban are not taking action to resolve this problem. People are helpless, unemployment is high, and there is a war is ongoing in the region. If the Taliban make a serious decision, they can improve people’s ability to purchase food.”
Hadia, a resident of Herat, says that this situation will place people in an even more difficult position than before. She adds, “It is very hard for a family when they have nothing to eat. Hunger is not just an empty table; it is the heartache of parents who cannot provide bread for their children. This situation weakens the body and breaks the spirit.”
Iran has recently announced that it has banned the export of its food products and agricultural goods until further notice. This decision was made with the aim of prioritizing the supply of essential and necessary goods for Iranian citizens, given the country’s current circumstances.
Afghanistan is one of the countries that imports the bulk of its essential needs from regional nations, and its domestic production does not meet those needs. Iran has been one of Afghanistan’s main trade routes since trade between the Taliban and Pakistan was halted in 2025, and this new decision could affect the lives of millions of people.
Nevertheless, Nematullah Barkzai, the spokesperson for the Taliban’s municipality, says that 50 to 60 food shops are sealed daily for overcharging, but citizens had previously stated that the Taliban’s measures have so far not affected reducing food prices.
Speaking to the Hasht-e Subh Daily, these experts emphasized that the Taliban must prioritize expanding trade with Central Asian countries in the coming weeks to prevent potential shortfalls and must keep trade routes with other countries open. In their view, while the Iranian and Pakistani routes cannot be fully replaced, utilizing alternative routes could reduce some of the pressures stemming from these restrictions and prevent sharp price fluctuations in the market.
Qutbuddin Yaqubi, an economic expert, considers Iran’s new decision to halt the export of food products and agricultural goods to be alarming, given Afghanistan’s current circumstances. He says that if this decision is implemented, Afghanistan’s market will face shortages of essential goods and further price increases. According to him, given Afghanistan’s dependence on imports and the lack of domestic production, any restriction on trade routes could intensify economic pressure and affect the livelihoods of families.
Mr. Yaqubi says, “Unfortunately, the suspension of imports from Iran will plunge the country’s economy into crisis and widespread poverty, and the daily lives of people will be most severely affected. The import of cooking oil, industrial raw materials, and other goods that were sourced from Iran are already facing difficulties, and this is having a very serious impact on economic activities. Afghanistan does not have sufficient strategic reserve capacity, and if this situation continues, an economic and humanitarian crisis will emerge.”
Shaakir Yaqubi, another economic expert, considers Tehran’s new decision to halt exports, coinciding with the blockage of trade with Pakistan, to be a serious alarm bell for Afghanistan’s economy. In his view, within Afghanistan’s economic system, which is already grappling with fixed incomes and high unemployment, even the smallest shock at the borders can translate into a wave of price hikes.
Mr. Yaqubi warns that if this situation continues, the likelihood of significant inflation is very real, particularly in the food and fuel sectors, which make up the largest share of household consumption in Afghanistan. He explains: “We are a country that imports the bulk of our food, medicine, and essential goods through these two routes. When these routes close simultaneously, the cost of imports rises, the supply of goods decreases, and the trade balance, which is already in deficit, comes under even greater pressure. This means that currency outflows increase and managing the domestic market becomes more difficult.”
Mr. Yaqubi sees the mitigation of the effects of Tehran’s new decision as contingent on keeping trade active with neighboring countries, particularly Central Asian nations. He continues: “Afghanistan must expand trade with Central Asian countries, activate alternative routes, or reach interim agreements with neighbors to contain market shocks. But if the conflicts are prolonged and effective alternative routes are not established, we will face market stagnation, commercial activities will decline, and pressure on the currency’s value will increase. In such circumstances, smart management of economic diplomacy and securing essential goods will be the determining factor in whether the crisis becomes a short-term shock or turns into a deep, multi-month challenge for Afghanistan’s economy.”
Abdul Nasir Rishtia, an economic expert, says that Iran’s decision to halt the export of food products and agricultural goods could have a negative impact on Afghanistan’s market. According to him, Afghanistan imports a significant portion of its essential needs from Iran, and any restriction along this route will result in goods shortages and price increases. He stresses that, at a time when trade with Pakistan is also facing challenges, the imposition of these restrictions places additional pressure on the domestic market and makes it more difficult for people to access basic goods.
Mr. Rishtia says, “Well, you know that any tension in the region can have its negative effects on other countries as well. Since Afghanistan is still dependent on imports and sources the majority of its needed goods from neighboring countries, the escalating tensions among the United States, Israel, and Iran, combined with the simultaneous blockage of trade with Pakistan, could have serious negative consequences.”
Tehran’s decision to ban the export of food products and agricultural goods has not only alarmed experts but has also worried several citizens of Afghanistan. Some of them say that food prices have already reached their peak, and people are facing serious economic challenges, and if this decision is implemented and continues, it will become very difficult for families to secure food. These citizens are calling on the Taliban to set aside pride and arrogance and focus on meeting the needs of the people.
