Afghanistan: Claims and Realities -

Musawir Qureshi
For some time now, a particular narrative has been circulating on social media and in private gatherings, claiming that present-day Afghanistan enjoys far better conditions than Pakistan. It is often said that there is little to no inflation there, fuel prices are stable, law and order is exemplary, and trade is steadily growing due to the Taliban government. At first glance, these claims appear very appealing, but when examined against ground realities, a different picture emerges. The reality is that neither trade has shown significant growth nor have political and social structures advanced in a meaningful way. This is because education is the most essential element in any society, and when education becomes widespread, that society moves toward progress and development.
It is also important to understand that the economic and social condition of a country cannot be measured solely by the prices of a few commodities or short-term stability. Instead, it must be evaluated through indicators such as people’s incomes, employment opportunities, basic services, and patterns of mobility. If conditions in Afghanistan were truly ideal, its citizens would not be attempting in such large numbers to move to other countries, particularly Pakistan.
Today, in Kabul, Pakistani visas are reportedly being sold on the black market for around 1,800 US dollars, which reflects a harsh reality. This is not merely the story of one individual or group; rather, it illustrates the economic pressure and limited opportunities faced by an average Afghan citizen. Notably, the annual income of an average Afghan is reported to be less than 400 US dollars. If this ratio is considered, a single Pakistani visa equals approximately four to five years of an average Afghan’s total income. This clearly shows how eager people are to leave the country despite hardships. However, due to limited pathways to travel abroad, many cannot easily leave.
This situation is somewhat comparable to visa agents in Pakistan who arrange visas for European countries and charge large sums of money. The difference is that in Pakistan, people dream of moving abroad, whereas in Afghanistan, people seek to come to Pakistan, which offers relatively better economic opportunities. If Afghanistan were truly an economic paradise, its citizens would not risk their limited resources to pay such high prices for visas to other countries.
Looking at the past, when relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan were not tense, Afghan citizens could travel to Pakistan without visas. However, when tensions increased between the two countries, visa policies became stricter. Even then, movement through border towns like Chaman and other informal routes continued. Today, however, the situation has changed. Afghan citizens find it difficult to enter Pakistan even with visas, and very few people can afford to pay large sums to agents to obtain one.
It is also true that security conditions in Afghanistan have improved to some extent compared to the past. However, peace turns into real progress only when it is accompanied by economic activity, industrial production, and expanded educational opportunities. Afghanistan’s current economy largely depends on informal trade, foreign aid, and limited exports. Restrictions on women’s education and employment also slow economic progress, because excluding half of the population from active participation weakens the economy. This is one of the reasons why international pressure on Afghanistan has increased, urging the removal of restrictions on women’s education and employment.
When making a comparative assessment between Pakistan and Afghanistan, it must also be acknowledged that Pakistan faces its own challenges, including inflation, unemployment, and economic pressure. Conditions in Pakistan are not ideal either, but opportunities in education, healthcare, business, and mobility are still relatively broader compared to Afghanistan. This is why millions of Afghan citizens have sought refuge and employment opportunities in Pakistan for decades. However, these opportunities are also diminishing, as internal and external policy decisions have increased difficulties for Afghan residents, and authorities are now emphasizing the repatriation of undocumented Afghan nationals.
Another important aspect is the psychological and informational dimension of modern discourse. In the age of social media, narratives are often shaped on emotional or political grounds that do not fully reflect reality. Portraying Afghanistan as a perfect paradise or Pakistan as a completely failed state are both extreme positions. The truth usually lies somewhere in between, and understanding it requires data and ground observations rather than emotions.
Those who consider Afghanistan an ideal state would benefit from visiting the country themselves to observe ground realities. Obtaining a visa and traveling to Kabul may seem simple in theory (though it has now become increasingly difficult), but closely observing the daily life, limited opportunities, and economic struggles of ordinary Afghan citizens would remove many misconceptions.
There are certainly some positive aspects in Afghanistan’s current situation, but exaggerating them or presenting a completely idealized image amounts to denying reality. Similarly, acknowledging Pakistan’s problems and working seriously toward solutions reflects a responsible national attitude. Realism, balance, and ground-level observation are the paths that help form sound opinions. It is essential that both Afghanistan and Pakistan focus on the welfare of their people and work to create greater ease and opportunities for them.