KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – A 40-year-old man in Kandahar province, southern Afghanistan, has taken his life due to prolonged unemployment and financial hardship, local sources reported.
The man, identified as Mohammad Qaseem, ended his life in Kandahar city on Friday night, March 14, according to the sources.
Qaseem had been unemployed for years, accumulating heavy debts he was unable to repay. Creditors frequently came to his home demanding repayment, and he was reportedly overwhelmed by his financial struggles, which ultimately led to this tragic outcome.
Local Taliban authorities have yet to comment on the incident.
Since the Taliban’s return to power, suicide rates, particularly among young men and women, have surged in Afghanistan. Experts point to widespread poverty, high unemployment, restrictive Taliban policies, and domestic violence as significant factors contributing to the rise.
The country is experiencing one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises, with nearly 23 million people—more than half the population—reliant on international aid.
The situation has contributed to Afghanistan becoming one of the most depressed countries in the world, with the highest rates of mental health issues and suicidal thoughts, particularly among the youth. A study conducted by the US-based Gallup organization found that 98% of Afghanistan’s population suffers from psychological distress.
According to investigative data from Etilaatroz and KabulNow, at least 213 people—nearly 80% of them under the age of 20—died by suicide in 2023. However, the actual numbers may be higher, as many cases go unreported due to Taliban media restrictions and the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide in the country.
