The capital of Afghanistan plunges into darkness as soon as night descends. The lack of electricity has brought the city to a cimmerian and bleak existence, where nights are marred by darkness and power shortages.
The city of Kabul is facing a double whammy: on one hand, the severe power crisis is worsening in the midst of winter, and on the other, thousands of Afghan refugees returning from Pakistan do not have homes and lack the documents necessary for citizenship.
The situation has deteriorated to such an extent that it has become difficult for people to carry on with their daily lives. According to a report by Tolo News, in many areas of Kabul, people are forced to spend entire days without electricity. Residents have raised concerns that electricity is available for barely one or two hours in 24 hours, and that too at a time when the city is asleep.
Electricity Company
The Afghan power company, DABS, claimed that the problem is further exacerbated by the presence of several factors. These include drought, old transmission lines, and a large influx of returning refugees from Pakistan. Mohammad Sasiq Haqparast stated that billions of Afghani rupees are needed to improve the network, and 42 old lines in Kabul have already been replaced. The increasing load has caused frequent tripping.
What Is the Problem With the Returning Afghans?
The biggest challenge is obtaining the ‘Tazkira’ electronic ID card. Abdul Mail said the government has claimed that the DABS has set up separate camps and special counters so that people returning from Pakistan and Iran can be given priority access to the facility. Many migrants say that after the escalation of tension in Pakistan, the lack of housing, documents, and employment has left refugees vulnerable to the harsh cold at night, making their situation extremely precarious.
