KABUL — The World Food Program (WFP) has reported that its lifesaving food aid shipments have been stuck at the Torkham border crossing since February 21, delaying critical assistance to vulnerable communities in Afghanistan.
“Thousands of trucks are stranded on both sides, including those carrying WFP food supplies and other commercial and humanitarian cargo,” WFP said.
It added that it provided emergency food assistance to six million people across Afghanistan last month to help them endure the harsh winter.
The report also highlighted the devastating impact of heavy rainfall and flash floods that hit western and southern Afghanistan in late February, killing at least 30 people, including women and children. Assessments are still ongoing to determine the number of affected individuals in need of humanitarian aid.
Meanwhile, WFP warned that Pakistan’s intensified crackdown on Afghan migrants is further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. The agency noted that nearly one million Afghan refugees have been forcibly returned since Pakistan launched its deportation campaign in October 2023. Another 800,000 undocumented Afghans still residing in Pakistan remain at risk of expulsion.
WFP estimated that 22.9 million Afghans will require humanitarian assistance in 2025, with 14.8 million facing acute food insecurity.
The report also confirmed that $20.5 million in U.S. aid has been distributed to 3.2 million people, but funding shortfalls remain a major concern for sustaining food distribution efforts in the country.
As humanitarian organizations struggle with logistical challenges and growing displacement, the delay at the Torkham border is yet another setback in efforts to provide essential aid to Afghanistan’s most vulnerable populations.
Afghanistan
US aid in Afghanistan at risk of Taliban diversion, SIGAR says
March 13, 2025
Afghanistan
Opium prices in Afghanistan near record highs, benefiting large traffickers, UN says
March 12, 2025
Afghanistan, US
Congressman urges Trump to drop proposed travel ban affecting Afghan allies
March 10, 2025
Afghanistan
Official: 250,000 undocumented migrants detained in Tehran
March 10, 2025