# Taliban Marks Five Years in Power as Afghan Restrictions Tighten 2026-08-15T03:41:54+00:00 | World & Diplomacy | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 2 independent outlets The Taliban is marking five years in power in Afghanistan with white flags across Kabul, rallies and sports events. Authorities praise the country’s “freedom” and security, while critics point to worsening restrictions and a humanitarian crisis. Humvees left by foreign forces were also paraded through the capital, where checkpoints increased. The Taliban says it has improved security and is building the economy, but jobs remain scarce. The World Bank estimates real growth at 4.8%, while GDP per person is declining as more than six million Afghans return from Iran and Pakistan. Women face bans from most jobs and public places, and girls cannot study beyond age 12. The UN has criticised restrictions on daily life, while press groups report surveillance, arrests and censorship. ## Coverage - ndtv.com - hindustantimes.com Tags: Afghanistan, Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, Kabul, Taliban Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/taliban-marks-five-years-of-rule-in-afghanistan/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/taliban-marks-five-years-of-rule-in-afghanistan/#story-in-brief Review state: restored archive article, accurate at time of publication, not offered to search indexes.