Afghanistan Times
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KABUL – In a surprising turn of events, former Afghan President Hamid Karzai has voiced his support for a decision by the Ministry of Finance to resume pension payments for thousands of retirees, a move announced just yesterday on August 24, 2025, ending a four-year suspension that began after the 2021 takeover.
Karzai, who led Afghanistan from 2002 to 2014, took to X today to express his approval, stating that he welcomes the move to pay pensions to retirees who dedicated much of their lives to serving the nation, while hoping all eligible individuals receive their due soon.
The decision comes after years of protests from over 148,881 retirees, as recorded by the Afghanistan Retirees Association in 2021, who have faced severe financial hardship since pensions stopped. Since the 2021 shift, Afghanistan’s economy has struggled with international sanctions and a collapsed banking system, making this policy shift a rare glimmer of hope for the elderly. The resumption targets a population left destitute, with recent reports highlighting their plight during Eid al-Adha celebrations in June 2025.
The irony is not lost, given Karzai’s own near-death experience in a 2001 U.S. friendly fire incident during the initial power change, yet his backing of the current initiative hints at a complex new political dynamic. Analysts suggest this could reflect a pragmatic effort by Karzai to engage on humanitarian grounds, despite historical tensions.
Retiree groups have cautiously welcomed the news, though no payment timeline has been provided, leaving many skeptical amid the focus on enforcing strict governance measures. The international community, including the United Nations, is watching closely as this development could influence future aid talks. This story is still unfolding, and updates will follow as more information becomes available.
