A new report by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) warns that escalating fighting between Pakistan and Afghanistan has triggered a growing humanitarian crisis, with tens of thousands displaced and critical infrastructure damaged.

The situation report, covering the period from mid-March to early April, highlights the severe impact of ongoing shelling, airstrikes, and armed clashes along the disputed Durand Line.

Civilian casualties have reached several hundred, including children and at least one humanitarian worker.

Mass displacement and infrastructure damage

According to the report, more than 94,000 people have been displaced across eastern provinces, including Khost Province, Kunar Province, Nangarhar Province, Paktia Province, and Paktika Province. Assessments are ongoing in other affected areas such as Nuristan Province.

The violence has also taken a heavy toll on public infrastructure. At least 25 health facilities and 41 schools have been damaged, closed, or forced to suspend operations, disrupting access to healthcare, nutrition services, and education.

In one of the most significant incidents, a Pakistani airstrike on March 17 destroyed the Omid Addiction Treatment Hospital in Kabul. Additional damage has been reported to a market in Paktika, a fuel depot in Kandahar, and several religious sites in Kunar and Nuristan. At least 345 homes have been destroyed or severely damaged.

Isolated communities cut off from aid

The report noted that humanitarian access remains a major concern, particularly in remote districts of Nuristan. Nearly 100,000 people in Bargematal and Kamdesh districts have been cut off from assistance since late February due to ongoing hostilities and dangerous access routes.

The main road connecting these areas has become unusable amid reports of cross-Durand Line firing by Pakistan, leaving residents without access to markets or medical services. Severe shortages of food and essential supplies have been reported, while local health facilities are facing critical stock shortages.

Efforts to establish an alternative route through the Poprak Pass are underway, but officials say it is unlikely to become operational in the near term.

Tensions and explosive hazards

The Torkham crossing briefly reopened on March 26, allowing a small number of Afghans to return before closing again hours later. The same day, an unexploded ordnance incident injured three children, underscoring the growing danger posed by explosive remnants of war.

Mine action teams have faced increasing challenges due to insecurity and funding shortages. The number of active teams has dropped significantly over the past two years, limiting the ability to clear hazardous areas despite Afghanistan having one of the highest rates of explosive ordnance casualties globally.

Humanitarian response under strain

Despite the challenges, aid agencies continue to provide assistance. By the end of March, thousands of families had received emergency food supplies, shelter support, medical aid, and cash assistance. Education programs have also resumed in some areas, reaching several thousand students.

However, humanitarian officials warn that needs continue to outpace available resources. Funding gaps and access constraints are hindering efforts to deliver life-saving assistance to those most affected.

Ongoing risks

Although a temporary ceasefire was observed during the Eid period, hostilities have continued before and after the holiday, particularly in eastern and southeastern regions.

Humanitarian agencies caution that without sustained de-escalation and improved access, the crisis could worsen further, leaving vulnerable communities increasingly exposed to displacement, food insecurity, and limited access to basic services.

Tuesday’s Indian Premier League (IPL) clash between Rajasthan Royals and Mumbai Indians ended in frustration after rain forced the match to be called off in Jaipur.

The game was shaping into an intriguing contest, with Rajasthan putting up a strong total in a reduced 11-over match before Mumbai began their chase. However, persistent rain interruptions prevented a result, leaving both teams to share the points.

Rajasthan’s top order looked in control during their innings, capitalizing on the shortened format to post an aggressive score. Mumbai, in response, struggled to build momentum before the weather intervened, ultimately denying fans a full contest.

The result adds a point apiece to both sides but leaves questions around momentum as the tournament begins to intensify.

Match Preview: Wednesday, April 8

Attention now turns to Wednesday’s fixture, where Delhi Capitals take on Gujarat Titans in what promises to be a competitive encounter.

Delhi will be aiming to strengthen their position with a solid all-round performance, while Gujarat, known for their balanced squad, will look to maintain consistency and climb the standings. Key battles between top-order batters and pace attacks are expected to shape the outcome.

Fans in Afghanistan can watch all the IPL action live, with Ariana Television (ATN) holding exclusive broadcasting rights. Viewers are encouraged to follow Ariana Television and Ariana News on social media for the latest updates, match schedules, and breaking coverage throughout the tournament.

Zhao Xing, China’s ambassador to Kabul, told Amir Khan Muttaqi, Afghanistan’s foreign minister, that his country is working to create an atmosphere of trust between Afghanistan and Pakistan and has initiated talks with neutrality and cooperation.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate, the meeting focused on bilateral cooperation, regional developments, and the ongoing dialogue process between Afghanistan and Pakistan, which took place in the city of Urumqi, China.

During the meeting, Zhao added that he hopes, given an understanding of the regional geopolitical situation, that the process of confidence-building, goodwill, and tension-free relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan will continue.

Muttaqi, while positively assessing the bilateral relations and existing cooperation between the two countries, expressed gratitude to his Chinese counterpart and their team for facilitating and hosting the Urumqi talks, as well as to Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates for their mediating efforts.

Muttaqi stated that so far there have been good discussions between Kabul and Islamabad and expressed hope that minor differences in interpretation do not hinder the progress of the negotiations.

The foreign minister emphasized that the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan’s stance regarding tensions has been defensive, considering the protection of its territory a legitimate right, and remains committed to continued understanding and dialogue based on mutual respect and comprehension.