Wed Dec 17 22:20:38 UTC 2025: ## UN Warns of Looming Famine as 17 Million Afghans Face Acute Food Insecurity
Kabul, Afghanistan – A dire warning has been issued by the United Nations regarding the escalating food crisis in Afghanistan, where 17 million people are now facing acute food insecurity. Decades of conflict and instability, coupled with the current Taliban regime and subsequent international sanctions, have left the country teetering on the brink of widespread famine.
The World Food Programme (WFP) has expressed grave concerns about its ability to assist millions of Afghans due to drastic cuts in aid funding from international donors. This reduction in aid comes at a particularly vulnerable time, further exacerbating an already precarious situation.
Adding to the crisis is the forced deportation of millions of Afghan refugees from neighboring Pakistan and Iran. This mass return places immense strain on already limited resources and infrastructure within Afghanistan, further compounding the humanitarian challenges.
Experts warn that these overlapping crises threaten to severely destabilize the country and inflict immense suffering on the Afghan population. Kiana Alavi, advocacy manager for the Norwegian Refugee Council in Afghanistan, highlights the urgent need for increased international support.
“The situation is rapidly deteriorating,” Alavi stated. “Without immediate intervention, we risk a catastrophic humanitarian disaster.”
Zeeshan Salahuddin, Director of the Centre for Regional and Global Connectivity at Tabadlab, emphasizes the long-term consequences of the crisis. “This food insecurity will have profound implications for the country’s stability and development,” Salahuddin explained.
Obaidullah Baheer, an Adjunct Lecturer at the American University of Afghanistan and a peace and conflict resolution specialist, stresses the need for sustainable solutions. “We must address the root causes of this crisis, including the ongoing conflict and the lack of economic opportunity,” Baheer urged.
The international community is facing mounting pressure to increase its support for Afghanistan and prevent a humanitarian catastrophe. The future of millions of Afghans hangs in the balance as the country grapples with these interconnected crises.
First Piper 