The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has warned about Afghanistan’s worsening economic crisis.

According to OCHA, critical services like healthcare, shelter, food, and education are threatened due to severe funding shortages.

In a statement released on Wednesday, OCHA highlighted that six million people could lose access to essential health services without adequate funds.

Additionally, 4.5 million individuals may be deprived of protective services, further exacerbating the humanitarian situation.

OCHA’s concerns extend to nearly five million children at heightened risk of infectious diseases due to inadequate access to clean water.

The organization emphasized that 300,000 children currently enrolled in educational programs may lose their opportunity for primary education.

Earlier assessments by OCHA revealed that following the Taliban’s assumption of power, over 23.7 million Afghans, which constitute more than half the population, require urgent humanitarian assistance.

To address these urgent needs, OCHA has appealed for $3 billion to support humanitarian efforts across Afghanistan.

The situation remains critical, with OCHA stressing the immediate necessity of sufficient funding to prevent further deterioration in the lives of millions of vulnerable Afghans.

Groups of Shia protesters in Herat marched through the city’s 12th, 9th, and 13th districts, waving Ashura flags and chanting “Labbaik Ya Hussain” as they expressed their religious devotion and voiced dissent against recent statements made by the Taliban.

Caravans of Shia protesters in Herat marched through the city’s 12th, 9th, and 13th districts, waving flags of Ashura and chanting “Labbaik Ya Hussain.”

This protest movement was sparked by statements from Ahmadullah Muttaqi, the Taliban’s cultural chief, who deemed Ashura a “bid’ah” (innovation).

Earlier, Ahmadullah Muttaqi, Taliban’s head of information and culture, on Wednesday, labelled Ashura ceremonies as “bid’ah” during a meeting with local officials and Shia representatives, emphasizing the need to combat “political and foreign innovation-bid’ahs.”

The protestors in Herat expressed their “disgust” towards Muttaqi’s remarks with the midnight protests on Thursday, July 11.

With the arrival of the Islamic month of Muharram and the days of Ashura, the Taliban launched a widespread campaign in various cities, including  Kabul and Herat, to remove Shia religious symbols such as mourning flags.

Recently, the Taliban have taken down Ashura flags from Jibrail district and other Shia-populated areas of Herat.

Taliban intelligence reportedly detained seven protesters on Wednesday who had protested against the Taliban’s obstruction of Ashura ceremonies.

Some residents of Herat suggest that tensions between Ashura mourners and local Taliban authorities have escalated, resulting in a heightened military presence in the city. These residents fear potential clashes between the populace and Taliban forces due to the Taliban’s interference in mourning ceremonies.

Meanwhile, the situation in Herat remains tense as Shia protesters continue to demonstrate against Taliban restrictions on religious observances, particularly during the holy month of Muharram and the commemoration of Ashura.

The crackdown on Ashura symbols by Taliban forces has exacerbated tensions, raising concerns about potential confrontations between civilians and Taliban authorities in the city.

Biden added, “I’ve traveled throughout Afghanistan, from poppy fields to the north of that country.”

Mr. Biden cautioned Israel against repeating the “mistake” that America made in Afghanistan in Gaza. He stated, “After Hamas attacked Israel, I went to Israel and told Israeli officials, including Benjamin Netanyahu and his war cabinet: Don’t make the mistake we made in Afghanistan after Osama bin Laden. You don’t have to occupy the place. You need to go after the folks who were harmed. Even though you may get criticized for it.”

Meanwhile, Biden said that I won’t step aside from electoral competition.

Despite calls from some within his party to step aside from candidacy in the elections, President Joe Biden defended his decision during a press conference. Facing numerous questions about elections and global issues during the Thursday press briefing, he emphasized, “I am determined to continue in the competition, but I think it’s important that I dispel fears by allowing my record to speak for itself.”

In addition, President Biden’s statements underscore his firm stance against prolonged military engagements and his commitment to navigating electoral challenges head-on. His remarks reflect a strategic approach to international relations while addressing domestic concerns, emphasizing the importance of national security and leadership continuity.

Pakistani media have reported that the government is convening a session regarding the UN High Commissioner for Refugees’ request to extend Proof of Registration (PoR) cards for Afghan migrants.

In a report released on Wednesday, July 10th, Dawn newspaper cites a government official stating that Afghan migrants’ residency cards may likely be extended for six to twelve months.

This session comes as Pakistan had earlier halted the expulsion of Afghan migrants, following an announcement by the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) after the conclusion of a three-day visit by Filippo Grandi, the agency’s High Commissioner to Islamabad.

During his visit, Grandi urged Pakistani authorities to show hospitality towards Afghan migrants.

The UNHCR High Commissioner, who arrived in Pakistan earlier this week, continued discussions with senior Pakistani officials, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, concerning Afghan migrants.

He emphasized the timely extension of Proof of Registration (PoR) cards, essential identity documents held by over 1.3 million Afghan refugees.

Meanwhile, Pakistan is addressing the fate of Afghan migrants amid discussions prompted by the UNHCR’s advocacy for their hospitality and the extension of critical identification documents.