The Taliban Traffic Department announced in a statement that high-speed private vehicles in Kabul and other provinces are no longer allowed to operate as taxis. The department has asked vehicle owners to visit the Traffic Department to convert their vehicles into taxis. This decision comes amid the ongoing economic crisis and the lack of job opportunities, which has forced many citizens to rely on private vehicles for their livelihood.
In a statement released on Sunday, April 6, the Taliban Traffic Department emphasized that private vehicle owners who wish to use their vehicles as taxis must obtain the necessary permits from the department. According to the statement, vehicles with a “travel permit” (traffic license), whether registered under a company or an individual, are subject to this law.
Taliban officials have stated that operating private vehicles as taxis without a permit will henceforth be illegal, and violators will face legal consequences.
Afghanistan has been facing a worsening economic crisis in recent years, with a reduction in international aid and rising unemployment rates. Many citizens have turned to using private vehicles as a source of income to meet their basic needs, including public transportation. The implementation of this ban, without providing suitable alternatives for lost jobs, has raised concerns about increasing pressure on low-income groups.
