Afghanistan has received at least $1.3 billion in loans from various countries and international institutions in the last 18 years, according to statistics by the Ministry of Finance. 

The statistics show that the loans obtained during this period are a small amount compared to other countries in the region, but economic commentators say that the loans are a major burden on the Afghan people.

Economists argue that in view of Afghanistan’s fragile economy, it is a tough task for the country to repay the amount, adding that most part of the money was invested in projects which do not benefit the people’s needs.

In this episode host Zarmina Mohammadi discusses the topic with Samim Sarem an economic analyst and university lecturer.