UN OCHA Warns of Rising Civilian Casualties, Growing Humanitarian Needs Amid Afghanistan–Pakistan Clashes
UN OCHA Warns of Rising Civilian Casualties, Growing Humanitarian Needs Amid Afghanistan–Pakistan Clashes
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The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has sounded the alarm about a worsening humanitarian crisis as cross‑border hostilities between Afghanistan and Pakistan intensify.
In its latest humanitarian update, OCHA reported that ongoing clashes, including shelling and military operations in eastern Afghanistan’s Kunar Province and adjacent border areas, have resulted in at least seven deaths and 79 injuries in a recent attack alone, with many more affected indirectly by insecurity and damaged infrastructure. Recent estimates indicate that around 160,000 people now face heightened food insecurity and require urgent assistance as violence disrupts basic services, markets and livelihoods.
The report underscores significant damage to civilian facilities, including schools, health centres and water systems, complicating relief efforts and restricting access for humanitarian organisations. Areas such as Nari, Sarkani, Goshta and Lal Pur remain difficult to reach due to ongoing insecurity and the presence of unexploded ordnance.
OCHA notes that although there were diplomatic talks between Afghan and Pakistani representatives in early April aimed at reducing tensions, clashes have continued unabated, prolonging displacement and deepening people’s vulnerability.
The UN body has called on both parties to de‑escalate hostilities and emphasised that without sustained measures to protect civilians and ensure humanitarian access, the conflict’s human toll will continue to grow, adding strain on already overstretched aid systems and denying communities essential services and protection.
This warning comes amid broader concern over the 2026 conflict between Afghanistan and Pakistan, which has already resulted in widespread casualties, displacement and disruption in border provinces.