Sulaiman Khan and Sadiq, two residents of Kabul, find the rising prices of food items in the capital to be alarming. They say that prices have already risen to a level where people’s purchasing power is under severe strain, and if this decision is put into effect in the coming days, the humanitarian crisis in the country will worsen.
Sulaiman Khan says: “Items imported from Iran, such as sugar, pulses, cooking oil, and gas, have become extremely expensive. For example, an 18-liter tin of cooking oil that previously cost 850 Afghanis has now reached 1,850 Afghanis. Food prices have increased by approximately 30 to 40 percent, which is unacceptable for people.”
Sadiq adds: “In the current situation, the prices of flour, sugar, and cooking oil have risen significantly, and I do not understand why the Taliban are not taking action to resolve this problem. People are helpless, unemployment is high, and there is a war is ongoing in the region. If the Taliban make a serious decision, they can improve people’s ability to purchase food.”
Hadia, a resident of Herat, says that this situation will place people in an even more difficult position than before. She adds, “It is very hard for a family when they have nothing to eat. Hunger is not just an empty table; it is the heartache of parents who cannot provide bread for their children. This situation weakens the body and breaks the spirit.”
Iran has recently announced that it has banned the export of its food products and agricultural goods until further notice. This decision was made with the aim of prioritizing the supply of essential and necessary goods for Iranian citizens, given the country’s current circumstances.
Afghanistan is one of the countries that imports the bulk of its essential needs from regional nations, and its domestic production does not meet those needs. Iran has been one of Afghanistan’s main trade routes since trade between the Taliban and Pakistan was halted in 2025, and this new decision could affect the lives of millions of people.
Nevertheless, Nematullah Barkzai, the spokesperson for the Taliban’s municipality, says that 50 to 60 food shops are sealed daily for overcharging, but citizens had previously stated that the Taliban’s measures have so far not affected reducing food prices.
“For women, especially from the society I come from, the fight for human rights starts with existing as women. In the past 3 years, since the Taliban’s takeover, #AfghanWomen have been the frontlines of resistance, boldly standing against systemic injustices and human rights violations. Yet, we are the ones who face the harshest criticism.”
--Nazila Jamshidi
--Nazila Jamshidi
#ImpactAfghanWomen
In 2018, we were registering students in Vocational Skills Training program in one of the internal displacement camps. A girl came and said, "Hire me as an employee in the administrative department." She gave me her resume and left. She was very tired and distraught. I called her two days later. She said, "I need this job, and I want to continue my studies at the university with the money I earn." We hired her in the administrative department based on her qualifications.
In her own words... I lived in a poor family with five sisters, two brothers, my mother and father. My father's financial situation was not good. He could not provide for our needs. Out of all my siblings, I was the only one who had managed to finish school until the twelfth grade. And according to the family's wishes, I had to finish my education here because my brothers did not allow me to go to university and my father was not in a good financial situation to pay for my university. That's why I couldn't go to university for two years after finishing school. My mental state was so bad that I didn't even want to talk to anyone. Until I heard that an NGO had started working near our house and all its employees were women. This was the best opportunity for me to find a way for myself and start working, even if they hired me as a cleaner because this was the only place where my family might not object. I achieved my dream, they hired me there and my family didn't say anything because it was close, and all the employees were women. I was able to finish my education in teacher training and help my father with the expenses of the house. I was gradually able to become independent. My brothers listened to me and respected my opinion because I had my own income. My five sisters got married, no one even asked their opinion, only my father and brothers decided everything. But they asked my opinion when I got married, and I was even able to talk to my husband about our future life before the wedding, contrary to the traditions of my city. Because I was independent. I got married at the end of 2020, and my husband also respects me, and now I have two children, a girl and a boy, and I work as a teacher in the kindergarten of this NGO. I owe all my success to those who gave me the opportunity to work, and I am grateful to those who support this NGO until now, when all Afghan women live in a critical situation and are not even allowed to go out and study. God bless all supporters. #ImpactAfghanWomenOur literacy teacher wanted to migrate to Iran with her husband in 2022. Her husband was shot dead by Iranians on the way, so she returned to Herat with her husband’s body. She was pregnant with her second child. Her husband’s family tried to take her children away from her after the birth, but she resisted and came to her mother’s house to live with them.
Her sister was a student in our tailoring class, and she asked me to help her sister. She was a graduate of the University of Science and was a teacher in a private school for women under the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan government. And after the Taliban came, she had become a housewife. After evaluating her for her teaching job, we hired her as a teacher in the literacy class for internally displaced mothers. Out of our four teachers, she had the best teaching skills and was able to pay for herself and her two children and keep them with her. Her eldest son is studying in our kindergarten. She always prays for those who support this program. This program helps us to have income, and literate women help their children and helps us to share our ideas and the stress we suffer in our life.En #ImpactAfghanWomenFour of our 2024 bag making trainee graduates, in addition to finding income from their products in the market bazaar, have been hired by an international nonprofit organization as master trainers in their vocational skills training programs.
