Taliban to mark five years in power in Afghanistan

The Taliban government is set to mark five years in power in Afghanistan on Saturday with official events in Kabul, while United Nations officials and residents describe tightening restrictions on daily life.

White flags of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan have been installed across the capital, and new murals have appeared ahead of the anniversary. Authorities plan to host a cricket match and other sports events, which girls and women are banned from attending. Supporters are expected to gather five years after Taliban insurgents entered Kabul.

The Taliban took the capital unopposed after a rapid offensive across Afghanistan that toppled government forces during the withdrawal of US-led troops. Some vehicles abandoned by foreign forces were displayed this week.

University student Pirooz Mirzaie told AFP the government had brought security, infrastructure projects and opportunities for entrepreneurs, but said jobs remained a major challenge for young people. Zabihullah Mujahid, the government's chief spokesman, said this month that authorities were laying the foundations of the economy and that patience was needed.

GDP per capita is in decline, attributed to more than six million Afghans arriving from neighbouring Iran and Pakistan in three years, while the World Bank estimated real growth at 4.8 percent.

The Taliban government has built ties with several countries, including in Europe, but is still recognised only by Russia. Relations with Pakistan have worsened, and the two countries went to war this year, worsening Afghanistan's humanitarian crisis alongside cuts to international aid.

Fiona Frazer, human rights director for the UN mission in Afghanistan, told AFP that people had endured the consolidation of restrictions that intrude on almost every aspect of daily life and human rights. Women have been particularly affected, with bans from public places including parks and from most jobs, while education for girls beyond age 12 is outlawed.

A 23-year-old woman, speaking to AFP anonymously for security reasons, said she felt a profound sense of suffocation after five years of Taliban rule.