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Islamic countries pledge fund to stave off Afghanistan ‘chaos’

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Islamic countries pledged on Sunday to set up a humanitarian trust fund for Afghanistan as, with millions facing hunger and a harsh winter setting in, Pakistan’s prime minister warned of chaos if the worsening emergency was not urgently addressed.

The crisis is causing mounting alarm but the international response has been muted, given Western reluctance to help the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) government, which seized power in August, Reuters reported.

“Unless action is taken immediately, Afghanistan is heading for chaos,” Prime Minister Imran Khan told a meeting of foreign ministers from the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation in Islamabad on Sunday.

The trust fund, announced by Pakistan’s foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, will be set up under the aegis of the Islamic Development Bank.

Allowing Afghanistan access to reserves frozen outside the country would be key to preventing economic collapse, participants in the meeting – which included representatives from the United Nations, United States, European Union and Japan – said in a statement.

But it was unclear how much the fund would contain and the meeting did not provide official recognition to the IEA government.

Acting Afghan foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi said the government had restored peace and security and done much to address demands for more inclusiveness with respect for human rights, including the rights of women.

“All must acknowledge that political isolation of Afghanistan is not beneficial for anyone, therefore it is imperative that all support the prevailing stability and back it both politically and economically,” he said.

IEA officials have previously asked for help to rebuild Afghanistan’s shattered economy and feed more than 20 million people threatened with hunger.

Some countries and aid organizations have begun delivering aid, but a near-collapse of the country’s banking system has complicated their work.

Qureshi said unlocking financial and banking channels was essential “because the economy can’t function and people can’t be helped without a banking system.”

The scale of the challenge has been underlined by crowds gathering outside the newly reopened passport office in Kabul, where hundreds have been lining up for passports that would enable them to leave the country.

Beyond immediate aid, Afghanistan needs help ensuring longer-term economic stability. Much will depend on whether Washington is willing to unfreeze billions of dollars in central bank reserves and lift sanctions that have caused many institutions and governments to shy away from direct dealings with the IEA.

Muttaqi said the IEA would not allow Afghanistan to be used as a base for attacks on other countries and he said no reprisals would be carried out against officials of the former government.

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Iran allegedly relocates aircraft to Pakistan and Afghanistan amid US strike fears: CBS Reports

The spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, denied the presence of Iranian aircraft in Afghanistan in comments to CBS News.

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Iran is reported to have moved several military and civilian aircraft to Pakistan and Afghanistan, reportedly to safeguard them from potential US airstrikes, according to CBS News citing unnamed informed sources.

The report claimed that multiple Iranian military aircraft were spotted at Pakistan’s Nur Khan Air Base near Islamabad, including an RC-130 reconnaissance plane. Additionally, CBS News said Iran’s Mahan Air had transferred part of its civilian fleet to Kabul before the escalation of regional tensions, with aircraft later moved to Herat Airport amid clashes along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border.

However, Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, denied the presence of Iranian aircraft in Afghanistan in comments to CBS News. Pakistani officials also rejected claims that Iranian military planes were stationed at their airbases, describing the reports as inaccurate.

The situation underscores heightened regional security concerns as tensions continue to rise over potential US military action.

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UN warns hunger crisis in Afghanistan deepening, women and children most affected

The UN World Food Programme (WFP) warned that persistent funding shortfalls have sharply reduced supplies of specialized nutritional food crucial for treating malnourished women and children.

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The United Nations has issued a stark warning that hunger and food insecurity are worsening in Afghanistan, with women and children facing the most severe consequences amid ongoing economic and humanitarian challenges.

According to UN agencies, Afghanistan continues to struggle with overlapping crises, including economic collapse, widespread unemployment, and climate-related shocks that have devastated livelihoods across the country. Rising regional tensions have also driven up food prices, putting additional pressure on vulnerable households.

“The little food we can afford we give to our children, but that is not enough,” said Raqiba Ahmadi, a resident of Faizabad city in northeastern Afghanistan. She added that her youngest daughter is recovering from malnutrition while her husband remains unemployed.

The UN World Food Programme (WFP) warned that persistent funding shortfalls have sharply reduced supplies of specialized nutritional food crucial for treating malnourished women and children.

Millions of Afghans remain at risk of severe hunger, prompting humanitarian organizations to call for sustained international support to prevent the situation from worsening further.

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Afghan powerlifting team wins six medals at World Cup series in Belarus

A total of six Afghan athletes and one coach represented the country in the tournament, which featured competitors from ten nations.

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The General Directorate of Physical Education and Sport of Afghanistan says Afghan powerlifting athletes secured six medals at the “Powerlifting World Cup Series 2026” held in Belarus.

According to the directorate, Afghan athletes won four gold medals, one silver medal, and one bronze medal during the international competition.

Fawad Sherin Sokhan, Jabar Sherin Sokhan, Noor Ahmad Sakhi Zada, and Mirwais Rafi Zada each claimed gold medals, while Rohullah Khairandesh won silver and Hamidullah Hakimi earned bronze for Afghanistan.

A total of six Afghan athletes and one coach represented the country in the tournament, which featured competitors from ten nations.

The competition began on May 6 and concluded on May 10 in Belarus, showcasing strong performances from Afghan athletes on the international stage.

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