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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.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has welcomed the temporary ceasefire between Pakistan and Afghanistan announced in connection with the Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations, calling for continued efforts to reduce tensions and achieve lasting peace.
Anwar shared the message during a telephone conversation with his Pakistani counterpart, Shehbaz Sharif. In a Facebook post, Anwar emphasized the importance of dialogue and de-escalation, while also expressing concern over rising tensions in the Middle East, particularly involving Iran, and urging all parties to prioritize peaceful solutions.
Pakistan said it had temporarily suspended military operations in Afghanistan at the request of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkey. Afghan authorities likewise announced a halt to operations during Eid, citing goodwill and similar requests from regional partners.
The ceasefire follows weeks of heightened tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, including Durand Line clashes and airstrikes.
Separately, Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in a phone call discussed regional developments with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, reaffirming Turkey’s commitment to peace and stability and stressing continued cooperation for long-term security.
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.
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