AGP Executive Report

Child Nutrition Crisis: UNICEF warns 3.7 million Afghan children under five face heightened malnutrition risk in 2026, with acute malnutrition worsening in 26 of 34 provinces and most severe cases hitting kids under two—amid collapsing support, drought, displacement, and strained health services. Safe Learning Spaces: UNICEF says, with EU support, more Afghan children will gain access to safe classrooms—an urgent push as education access remains heavily restricted. Women, Rights & Development: At the OIC Women’s Conference in Islamabad, Pakistan’s officials urged stronger implementation of women’s empowerment, including education, healthcare, economic participation, and digital skills; the closing call also linked women’s empowerment to sustainable development and humanitarian resilience. Digital Inclusion for Women: Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar urged OIC states to ensure equal access to emerging technologies, warning AI could either bridge inequality or deepen it. Landmines & Unexploded Ordnance: OCHA reports Afghanistan remains among the world’s most heavily mined countries, with 175 killed or injured in the first five months of 2026 and children making up about 75% of victims—blocking farming, schooling, and road building. Clean Energy Supply Chain: United Solar completed its $1.6bn funding close for a polysilicon plant in Oman, backed by IFC and investors, aiming to support traceable, FEOC-compliant solar supply for clean energy markets.

Air Quality in South Asia: Delhi’s air turned sharply worse after a brief clean-air spell, with AQI jumping back into the “poor” range and a West Asia dust storm blamed for elevated PM10 levels across the region. Biodiversity Monitoring: Oman’s Al Dhahirah and Al Buraimi reserve reported sightings of rare species, including Arabian tahr, an endangered lappet-faced vulture chick, and an Afghan fox—documented through ongoing patrols and wildlife cameras. Afghanistan Nutrition Crisis: UNICEF warned 3.7 million Afghan children under five face heightened malnutrition risk, urging urgent support before the situation deepens; MSF also reported a rise in severe acute malnutrition cases in southern areas. Afghan Agriculture & Water Security: Taliban agriculture officials met India to expand cooperation on climate-resilient crops, irrigation, livestock, seed systems, and food security, with a focus on boosting crop productivity. Women’s Rights Under Taliban Rule: A report highlights how girls were barred from the Kankor exam results, calling it a major setback for Afghanistan’s development and education pipeline. Wildlife & Habitat Protection: Oman’s reserve monitoring adds to growing regional attention on protecting arid-land habitats and endangered species.

Afghanistan–India Agriculture Talks: Taliban agriculture minister Mawlawi Ataullah Omari wrapped a six-day visit to India, pushing cooperation on food security, seed systems, irrigation, livestock, research, and climate-resilient, bio-fortified crops—while India offered support for water harvesting and watershed work. Biodiversity Monitoring in Oman (Al Dhahirah/Al Buraimi): Environment authorities documented rare species in a natural oasis reserve, including Arabian tahr, an endangered lappet-faced vulture chick, Afghan fox, and sandgrouse, using patrols and wildlife cameras. Kabul Health Access: A Kabul dermatology and aesthetic hospital is expanding modern skin-care services for Afghan patients with Chinese-made equipment and training links, aiming to improve treatment access for a wide range of conditions. Wildlife & Climate-Resilience Angle: Together, the Afghanistan–India agri push and the oasis wildlife monitoring highlight how water management and habitat protection remain central to resilience in the region.

Population & Climate Vulnerability: UNAMA estimates Afghanistan’s population at 48.6 million for 2026, while Taliban figures put it at 37.2 million, as World Population Day spotlights rapid growth, returnee pressure, and links between demographic trends and climate impacts like droughts, floods, rising temperatures, and water shortages. Education Under Strain: Young Afghans say the Taliban-run Kankor exam lacks transparency and, combined with tuition costs, is pushing them out of both public and private universities—threatening long-term livelihoods. Land, Mining & Food Security: In Badakhshan, residents allege farmland is being plundered by mining firms and Taliban-linked actors, with unregulated operations damaging pastureland and undermining agriculture and livestock. Humanitarian & Rights Focus: UNHCR’s Barham Salih urges continued international engagement, stressing that women’s participation, girls’ education, and enabling conditions for aid groups are essential for recovery. Road Safety Tragedy: In Panjshir, four children were killed in a vehicle accident attributed to speeding and reckless driving; the driver was arrested. Agriculture Cooperation: Afghanistan’s agriculture minister calls for Indian investment and technology transfer, including a joint working group to modernize seeds, irrigation, livestock, and renewable energy.

