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Afghanistan Hunger Crisis Deepens as Border Clashes With Pakistan Intensify

The World Food Programme warns that Afghanistan's severe hunger crisis is worsening as intensified border clashes with Pakistan displace thousands of families. The conflict has forced the suspension of critical aid programs, affecting nearly 160,000 people across multiple provinces. A potential new surge of returnees from Iran and Pakistan threatens to place unbearable strain on underfunded relief operations. WFP urgently needs $313 million in the next six months to prevent millions from losing critical food support.

Key Points: Afghanistan Hunger Crisis Worsens Amid Pakistan Border Clashes

  • 17.4 million Afghans need urgent food aid
  • Border clashes with Pakistan displace 20,000 families
  • WFP funding to run out in a month, needs $313M
  • Child malnutrition at critical levels with 3.7M needing treatment
2 min read

WFP warns millions face hunger in Afghanistan as border clashes with Pakistan intensify

WFP warns millions face acute hunger in Afghanistan as border conflict with Pakistan escalates, displacing thousands and crippling aid efforts.

"Afghanistan remains one of the world's most severe hunger crisis, with one in three Afghans - 17.4 million people in urgent need of food assistance. - John Aylieff"

Kabul, March 7

The World Food Programme has raised alarm over Afghanistan's hunger crisis, warning that millions are facing acute food insecurity amid the escalating border conflicts with Pakistan.

The agency stated that without sufficient funding, it may also struggle to provide aid to refugees fleeing Iran and Pakistan, as well as those internally displaced due to conflict along the border.

"Afghanistan remains one of the world's most severe hunger crisis, with one in three Afghans - 17.4 million people in urgent need of food assistance. Child malnutrition has also reached worrying levels, with 3.7 million children projected to need treatment in 2026. With a new crisis in the making and the current funding outlook, WFP will not be able to reach families fleeing Iran and Pakistan and those internally displaced by the cross-border conflict in Afghanistan," said John Aylieff, WFP Afghanistan Representative and Country Director.

According to Aylieff, the cross-border violence between Pakistan and Afghanistan has intensified since February 26, displacing approximately 20,000 Afghan families across the eastern, southeastern and southern regions.

He stressed that across the Afghan provinces, including Nangarhar, Nuristan, Kunar, Laghman, Paktika, Paktya, Khost, Kandahar, Helmand, Zabul, WFP has been forced to temporarily suspend emergency, social protection, school feeding and livelihood activities, affecting nearly 160,000 people.

Highlighting that on Afghanistan's western border, violence in Iran is sparking fears of a surge in returnees, Aylieff said, "We witnessed a similar surge in returns during increased fighting in June 2025. For many, coming back to Afghanistan means not only facing poverty, unemployment and hunger but also renewed instability."

"Afghanistan already saw an influx of more than 2.5 million returnees from Iran and Pakistan in 2025. Even before the latest escalation, projections estimated a similar influx in 2026-but renewed fighting may drive those numbers even higher, placing unbearable strain on a woefully underfunded humanitarian response," he added.

Aylieff stated that for the winter response in 2026, the WFP was able to provide food assistance to a fraction of those in need, while cautioning that funding for emergency operations will run out in the next month, putting millions at risk of losing critical support in Afghanistan.

"Our funding needs for the next six months stand at US$313 million. WFP urges the international community to honour their commitment and not abandon Afghanistan in its hour of greatest need," he noted.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
A very sad situation indeed. India has always provided humanitarian aid to Afghanistan in the past. I hope our government continues to support with food and medicine, regardless of political differences. Humanity first.
A
Aman W
The instability on the Pakistan-Afghanistan border has been a long-standing issue, but it's the common people who pay the price. 20,000 families displaced just like that. Where will they go? The WFP's warning is a wake-up call.
S
Sarah B
As someone who has worked with NGOs, I have to respectfully point out that while funding is critical, the article doesn't address the massive logistical and security challenges of delivering aid in a conflict zone. The WFP suspending activities is a huge red flag about ground realities.
V
Vikram M
The plight of returnees from Iran and Pakistan is especially tough. Coming back to nothing—no job, no food, just more uncertainty. This crisis has regional implications. Hope SAARC nations can discuss a coordinated humanitarian response, though it seems unlikely in the current climate.
K
Kavya N
3.7 million children needing treatment for malnutrition? That's an entire generation at risk. This should be the top priority for global aid. We in India understand the value of mid-day meal schemes—such programs are lifelines in crises.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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