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WFP says lack of funds threatening its operations in Afghanistan
The United Nations’ World Food Programme (WFP) has warned that a lack of funds is threatening its operations in Afghanistan, which are critical to staving off a major humanitarian crisis.
The warning comes at a time when more than half of all Afghans need emergency food assistance, according to WFP.
“Every day, WFP convoys are on the road – through snow and in freezing temperatures – to bring food to people across Afghanistan. Over half of all Afghans – 23 million people – need emergency food assistance. Yet a lack of funds threatens to grind operations to a halt,” WFP tweeted on Friday.
Economic experts believe international assistance to Afghanistan is not managed well, which is a reason why the aid has not eradicated poverty in the country.
“This (challenge) is absolutely because of a mistake or a non-managerial distribution of international aid for eradication of poverty in Afghanistan,” said Syed Masood, an economic expert.
The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA), however, rejected figures provided by WFP on people who need emergency food assistance.
“We cannot confirm the figures they release. The international community, aid and humanitarian organizations should provide greater assistance to Afghans,” said Bilal Karimi, deputy spokesman for IEA.
WFP has sought $2.6 billion for its operations in Afghanistan this year.
Last year, the agency provided food, cash and nutrition assistance to 12.4 million people in Afghanistan.
Zalmay Khalilzad, the former US special representative for Afghanistan, has questioned Pakistan’s commitment to the welfare of the Afghan people, citing Islamabad’s policies over the past three decades.
Khalilzad said in a post on X that Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif advocated for the rights of Afghan women during his speech at the UN General Assembly on Friday.
Sharif said: “Fundamental rights of the Afghan people — especially women and girls — must be respected.”
Responding to the remarks, Khalilzad said Pakistan’s policies over the past 30 years raise questions about Sharif’s commitment to Afghan welfare.
He cited Pakistan’s support for militant groups against US forces and what he described as the poor treatment of Afghan refugees as examples.
Khalilzad also said Afghanistan and Pakistan need and should have much better relations, adding that “a reset is necessary.”
India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met with the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, Rabab Fatima, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.
Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a post on X that Misri underscored the need to keep addressing the humanitarian needs of the Afghan people as a priority.
Misri also appreciated the role of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) and reaffirmed India’s continued cooperation with the United Nations on Afghanistan.
The meeting comes as Afghanistan continues to face humanitarian and economic challenges, with international agencies warning of significant needs among the Afghan population.
Kazakhstan’s Foreign Minister Mukhtar Tileuberdi has called for pragmatic and coordinated international engagement with Afghanistan, saying the country’s long-term stability is closely linked to the security and sustainable development of Central Asia.
Speaking during the general debate of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Friday, Tileuberdi said humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan remains essential but alone cannot break the cycle of poverty, displacement and dependency.
He said Kazakhstan supports a “pragmatic, coordinated and step-by-step” approach to international engagement with Afghanistan, with the United Nations playing a central role.
Tileuberdi also said Kazakhstan is working with the UN to operationalize the United Nations Regional Centre for the Sustainable Development Goals for Central Asia and Afghanistan in Almaty.
He said the success of the centre should be measured by the results and assistance it delivers to the region.
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