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Afghan Air Force airlifts over 2,000 in earthquake rescue operation
“In total, 2,060 individuals were evacuated, and 23,100 kilograms of aid were delivered to hospitals and safe zones,” the ministry said in a statement.
The Afghan Air Force has airlifted more than 2,000 injured and displaced people and delivered over 23 metric tons of aid during a three-day emergency operation in the country’s eastern provinces following a powerful earthquake, the Ministry of National Defense said Thursday.
A total of 185 flights were carried out across Kunar, Nangarhar, and Kabul provinces, transporting victims to medical facilities and delivering critical relief supplies.
On the first day, 83 flights evacuated 1,000 people for emergency treatment. The following day, 72 flights moved 361 injured people, 540 family members, rescue teams, and 10,000 kilograms of medical supplies. On day three, 30 more flights transported 11 additional injured, 148 relatives, and 13,100 kilograms of medical and food aid.
“In total, 2,060 individuals were evacuated, and 23,100 kilograms of aid were delivered to hospitals and safe zones,” the ministry said in a statement.
The Defense Ministry commended the Afghan National Army’s efforts, saying personnel continue to “work tirelessly day and night to save lives and deliver aid under all circumstances.”
The earthquake, which struck earlier this week, caused widespread damage in several eastern districts, prompting emergency response teams to mobilize under difficult conditions.
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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