Volume 5 Amina Khan Since August 2021, the Taliban govern as Afghanistan’s de facto authorities. The constitution is suspended, minorities are underrepresented, human and women rights continue to be violated. Economic policies focus on infrastructure and regional connectivity with support from regional countries. The economy remains weak. Unemployment and poverty are high. Tax collection and foreign exchange rates have improved. Afghanistan continues to face a severe humanitarian crisis, with 30 million people in need of assistance. Natural disasters and expelled refugees from neighbouring countries have further deteriorated the situation.