KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – A 24-year-old man reportedly died by suicide in southern Kandahar province, as suicide cases among young people continue to rise across Afghanistan.
Local sources informed KabulNow that the young man, identified as Mohammad Sarwar, hanged himself from a tree in Arghistan district on Thursday, June 5.
The sources attribute his suicide to financial problems, saying he was a farmer struggling with severe financial difficulties in recent months.
Local Taliban authorities have not yet commented on the incident.
This case follows other recent reports of suicide, including a young man in Nangarhar and a young girl in Badakhshan.
Since the Taliban returned to power in August 2021, the rate of suicides has increased throughout Afghanistan, particularly among young people. Key contributing factors include poverty, unemployment, limited future prospects, and growing restrictions—especially affecting women and youth.
Afghanistan is currently facing one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. According to the UN, over half the population—around 23 million people—requires humanitarian aid, with more than 12 million experiencing acute food insecurity.
In 2023, at least 213 people died by suicide, according to data from Etilaatroz, with nearly 80% being under the age of 20. The actual figure is likely higher due to media restrictions and the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide.
