Young Man in Kabul Sets Himself on Fire Over Poverty and Unemployment

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Local sources in Kabul say a young man set himself on fire today, Tuesday (19 May), near Airport Road in protest against unemployment and economic pressure.

According to eyewitnesses, the incident took place in the tenth district of Kabul near Phase Three of Arya Township.

Witnesses said the man identified himself as a graduate of Kabul’s engineering faculty and said that despite applying to various institutions, he had been unable to find work.

According to witnesses, before the incident he had complained about poverty, unemployment and economic pressure, saying he could no longer bear returning home and facing his family.

Local sources said residents managed to extinguish the fire and rescue the man. According to them, he suffered severe burns and was transferred by ambulance to Sheikh Zayed Hospital after local people contacted emergency services.

So far, no precise details have been released about the identity or health condition of the man.

The incident comes as Afghanistan under Taliban rule is facing a severe economic crisis. United Nations reports and international organisations have repeatedly warned that millions of people in Afghanistan are unable to meet their basic living needs. In such conditions, unemployment, poverty and economic pressure, particularly on young people and vulnerable families, have had serious social and psychological consequences.