By Riham Alkousaa and Charlotte Greenfield

The UN reports a rapidly spreading drought across Afghanistan, causing crop failures, livestock deaths, and urgent need for humanitarian aid.

The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has issued a stark warning about the worsening drought in Afghanistan, noting that the northern, northwestern, and northeastern provinces are the most severely affected. These regions, already vulnerable due to economic challenges, are now facing increasing agricultural devastation due to prolonged dry conditions.

Significant crop losses have been reported, and livestock deaths are rising across the affected provinces. Although FAO has not provided specific figures, it confirmed that the situation is deteriorating rapidly, threatening the livelihoods of farming and herding communities who depend heavily on seasonal rains and water sources.

In a recent update posted on X, FAO stressed the urgent need for humanitarian assistance. Affected communities are in immediate need of cash aid and veterinary support to preserve their remaining livestock, which form the economic backbone for many rural families.

To combat the crisis, FAO announced it is stepping up its relief efforts across the hardest-hit areas. Emergency programs are being expanded to support both crop producers and livestock owners, aiming to prevent further food insecurity and economic collapse in rural Afghanistan.

The escalating drought comes at a time when Afghanistan is already dealing with widespread poverty, political instability, and limited access to global aid. Without swift international intervention, experts warn that the crisis may spiral into a major humanitarian disaster, with food shortages, displacement, and long-term developmental setbacks.

Humanitarian agencies are calling on global donors to increase funding and technical support to Afghanistan’s agriculture sector. Only through timely and coordinated action can further loss of life and livelihoods be prevented.

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party, has warned that the Taliban’s repeated violations of their commitments under the Doha Agreement are fueling regional instability. He emphasized that adherence to these promises is critical for maintaining peace.

Speaking at a seminar in Islamabad titled “Pakistan: A Barrier Against Terrorism”, Bhutto stated that terrorism is not just a local issue but a global threat. He noted that Pakistan has sacrificed heavily—both in human lives and economically—in its ongoing struggle against terrorism.

Bhutto directly addressed the Taliban leadership, urging them to remain faithful to the pledges made in the Doha Accord. He stressed that such commitment could prevent further destabilization and promote regional trust.

Under the Doha Agreement, the Taliban had promised not to allow extremist groups like Al-Qaeda and ISIS to use Afghanistan’s territory to threaten other nations, especially the United States. However, doubts over Taliban compliance have persisted.

Despite Taliban assurances that Afghanistan’s soil won’t be used against neighboring countries, Pakistani authorities accuse them of sheltering members of Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a group blamed for numerous attacks inside Pakistan. The Taliban have denied these allegations, maintaining that no foreign militant groups are being hosted.

The IFRC has called for immediate international aid to assist Afghanistan, as over 800,000 migrants, primarily from Iran, return this year.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has called for increased global support in response to the rising deportation of Afghan migrants from Iran. Since January this year, over 800,000 Afghan migrants have returned to Afghanistan through the Islam Qala border crossing. In June alone, more than 137,000 people arrived, many of them exhausted and lacking sufficient food, water, or shelter.

The IFRC has expressed urgent concern about the intensifying situation, as these migrants arrive in a country already facing significant challenges, including decades of conflict, economic hardship, and natural disasters such as earthquakes and floods. As the temperatures soar, families at the border endure extreme heat, with some days reaching above 40°C. Many migrants only have the few belongings they can carry, and children show visible signs of malnutrition. Mothers appear fatigued and anxious, highlighting the desperate need for assistance.

In addition to the returnees from Iran, more than one million migrants have also returned from Pakistan since late 2023. This mass return of migrants is placing further strain on Afghanistan’s already overwhelmed local systems and humanitarian services, which are struggling to meet the needs of both new arrivals and existing vulnerable populations.

Alexander Matheou, IFRC’s Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific, recently visited the Islam Qala border and emphasized that the crisis has not received the attention it deserves. He stated, “These individuals are not just statistics; they are mothers, fathers, children, and families returning to a country facing significant challenges. It is crucial that we treat them with the dignity and respect they deserve and support them in rebuilding their lives.”

The decision to return for many of these migrants, who have lived for decades in Iran or Pakistan, has been influenced by evolving legal frameworks, worsening economic conditions, and increasing regional tensions. These migrants are now arriving in Afghanistan, a country that continues to face considerable crises, further complicating efforts to provide basic services and support.

The situation at the Afghanistan-Iran border is increasingly dire, with families facing extreme conditions. The IFRC’s call for immediate international assistance highlights the urgent need for a coordinated global response. The overwhelming numbers of returnees underscore the critical role that humanitarian aid plays in easing the suffering of these vulnerable populations.

To mitigate the ongoing crisis, international collaboration is essential. Both the local administration and humanitarian organizations must work together to ensure the safe reintegration of returnees. Increased support and coordinated efforts are necessary to provide adequate care, ensuring the dignity and well-being of those who are most vulnerable in Afghanistan.