The Taliban-led finance ministry on Sunday denied reports of a halt or delay in the payment of salaries to public employees, saying wages would be disbursed next week.
Meanwhile, three employees from various public institutions told Amu TV on Sunday that ministries had already submitted payroll and financial reports to the finance ministry, but staff had yet to receive their salaries.
Earlier this week, three sources, including one within the Taliban-run finance ministry, said salary payments for all public employees had been suspended “until further notice”, with the order applying across all ministries.
Abdul Qayoum Nasir, a spokesman for the finance ministry, dismissed those reports as “false” in an audio statement broadcast by state-run television.
“The Ministry of Finance is fully prepared and, once payroll reports are received from all departments, salaries will be transferred without any problem,” Nasir said, adding that the payment process was continuing “as normal”.
Delays in salary payments have occurred repeatedly since the Taliban returned to power in 2021. In June this year, the authorities approved the payment of wages for two months after a three-month delay, citing administrative and budgetary constraints.
Public employees say any delay is particularly difficult during the winter, when living costs rise sharply. Many say salaries are their only source of income and are essential to cover rent and basic household needs.
Afghanistan’s economy has been under severe strain due to international sanctions, banking restrictions and reduced foreign aid, leaving public sector workers vulnerable to interruptions in pay.
