The past five-year tenure of the Afghan Taliban is marked by utter failure both internally and externally. Not a single country has formally recognised them; their global isolation is the result of rigid policies and repeated violations of international obligations. They have neither been able to prevent the use of their land for terrorism nor provide basic necessities to the Afghan people. The Afghan Taliban’s entire focus remained on (a) patronage of TTP and Al-Qaida, ( b) consolidating their rule. During the last 5 years, Afghanistan has become a hub and exporter of terrorism, with the neighbouring countries bearing the cost of its terror business. The Afghan Taliban’s entire focus is on strengthening their hold and exploitation of the country’s resources. In this context, an Afghan newspaper, Hasht-e Sobh, has made shocking revelations regarding the Afghan Taliban’s terror business and plundering of natural resources that have collectively pushed Afghanistan further into the deep pits of economic crisis and poverty.
According to a report, Afghanistan’s mineral resources are being used to fill the pockets of Taliban commanders, with monthly earnings in billions of dollars. According to an estimate, the Taliban earn over $25 million monthly from gold. The report further states that the Taliban group forcefully seized the gold mines in various northern and northeastern provinces, severely affecting the local population. As per Hasht-e Sobh, as soon as information about a gold mine is received in areas including Badakhshan, Takhar, and Farah, Taliban elements expel local owners and take control of the mines. The report also claims that local residents are not being issued permits to extract gold, while those supported by the Taliban are given permission to work in the mines in exchange for a specific share.
The Afghan Taliban’s exploitation of the local population has resulted in wide protests against the seizure of gold mines in Takhar province that have erupted with reports of injuries. Local sources say the situation has further heightened tensions in the area.
The Afghan Taliban’s exploitation of the local population has resulted in wide protests against the seizure of gold mines in Takhar province that have erupted with reports of injuries.
The report also alleges that the Taliban and Al-Qaeda are colluding to generate significant revenue from natural resources. The plundering of natural resources has pushed Afghanistan further into economic crisis and poverty.
The Taliban’s mining policy in Afghanistan demonstrates how natural resources can be exploited as a tool for power. Mining has become a key means for the Taliban to maintain control, finance terrorist groups like al-Qaeda and TTP, and exert influence beyond borders, transforming resources into drivers of violence and instability.
Pakistan is the only country that has borne the unprecedented brunt of the Afghan Taliban terror business. Last week, Pakistan and China jointly called on the Afghan government to ensure stern action against TTP and other terrorist groups operating through Afghanistan. It’s high time that we broke the chain of terror and reined in the sponsors and facilitators of this menace. This is the only path that leads towards peace, stability and development of the region and Afghanistan as well.
As for the people of Afghanistan, if they want their economic struggle to end, they must stand up to this repressive regime. Otherwise, the vision of a peaceful and stable Afghanistan will continue to be a distant dream for years to come.
The writer is a freelance columnist and contributes regularly on issues concerning national security.