Over 70 Percent Of Afghan Women Face Barriers To Humanitarian Aid, Says UN

The two veteran political figures refrained from disclosing details about the topics discussed during their meeting. However, the notable presence of Karzai’s daughter, Durkhani, at the gathering attracted considerable public attention.

Hamid Karzai has consistently voiced support for the reopening of girls’ schools and for greater participation of women in society and the economy. Durkhani’s appearance at the meeting prominently seated among a gathering of men and former leaders was seen by some observers as a symbolic gesture. Social media users noted that, amid the Taliban’s restrictions against girls, her presence represented a subtle form of protest.

Durkhani had similarly drawn public and media attention during a meeting with Abdullah in October last year, where she again took a central seat among senior figures.

Abdullah and Karzai are among the few former political leaders who remained in Kabul following the Taliban’s return to power. Although they continue to meet with various segments of society, the Taliban government has not formally recognised their political status, nor do they hold any role in governmental decision-making or advisory processes.

In recent years, Karzai has persistently advocated for the formation of an inclusive government and emphasised the critical importance of women’s education. Abdullah, in contrast, has largely avoided public commentary and continues his activities quietly, outside the spotlight.

During the meeting, Muttaqi emphasised the importance of expanding diplomatic and economic relations between Afghanistan and India.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Taliban’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlighted Muttaqi’s call for strengthened ties, noting that Afghanistan offers promising investment opportunities.

The Taliban Foreign Minister invited Indian investors to explore the new economic prospects in Afghanistan and encouraged greater Indian engagement.

Muttaqi also urged India to ease travel between the two countries by restoring regular visa issuance processes for Afghan traders, patients, and students.

According to the Taliban’s statement, Prakash affirmed that India remains committed to providing ongoing assistance to Afghanistan. He also discussed the potential resumption of several infrastructure projects that had been suspended in recent years, adding that “New Delhi is interested in investing in further projects as well.”

Prakash’s visit comes amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan following a recent attack in Kashmir. India has blamed Pakistan-based militant groups for the incident, leading to the suspension of a water-sharing agreement and the closure of the Attari-Wagah trade routes. In response, Pakistan has stated it is prepared to respond to any potential escalation.

According to Zia Ahmad Takal, the deputy spokesperson for the Taliban’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Muttaqi reaffirmed the Taliban’s full readiness to implement the Trans-Afghan railway project.

He also stressed the importance of strengthening bilateral and multilateral relations, and expanding political, economic, and transit cooperation with Uzbekistan.

Takal stated that both sides discussed the potential convening of a trilateral trade and transit meeting at the foreign ministers’ level involving the Taliban, Uzbekistan, and Pakistan. He further claimed that Afghanistan’s exports to Uzbekistan had tripled during the first four months of 2025 compared to previous periods.

During the conversation, Muttaqi emphasised the need to enhance transit ties and facilitate the issuance of visas by Uzbekistan for Afghan traders and citizens. He urged that both nations should seize emerging regional opportunities for their mutual benefit.

According to Taliban officials, it was agreed that necessary coordination for the proposed trilateral meeting would continue through diplomatic channels.

Meanwhile, the press office of Russia’s Trade Mission in Uzbekistan announced on Saturday that specialists from Russia and Uzbekistan would jointly design the Trans-Afghan railway. It was reported that Russian and Uzbek experts would plan the shortest new transit corridors connecting Southeast Asia to the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), China, and Europe.

Takal stated that the delegation will engage in discussions with Qatari officials on a range of issues, although no further details were provided. The Taliban’s Foreign Ministry has yet to issue an official statement on the visit, and the specific purpose of the trip remains unclear.

Earlier, on 17 April, Muttaqi held a telephone conversation with Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi, Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs. During the call, the two sides discussed expanding diplomatic relations and mentioned a possible visit by Muttaqi to Qatar “in the near future.”

At the time, the Taliban’s Foreign Ministry did not announce the exact date or objectives of the visit. However, the deputy spokesperson has now confirmed to Radio Hurriyat that Muttaqi is travelling to Qatar today.

Qatar is regarded as one of the Taliban’s principal allies. The Gulf nation hosted the Taliban’s political office in Doha prior to the collapse of the previous Afghan government and facilitated 18 months of negotiations between the Taliban and the United States.

The WFP has faced significant financial challenges, particularly following the suspension of aid from the United States. Last year, the US provided $4.5 billion of the WFP’s $9.8 billion total budget.

The agency supplies food and cash assistance to those suffering from hunger caused by crop failures, conflict, and climate change.

According to a report by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), more than 23 million Afghans are currently in need of humanitarian assistance.

Previously, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) also warned that with the return of approximately 5,000 migrants each week, millions of people in Afghanistan are facing worsening poverty, homelessness, and severe humanitarian conditions.