KABUL, Afghanistan — The Taliban’s deputy minister of economy, Abdul Latif Nazari, told Amu on Wednesday that the suspension of U.S. aid to Afghanistan has forced 50 international humanitarian organizations to halt operations across 28 provinces, raising concerns about worsening economic and humanitarian conditions.
Nazari said the affected organizations had been providing assistance in agriculture, education, disaster relief, and healthcare. He urged the international community to separate humanitarian aid from political considerations.
Nazari’s remarks came just days after the Taliban’s supreme leader, in an audio message, vowed not to give in to international pressure. Despite this, Nazari called on foreign governments to continue humanitarian assistance.
“Following the U.S. aid suspension, 50 organizations have halted activities in 28 provinces,” Nazari said. “These groups were engaged in disaster response, education, healthcare, infrastructure, and agriculture. The Ministry of Economy is working to strengthen domestic capacity while also engaging in economic diplomacy to encourage the international community to fulfill its humanitarian responsibilities.”
His comments follow growing concerns among Afghans that the loss of aid will deepen the country’s humanitarian crisis, which has already left millions dependent on foreign assistance.
The suspension comes amid a sharp decline in the value of the Afghan currency, adding to economic instability.
Economists warn that the loss of U.S. assistance will have severe consequences for Afghanistan’s already fragile economy, potentially worsening poverty and food insecurity.
The U.S. State Department confirmed last week that President Donald Trump had ordered the aid freeze. In a letter dated Jan. 24, the department stated that no new foreign aid agreements would be approved until the secretary of state completes a review of Afghanistan’s situation.