We give them skills and they create opportunities for themselves and for other women. |
#ImpactAfghanChildren
He joined our kindergarten for internally displaced Afghan children two years ago. His mother said that he was mute; he wouldn't speak a word. He was four years old and his spirit and his confidence were weak.
Now he speaks and writes with confidence. He is happy and plays with his neighbors and friends. He is no longer made to collect metal cans from the street. He wants to be a teacher in the future. Where We've Been...
Where We're Going...
Imagine What's Possible When Displaced Women Have SkillsMore than 3.2 million Afghans have been displaced internally (IDPs). Women and children are the largest percentage of IDPs. All of the challenges of displacement are complicated by a government and society that largely ignores and erases women. Girls are stopped from further education after the 3rd grade. Women must now hide in the shadows with no opportunities to share in public life. Imagine what's possible with education.
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Where is the Relief for Women Displaced
Where is the Relief for Women Displaced
By Jiddo In the shadows of a faraway place, Where voices are muted and no one hears, Women toil and work and seek a day’s grace From the burdens that bring bitter, bitter tears. Where is the relief for women displaced By war and violence and poverty unending? Where is the hope in a life erased -- Brutalized and maimed and darkly descending? Out of the chaos comes a hero’s heart. Women of courage, women unbroken -- Those who will never concede to the dark. Each new day brings a shimmer of hope unspoken. Those of us who sit on a hill and see faintly from a distance, May comfort ourselves by speaking of their honorable war. Let us write of their conquering spirit, we say, of their persistence. Our words and their deeds mock us, though, if we choose to do no more. The moral imperative to do good in the world is most incumbent on those of us who have been given vast resources, rich opportunities, social nets, and influence in the world. That imperative shouldn’t come as a guilt-ridden burden, but as an opportunity to make the world a better place. A better world has intrinsic self-interested value. As we facilitate a world that is stable and secure, we are safer, more economically secure, and less likely to send our military men and women into harm’s way. While a mass outbreak of peace may be a utopian dream, there are certainly ways in which we can make small corners of the world better places for the masses of disadvantaged people who suffer. Internally displaced people (IDPs) — those forced to move to other areas within their country because of war, violence, natural disasters, and poverty — are the most vulnerable. The governments in countries with high numbers of IDPs are inherently weak and unable to adequately care for even those who are not displaced. IDPs live at the bottom of the social hierarchy in encampments on the outskirts of towns, where they are looked down upon and viewed with suspicion by their settled neighbors. They often speak strange dialects and bring with them unfamiliar customs. They make up the sizable majority of those classified as displaced, far outnumbering refugees, those we see on the news who have made it to other countries. Because they aren’t seen in our media, they live in the shadows, unnoticed and ignored. (continued) 
Our farm provides fresh milk, eggs, and honey to our kindergarten kids and to many in the larger displaced population.
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More than 3.2 million Afghans have been displaced internally. Women and children are the largest percentage of the IDPs. All of the challenges of displacement are complicated by a government and society that largely ignores and erases women. Girls are stopped from further education after the 3rd grade. Women must now hide in the shadows with no opportunities to share in public life. “For women, especially from the society I come from, the fight for human rights starts with existing as women. In the past 3 years, since the Taliban’s takeover, #AfghanWomen have been the frontlines of resistance, boldly standing against systemic injustices and human rights violations. Yet, we are the ones who face the harshest criticism.” --Nazila Jamshidi Research confirms that investing in women is the best path to greater economic growth and development for their communities and their families. When women have skills, they work a magic that ripples out for generations. Investing in women is not just a matter of social justice but is a strategic imperative for fast-tracking progress and economic growth within the countries with the overwhelming need for increased economic capacity. What of displaced widows, divorcees, the abandoned, and the unmarried — women for whom there are no economic accommodations? Displaced women in these circumstances are the most vulnerable; they are left to the inadequate and insufficient charity of the few. What if these and other highly capable and intelligent displaced women could become producers and contributors to the economy through gaining marketable skills? What better investment could there be — women who know how to survive who are given new skills that meet market demands and who then become consumers of other products? This is sustainable growth at its very best. In a world with such enormous inequities and herculean social challenges, the words of Mahatma Gandhi may guide us. “Whatever you do will not be enough, but it matters enormously that you do it.” Being overwhelmed by the immensity of problems must not immobilize us. We are morally obligated to do what we can with what we have. A well-lived life is dependent on how we take care of each other, even those who live on the other side of the world. Our common humanity demands this of all of us. A bird trapped in the cage
The cage hanging in the house House is on a street The street is in the world What a big prison, I breathe! --Somaia Ramish, Afghan Poet and Activist You can purchase Somaia's book of poems,"Woman Life Freedom at https://a.co/d/16eagPQ. Displaced families received food for Ramadan 2025.
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