The Taliban have pledged to stop opium cultivation in Afghanistan. Analysts say it will be difficult for many reasons.
While the Taliban are at the helm of affairs in Afghanistan and are all to announce their new government, they look at a major financial crisis. But an analysis by Pakistan-based Frontier Post says the Taliban are increasing more than one and half billion dollars a year through “trafficking of opium and heroin, the taxes imposed on the territories that were under Taliban control. ” In addition, there is money from Pakistan and Gulf countries, the analysis cited by the news agency NNA said.
In May, the UN has indicated that Taliban annual incomes between 300 and 1.6 billion. They collected 160 million in taxes to 160 million euros last year.
The Taliban have time and again stated that opium is not grown in Afghanistan. However, the United Nations said the record poppy crop in Afghanistan increased 37% last year, at least 263 thousand hectares is sown with the crop and Afghanistan is the largest opium producer in the world said the border after adding the drug the company brings Taliban 400 million per year.
According to Politico, opium produced by Afghan farmers in 2020 represents over 90% of global illicit supply and 95% of the UK market. “Despite the Western presence that ended this month, and despite price depression, the latest estimates show production at record levels. Meanwhile, larger profit margins on the method of methamphetamine crystals also lead to Afghan culture package in its original ephedra. ” A political report mentioned.
But it will not remain the only source of income for the Taliban because the Taliban are now exploring other sources of revenue to strengthen the economy once they form the government. International agencies have realized that the minerals of the country will be a major source of revenue for the Taliban As the country has copper, bauxite, iron ore, marble, lithium and gold .
According to BBC News, the Taliban have private sponsors based in Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar who give 500 million per year.
