Kabul, April 2 – Afghanistan's Minister of Economy, Qari Din Mohammad Hanif, said on Thursday that over 27,000 Afghan families across nine provinces have been displaced due to attacks carried out by Pakistan's military, according to local media reports.
During a coordination meeting with officials from UN agencies and national and international organizations on Thursday, Hanif stated that Pakistan has carried out hostile actions against Afghanistan in recent months. Pajhwok Afghan News, based in Afghanistan, reported that at least 27,344 families have been displaced in the provinces of Nuristan, Zabul, Paktia, Khost, Paktika, Kunar, Nangarhar, Laghman, and Kandahar.
Hanif noted that many of these families currently lack access to basic necessities, including adequate food, clothing, shelter, and healthcare. He mentioned that the Taliban has taken measures to address the economic and livelihood challenges faced by displaced people in Afghanistan. However, he urged UN agencies and partner organizations to provide humanitarian assistance.
He stated that the use of heavy weaponry in residential areas has caused civilian casualties and the displacement of hundreds of families. He termed these actions a serious violation of humanitarian principles and against Islamic principles.
Hanif made these remarks during a meeting convened by Afghanistan's Ministry of Economy. The 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," saw the participation of representatives from various domestic and international organizations.
Tajuddin Oyewale, the head of UNICEF in Afghanistan, stressed the need for both nations to pursue peaceful solutions. He mentioned that, in addition to displacement, infrastructure damage, including the impact on at least 10 health facilities, has also occurred. He expressed UNICEF's commitment to supporting displaced people in Afghanistan and expressed hope that Afghan authorities would facilitate access to remote areas to enable effective aid delivery, Pajhwok Afghan News reported.
Tensions have significantly escalated between Kabul and Islamabad in recent months due to Pakistani airstrikes and artillery fire, which has resulted in the deaths of dozens of people in war-torn Afghanistan.
On March 29, one person was killed and 16 others were injured after Pakistani forces launched rocket and heavy weapon attacks on residential areas in Kunar province, according to officials. The shelling targeted areas near Asadabad and nearby homes.