1.7 crore Afghans facing severe hunger in Afghanistan

Kabul (Afghanistan) – International funding for Afghanistan has been sharply reduced. With the United States and other countries cutting back on aid, organisations such as the World Food Programme have been left helpless. According to a warning issued by the United Nations food Programme, as many as 1.7 crore Afghans are facing severe hunger this winter. This figure is higher by 30 lakhs than last year.

1. According to the latest report of the International Committee of the Red Cross, in 2025 more than half of Afghanistan’s total population—approximately 2.29 crore people—are surviving solely in the hope of receiving aid.

2. For the first time in many years, winter food distribution has almost come to a standstill. As per information shared by senior UN officials, while 56 lakh people received assistance in 2024, in 2025 food could reach only 10 lakh people. Due to lack of funds, the United Nations has expressed its helplessness, stating that in 2026 it may be able to focus only on 39 lakh of the most vulnerable people.

3. Over the past four years, 71 lakh Afghan refugees have returned to their homeland. This has placed immense pressure on the country’s already limited resources. At present, there are no adequate arrangements for housing, food, or medical treatment for these lakhs of people.

4. In addition to political instability, natural disasters such as droughts and earthquakes have further crippled Afghanistan. With inflation soaring, it has become impossible for an ordinary person to even buy a simple sack of flour.

Editorial Perspectives

• Under the rule of the extremist Taliban government in Afghanistan, Muslims are suffering from starvation; yet no Islamic country is coming forward to help them—this is the reality of Islam today. On one side is Sanatan Hindu Dharma, which proclaims “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (the world is one family), and on the other, an Islamic world that does not even assist its brethren.

• In the 1970s, Afghanistan was a modern and progressive country; however, the dominance of jihadi mentality later led to the present condition. This situation is not limited to Afghanistan alone—except for a few oil-rich Islamic countries, most Islamic nations are in a similar state. Muslims must now reflect on this reality.