The Taliban has marked the fifth anniversary of its return to power in Afghanistan with nationwide celebrations, military displays and patriotic events, presenting the occasion as a symbol of national sovereignty and stability.
Across the Afghan capital, Kabul, streets were filled with white Taliban flags, convoys of military vehicles and public gatherings as supporters commemorated the movement’s takeover of the country on August 15, 2021.
While government officials praised what they described as progress in security and economic rebuilding, the anniversary was accompanied by renewed criticism from the United Nations, human rights organisations and press freedom advocates, who argue that life under Taliban rule has become increasingly restrictive—particularly for women, girls and independent journalists.
Five years after the collapse of the internationally backed Afghan government, the anniversary reflects both the Taliban’s growing confidence in consolidating power and the continuing international debate over Afghanistan’s political future.
Kabul hosts anniversary celebrations
Celebrations began across Kabul as residents carrying Taliban flags travelled through the city on motorcycles, rickshaws and pickup trucks decorated in white banners.
Large crowds gathered near the former United States Embassy, a location that has become symbolic of Afghanistan’s dramatic political transformation following the withdrawal of US-led forces.
Supporters waved government flags, posed for photographs and recorded videos as military helicopters flew overhead.
Security forces carrying rifles remained visible throughout the celebrations while additional checkpoints appeared across parts of the city.
Government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid described the anniversary as a historic milestone, saying the date would hold lasting significance in Afghanistan’s national story.
Public murals installed around Kabul also reflected the government’s messaging, emphasising themes of independence, dignity and national identity.
Military equipment featured prominently
One of the defining images of the anniversary was the display of military vehicles now controlled by Taliban forces.
Convoys included Humvees and other equipment left behind during the withdrawal of foreign troops in 2021.
The vehicles travelled through Kabul as part of organised processions accompanied by armed security personnel.
The displays underscored the Taliban’s efforts to portray itself as the country’s uncontested governing authority while highlighting military assets that became symbols of its victory five years earlier.
Sports events continue—without women spectators
Authorities also organised sporting activities, including a cricket match and other public events, as part of the anniversary programme.
However, women and girls remain barred from attending such public sporting events under existing Taliban policies.
The restrictions reflect broader limitations that have gradually expanded since the Taliban returned to power.
Although public celebrations continued for supporters, many Afghans remain unable to participate fully in public life because of government-imposed restrictions affecting education, employment and recreation.
Five years since Kabul fell
The anniversary marks five years since Taliban fighters entered Kabul without significant military resistance.
The rapid collapse of government forces followed a sweeping offensive across Afghanistan during the final stages of the US-led military withdrawal.
The events of August 2021 ended two decades of internationally backed republican governance and returned the Taliban to power after its earlier rule from 1996 to 2001.
The speed of the transition shocked much of the international community and triggered one of Afghanistan’s largest waves of displacement in recent history.
Government points to security and rebuilding
Taliban officials argue that their administration has delivered greater stability compared to years of armed conflict.
Some residents interviewed during the anniversary acknowledged improvements in security conditions.
University student Pirooz Mirzaie said the government had introduced infrastructure projects while creating opportunities for entrepreneurs.
However, he also pointed to unemployment as one of the country’s biggest continuing challenges.
The Taliban has similarly argued that rebuilding Afghanistan’s economy requires time.
Mujahid recently said authorities are laying the foundations for future economic growth while asking citizens to remain patient.
Economic picture remains mixed
Afghanistan’s economy presents a complicated picture five years after the Taliban takeover.
According to international financial assessments, the country has experienced some economic growth while continuing to face serious structural challenges.
The World Bank has estimated real economic growth at around 4.8 percent.
However, gross domestic product per person continues declining as millions of Afghans have returned from neighbouring Iran and Pakistan in recent years.
The arrival of more than six million returnees has placed additional pressure on housing, employment, public services and humanitarian assistance.
At the same time, reductions in international aid have further complicated recovery efforts.
International recognition remains limited
Despite expanding diplomatic contacts with several countries, the Taliban continues facing limited international recognition.
Russia remains the only country to have formally recognised the Taliban government.
Other governments have maintained working-level engagement while withholding full diplomatic recognition.
Several European countries have established limited channels of communication with Taliban authorities without recognising the administration as Afghanistan’s legitimate government.
Many governments continue linking broader engagement to improvements in human rights and governance.
Relations with Pakistan have deteriorated
Afghanistan’s regional relationships have also become increasingly complex.
Relations with neighbouring Pakistan, once viewed as one of the Taliban’s most important external relationships, have worsened significantly.
Tensions escalated into armed conflict between the two countries this year, further aggravating an already fragile humanitarian situation.
Cross-border security disputes and refugee issues have become major sources of friction.
The deterioration has affected millions of Afghans already struggling with economic hardship and displacement.
UN raises alarm over growing restrictions
While the Taliban celebrated its fifth anniversary, the United Nations renewed concerns about the country’s human rights situation.
Fiona Frazer, human rights director for the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), said Afghans continue experiencing increasingly restrictive policies affecting everyday life.
According to the UN, restrictions now extend into multiple aspects of personal freedom and public participation.
The organisation argues that many Afghans continue suffering tangible harm under current policies.
Those concerns remain central to international discussions about Afghanistan’s future.
Women remain at the centre of criticism
The treatment of women and girls continues to be one of the most contentious aspects of Taliban rule.
Since returning to power, authorities have introduced numerous restrictions limiting women’s participation in public life.
Among the most significant measures are:
- The prohibition of secondary and higher education for girls beyond roughly age 12.
- Restrictions on employment across many sectors.
- Bans from parks and numerous public recreational spaces.
- Limitations affecting movement and participation in public activities.
International organisations argue these policies have reversed years of progress in women’s education and social participation.
The Taliban maintains that its policies are based on its interpretation of Islamic law.
Press freedom groups voice concern
Media organisations have also criticised conditions for journalists.
The Committee to Protect Journalists said media workers have faced surveillance, detention, censorship and physical abuse under Taliban rule.
Many journalists have reportedly left the country after facing increasing pressure.
Press freedom advocates argue that restrictions on independent reporting have significantly narrowed the space for open public discussion.
Voices from ordinary Afghans
For some Afghans, the anniversary carries deeply personal emotions.
A 23-year-old woman, speaking anonymously for security reasons, described feeling trapped by years of restrictions.
She said the past five years had been emotionally exhausting and dramatically altered her sense of freedom.
Her comments reflect the contrasting experiences surrounding the anniversary: while supporters celebrated what they view as national independence, others described daily life as increasingly constrained.
A nation divided between celebration and criticism
The fifth anniversary of Taliban rule highlights Afghanistan’s deeply divided reality.
For the government and its supporters, the occasion represents the consolidation of sovereignty, improved security and the end of foreign military presence.
For many critics, however, the anniversary serves as a reminder of shrinking freedoms, limited opportunities and ongoing humanitarian challenges.
As Afghanistan enters its sixth year under Taliban administration, the country’s future remains shaped by competing narratives—one celebrating political victory and another warning of mounting human rights concerns.
Whether broader international recognition eventually expands may depend not only on diplomatic engagement but also on how Afghanistan’s leaders respond to continuing calls for greater inclusion, expanded freedoms and improved protections for the rights of all citizens.
