Over 27,000 Afghan Families Displaced Across Nine Provinces Following Cross-Border Attacks

During a high-level coordination meeting with representatives from United Nations agencies and national and international humanitarian organizations, Afghanistan’s Minister of Economy reported that more than 27,000 Afghan families have been displaced across nine provinces due to recent attacks attributed to Pakistan’s military.

According to Afghan officials, in recent months Pakistan has carried out artillery shelling and airstrikes along border regions, actions described as violations of Afghanistan’s sovereignty. Afghan forces have reportedly responded with retaliatory measures, further escalating tensions between the two neighboring countries.

Civilian Impact and Displacement

The intensification of cross-border hostilities has had severe humanitarian consequences. Thousands of civilians have been forced to flee their homes, with many now living in precarious conditions lacking access to basic necessities such as food, clean water, clothing, shelter, and healthcare.

One of the most devastating reported incidents involved an airstrike on a drug treatment center in Kabul. According to officials, more than 400 patients were killed and approximately 250 others injured, marking one of the deadliest episodes in the recent escalation.

Emergency Coordination Efforts

On Thursday, Afghanistan’s Ministry of Economy convened a meeting titled:
“Coordination on Mobilizing Emergency Assistance from United Nations Agencies and National and International Non-Governmental Organizations for Internally Displaced Persons Affected by Recent Bombardments.”

The session brought together representatives from a wide range of humanitarian organizations to assess urgent needs and coordinate relief efforts.

Qari Din Mohammad Hanif, the Minister of Economy, stated that ongoing regional instability—combined with what he described as hostile cross-border actions—has significantly worsened humanitarian conditions. He reported that at least 27,344 families have been displaced across the provinces of Nuristan, Kunar, Nangarhar, Laghman, Paktia, Khost, Paktika, Zabul, and Kandahar.

Hanif emphasized that while the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has taken steps within its limited capacity to assist affected populations, the scale of displacement requires immediate international support. He called on humanitarian partners to urgently mobilize aid and resources.

He further alleged that the use of heavy weaponry in populated areas has led to civilian casualties and widespread displacement, condemning such actions as both a serious humanitarian violation and contrary to Islamic principles.

International Response and Concerns

Tajuddin Oyewale, head of UNICEF in Afghanistan, underscored the importance of de-escalation and urged all parties to pursue peaceful solutions. He highlighted that, beyond displacement, critical infrastructure has also been affected, including damage to at least 10 health facilities—though specific locations were not disclosed.

Oyewale reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to supporting displaced communities, particularly vulnerable groups such as children and women. He also expressed hope that Afghan authorities would facilitate humanitarian access to remote and conflict-affected areas to ensure aid reaches those most in need.

Additionally, he called on international donors to increase funding for humanitarian operations, warning that current resources may be insufficient to meet the growing scale of the crisis.

Path Forward

At the conclusion of the meeting, participants agreed to work toward a coordinated and comprehensive response plan aimed at addressing the urgent needs of internally displaced persons (IDPs) as well as returning populations.

As the situation continues to evolve, humanitarian agencies stress that sustained international attention and cooperation will be critical to alleviating suffering and preventing further deterioration of conditions on the ground.

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