The Ministry of Martyrs and Disabled Affairs has announced that nearly 12.5 billion afghani were distributed last year to the families of martyrs, disabled individuals, and widows.

Faisal Khamosh, spokesperson for the ministry, emphasized that families of martyrs and disabled individuals from both the previous government and the Islamic Emirate are treated equally.

Regarding the distribution of funds, Faisal Khamosh said: “Approximately 12.5 billion afghani were distributed transparently through the banking system.”

However, disabled individuals are calling on the Islamic Emirate to pay more attention to their rights and economic challenges, as many families of the disabled and martyrs continue to face low incomes and numerous hardships.

Shir Agha, a 45-year-old man sitting by a road in the capital, told TOLOnews that he lost his leg during the civil war. Despite receiving a small pension, he struggles economically.

Shir Agha said: “If someone wasn’t forced, they wouldn’t leave their home and relatives. We are compelled. I have two young children who go to school—by God, I currently don’t even have money for their pens and notebooks. I’m planning to take them out of school.”

“During the Republic, we received 60,000 afghani annually, which at least covered some expenses. Now they give 25 or 26 thousand, which is barely anything,” another disabled person told TOLOnews.

Several other disabled individuals have asked the Islamic Emirate to increase their benefits. According to statistics from the Ministry of Martyrs and Disabled Affairs, there are 650,000 registered martyrs, disabled individuals, and widows.