KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – A 16-year-old boy from Kandahar’s Arghistan district, identified as Akhtar Mohammad, was found dead by hanging, local sources reported.
The incident occurred in Ahmadzo village on Saturday, November 30. While the motive behind Akhtar Mohammad’s tragic death remains unclear, the Taliban’s local police confirmed the incident and stated that preliminary investigations were conducted with his family and acquaintances.
Officials claim there were no apparent conflicts involving the teenager or his family. Further inquiries are underway.
Afghanistan has seen a sharp rise in suicide rates since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021. Experts attribute the increase to psychological distress fueled by economic hardship, widespread unemployment, Taliban restrictions, and limited access to mental health care, among other factors.
The crisis disproportionately affects women and girls, who face severe restrictions under Taliban rule, including bans on education, employment, and access to public spaces. These oppressive measures have exacerbated feelings of despair, particularly among young women.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), males globally are nearly twice as likely to die by suicide as females. However, in Afghanistan, recent data indicates that approximately 80% of suicide attempts are made by women.
An investigative report by Etilaatroz documented at least 213 suicides nationwide in the past year, with nearly 80% of victims under 20 years old. These figures are likely underreported due to Taliban media restrictions and the social stigma surrounding mental health.
