The International Rescue Committee (IRC) in a press release said that since the shift in power in Afghanistan, economic collapse is steering the country toward a humanitarian crisis because of current policies held toward it.

The IRC warned that the current crisis could kill more Afghans than in the past 20 years of war if the ongoing situation continues.

The press release further said that various causes, including the reduction in development aid, the freezing of bank reserves and the grounding of the banking sector are behind the economic collapse in Afghanistan.

“The Afghan people cannot be made to pay for the actions of the de facto authorities. Without meaningful support, Afghanistan will continue this trajectory – and the current crisis will kill far more Afghans than the past 20 years of war,” said Vicki Aken, IRC Afghanistan director.

“The reduction of production, lack of international support to Afghanistan, ceasing of international financial relations, the drying up of employment opportunities, and challenges of transferring cash abroad are main reasons for economic collapse in the country,” said Shaker Yaqobi, an Afghan economist.

IRC added the restrictions on women’s access to work have contributed to Afghanistan’s failing economy, producing an economic loss of up to $1bn.

“Restrictions on women’s access to work can bring damages to Afghanistan and its economy; unfortunately, Afghanistan is the only country where women cannot get an education and take part in building the economy of the country, instead they polish shoes,” said Benazeer Haqjo, a women's rights activist.

Meanwhile, some workers in the capital said that they are faced with serious economic challenges.

“I came here in the morning and up to 6PM there is no work, I cannot earn even 10 Afghanis some days,” said Abdul Ullah, a worker.

The IRC also said the suspension of foreign aid over the last year is significantly impacting the welfare of Afghans across the country.