Latest News
Former UN official warns of deepening humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan
While humanitarian organizations continue to provide assistance to millions, Ratwatte stressed that needs remain far greater than available funding.
A former official of the United Nations has warned that Afghanistan is facing one of the most complex and severe humanitarian and protection crises in the world.
Indrika Ratwatte, former deputy special representative of the UN Secretary-General in Afghanistan, said in a recent article that restrictions on women and girls—particularly in education and employment—combined with widespread poverty and economic hardship, have made life increasingly difficult for millions.
He noted that these restrictions have significantly limited access to essential services and reduced the ability of half the population to cope with ongoing challenges, while also complicating humanitarian aid delivery efforts.
Ratwatte added that nearly five million Afghans have returned from neighboring countries over the past two years, placing immense pressure on already strained basic services. Many of the returnees, he said, arrived with limited resources and are in urgent need of assistance.
He also highlighted the impact of recurring natural disasters, including droughts, floods and earthquakes, which have worsened living conditions and destroyed homes and livelihoods.
While humanitarian organizations continue to provide assistance to millions, Ratwatte stressed that needs remain far greater than available funding.
He called on the international community to sustain its support to help Afghanistan navigate the ongoing crisis.
Meanwhile, officials of the Islamic Emirate say they are pursuing long-term development and infrastructure programs aimed at improving economic conditions and reducing the country’s challenges over time.
Four women have been drowned in the Helmand River in Nawa district of Helmand province, with two confirmed dead and two others still missing, local officials said on Friday.
According to a statement from the provincial Department of Information and Culture, the incident occurred after a woman was swept away by the river. In an attempt to rescue her, five other women entered the water, but the situation turned tragic when several of them were also caught in the strong current.
In a separate incident in the same district, two children — a boy and a girl — were also drowned in the Helmand River. Officials said the children remain missing.
The German Embassy in Islamabad has announced that Afghan citizens residing in Pakistan can apply for study or work visa online from 1 June 2026.
According to the embassy, all applications for study and employment visas will be processed exclusively through the Consular Services Portal of the German Federal Foreign Office. Officials said the new system is aimed at making the process “faster, easier, and more efficient” for applicants.
The embassy further clarified that applicants who have not received an appointment through the existing waiting list by 1 May 2026 will no longer be considered under the previous system.
Under the new procedure, applicants will be able to upload documents online step by step and receive feedback on whether their files are complete and correct. Once all required documents are submitted, applicants can independently book an appointment based on available slots for visa processing in Pakistan.
The United Kingdom deported only 123 Afghan asylum seekers last year, representing around two percent of the total number of Afghans whose asylum applications were rejected, according to a report by The Telegraph.
The figures highlight the limited number of returns despite a larger pool of unsuccessful applicants, underscoring the challenges facing British authorities in enforcing deportations.
The report notes that the vast majority of rejected Afghan asylum seekers remain in the UK, as legal, political, and logistical barriers continue to complicate their removal.
Discussions have been ongoing within the British government about potential arrangements to return failed asylum seekers to Afghanistan. However, no large-scale deportation framework has yet been implemented.
The issue forms part of a broader debate in the UK over migration policy, particularly as the government faces pressure to address rising numbers of asylum seekers while balancing legal and human rights considerations.
Four women, two children drown in Helmand River incidents in Nawa district
Germany to launch online visa system for Afghan study and work applicants in Pakistan
Trump says he’s dissatisfied with Iranian proposal as rift with allies deepens
Documentary on Treasure of the Soil
Tawsia: Prioritizing Afghan workers’ employment discussed
IEA supreme leader orders replacement of foreign terminology in official documents
Afghanistan hosts inaugural Afghanistan–Central Asia Consultative Dialogue to strengthen regional cooperation
Tripartite agreement to launch new Russia–Turkmenistan–Afghanistan transit corridor
Kazakhstan eyes rare metals mining projects in Afghanistan and Rwanda
Bayat Power extends gas supply deal with Afghan Gas
Documentary on Treasure of the Soil
Tawsia: Prioritizing Afghan workers’ employment discussed
Tahawol: Concerns over current situation in Middle East
Documentary on Impartial Victims
Saar: Severe humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan reviewed
-
Latest News5 days agoDozens of Kunar University staff and students wounded in Pakistani rocket attack
-
Latest News5 days agoPakistan rocket attack on Kunar leaves 4 dead, dozens injured
-
World4 days agoTrump rejects latest Iranian proposal to end war, US official says
-
International Sports3 days agoATN brings AFC U17 Asian Cup action to Afghan audiences
-
Science & Technology3 days agoAfghanistan launches first 5G trial in Kabul to boost telecom services
-
Tahawol5 days agoTahawol: Kabul and Riyadh Push to Expand Ties
-
Latest News4 days agoRussian envoy Zamir Kabulov arrives in Kabul for high-level talks
-
Regional3 days agoIran’s wartime leadership moves into hands of Revolutionary Guards