Latest News
ADB throws WFP a lifeline of $100 million for critical food aid in Afghanistan
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) in Afghanistan has welcomed a contribution by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) of $100 million to help provide critical food assistance to more than 1.3 million people across the country.
A special focus will be on widow- and women-headed households and other highly vulnerable groups like people with disabilities or families surviving solely on begging. For many of these families, WFP has become their last lifeline.
“Afghanistan has faced an unprecedented humanitarian crisis compounded by climate change and intense droughts, floods, and earthquakes”, ADB said in a statement.
“Women and children are disproportionately affected with many women-led households suffering a lack of food and reduced access to services given women’s restrictions on movement outside their homes.”
With this contribution, WFP will also train food-insecure women on marketable and entrepreneurial skills and alternative livelihoods along the agricultural value chain, such as fruit and vegetable processing.
During the training, they will be supported with monthly cash transfers, while improving their long-term livelihoods and ability to stand on their own feet and buy food for their families thanks to their new skills.
“This contribution comes at a critical moment for Afghanistan, where 15 million people are going hungry and WFP only can still support three million people with emergency food assistance due to a massive funding crisis”, said Hsiao-Wei Lee, Country Director of WFP Afghanistan.
“We are grateful for this generous contribution from the Asian Development Bank that will help us reach families in need starting before winter, when hunger bites hardest.”
This is the second contribution from ADB to WFP in Afghanistan, following $135 million in the past year which put it amongst the top five contributors. This year, ADB is the biggest partner of WFP, to date.
In his Persian New Year message, Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, on Friday highlighted the importance of Afghanistan and Pakistan, saying the two neighbors were “very close” to Iran.
Khamenei also made a direct appeal for improved relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan, describing them as “two brotherly countries.” He urged both nations to work toward better cooperation and understanding, stressing that such efforts are important “for the sake of divine pleasure and to avoid division among Muslims.”
Underscoring his commitment, he added that he is personally “ready to take the necessary steps” to help facilitate stronger ties between the two countries.
In recent months, tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan have risen over security issues, with cross-Durand Line clashes, airstrikes, and accusations about militant activity.
Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for India’s Ministry of External Affairs, announced on Friday that a 2.5-ton consignment, including emergency medicines, medical disposables, kits, and equipment has been delivered to Kabul.
According to him, the aid shipment is intended to support the swift recovery of those injured in the recent airstrike by Pakistan’s military regime.
He emphasized that India stands with the people of Afghanistan and will continue to provide all possible humanitarian assistance.
The Afghanistan Journalists Center (AFJC) has announced that Mahdi Ansary, a reporter for the Afghan News Agency (AFKA), has been released after serving one and a half years in Bagram prison.
In a statement welcoming his release, AFJC emphasized that the fundamental rights of this journalist—who had been tried and imprisoned on charges of cooperating with exiled and foreign media—were “seriously” violated.
Ansari was arrested on October 5, 2023, after returning from his workplace in Kabul.
He was sentenced on January 1, 2024 by the Kabul Primary Court to one and a half years in prison on charges of “propaganda against the Islamic Emirate.”
Mojtaba Khamenei calls for improved Afghanistan–Pakistan relations, offers help
Tawsia: Assessment of Afghanistan’s economic activities in 1404
India sends 2.5-ton medical shipment to Afghanistan
Trump compares Iran strikes to Pearl Harbor in meeting with Japan’s leader
Afghanistan national buzkashi falls short in Kokpar World Championship semifinals
Pakistani military jet downed in Afghanistan’s Jalalabad, pilot captured alive
Afghan Air Force conducts airstrikes in Islamabad, other cities
Afghanistan welcomes investment and technology partnerships with India
Prominent Muslim scholar issues fatwa calling for Afghanistan-Pakistan ceasefire
Afghan air force strikes key Pakistani military installations in retaliatory operation
Tawsia: Assessment of Afghanistan’s economic activities in 1404
Tahawol: Temporary ceasefire draws broad support
Saar: Emphasis on resolving conflicts through diplomacy
Tahawol: Global reactions to Pakistan’s recent attacks discussed
Saar: Consequences of Pakistani airstrikes on Afghans discussed
-
Latest News5 days agoIEA Supreme Leader issues Eid-ul-Fitr message urging unity and support for Islamic system
-
Business5 days agoTurkmenistan, Afghanistan discuss steps to speed up land acquisition for TAPI pipeline
-
Latest News3 days agoIEA announces temporary pause in defensive operations against Pakistan for Eid
-
Latest News3 days agoPakistan opposes normal Afghanistan–India relations: Shaheen
-
Sport4 days agoAfghanistan national buzkashi team defeats Hungary 14–0
-
Latest News5 days agoCAIR-Texas calls for probe after Afghan refugee dies in ICE custody
-
Latest News4 days agoIEA condemns alleged airstrike by Pakistan on drug treatment hospital in Kabul
-
Latest News4 days agoAfghanistan warns Pakistan of ‘teeth-breaking’ response after deadly Kabul bombing