Land & Mining in Badakhshan: Residents say farmland is being sold off or seized by Taliban-linked actors for mining, with claims of unregulated operations harming agriculture, pastureland, and food security. Population & Climate Link: On World Population Day, UNAMA estimates Afghanistan’s population at 48.6 million in 2026, while Taliban NSIA puts it at 37.2 million; UN warns demographic pressure plus droughts, floods, rising temperatures, and water shortages threaten livelihoods and sustainable development. Returnees Put Strain on Cities: UNAMA highlights mass return of migrants and ongoing gaps in services, with women and youth central to resilience and development. Road Safety Tragedy: In Panjshir, four children were killed after a speeding Toyota hit them; the driver was arrested, underscoring hazardous roads and weak enforcement. Afghan-India Agriculture Push: Afghanistan’s agriculture minister calls for Indian investment and technology transfer, including seeds, mechanization, irrigation, and cold-chain, and backs a joint agricultural working group. Water Stress in the Region: A UN-Water case study notes Uzbekistan’s progress reducing water stress through irrigation reforms, while warning climate change and rising demand still pressure water systems.

Water & Health in Afghanistan: WHO says Afghanistan could stop wild polio within a year if vaccination is backed by stronger routine immunization and a healthier care system, with more access possible in previously hard-to-reach areas. Water Crisis in Kabul: UN reporting warns Kabul’s drinking water shortage is worsening, with UN-Habitat flagging one of the region’s most severe water stresses. Agriculture & Food Security: Afghanistan’s agriculture minister met India to push modern farming, mechanization, and seed technology, including plans for a joint agricultural working group to boost wheat and livestock cooperation. Digital Access for Services: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (Pakistan) launched a community-driven open Wi‑Fi initiative to expand paperless public services—an indirect reminder of how connectivity affects health and livelihoods. Smartphones Under Pressure: A report says Taliban directives banning smartphones are disrupting remote care and coordination for families and midwives across Afghanistan. Landmines & Risk Reduction: Japan and Cambodia are sharing demining know-how with other countries, including training for Ukrainian officials—highlighting how mine action remains a global safety need.

Afghanistan–Pakistan Border War: A new report says Pakistan’s “open war” launched in February has kept civilians in the crossfire, with airstrikes and raids killing women and children, destroying homes, and driving repeated displacement—while survivors and rights groups warn of weak accountability and lack of transparent investigations. Health & Polio: WHO says Afghanistan could eliminate wild polio within 12 months if vaccination is paired with stronger routine immunization and a better healthcare system, noting new access in previously hard-to-reach areas. Aid Crunch: WHO reports hundreds of health facilities have closed or suspended services since 2025 due to funding shortages, cutting care for millions; UN Women adds that women’s groups have lost access to life-saving support after major global funding cuts. Water Stress in Kabul: UN reporting highlights worsening drinking-water shortages in Afghanistan’s capital, with UN-Habitat warning of severe regional water stress. Agriculture Cooperation: Afghanistan and India move to deepen ties via a joint agricultural working group, with requests for seed technology and agri-technical support. Cement for Self-Sufficiency: Taliban officials inaugurated construction of a second Jabal al-Seraj cement plant in Parwan, aiming to boost domestic supply and reduce imports. Security Claim in Badakhshan: Afghanistan’s NRF claimed an overnight attack on a Taliban brigade in Ragh district, saying Taliban personnel were killed and injured (independent verification not available). Smartphone Ban Impact: A report describes how Taliban restrictions on smartphones are disrupting remote medical help and urgent coordination for families and midwives across Afghanistan.

Health Crisis in Afghanistan: WHO says funding shortfalls have forced the closure or suspension of 570+ health facilities since 2025, cutting services for 3.3 million people and hitting childhood vaccines and maternal care. Humanitarian & Livelihood Shift: UNODC reports alternative livelihoods for 3,000+ Badakhshan families to replace poppy cultivation, including dairy, livestock, beekeeping, mushroom work, and rehabbed irrigation for 2,660 hectares. Child Labor in Kabul: Residents warn poverty and reduced aid are pushing more children into street work—collecting plastic, selling water, shining shoes—raising risks of accidents, abuse, and illiteracy. Industrial Push (Cement): Afghanistan began building a second Jabal al-Seraj cement plant in Parwan, aiming for self-sufficiency, jobs, and reduced import dependence. Wildlife Conservation (Regional): Tajikistan’s markhor numbers have risen to 7,000+ after conservation efforts, a species spanning Afghanistan’s mountains.

Humanitarian Health Crunch: WHO says 150 health facilities in Afghanistan have suspended or stopped operations this year due to funding shortages, cutting child vaccinations and safe maternal care; the 2026 health plan has received only 17% of the needed US$190.8m. Child Labor in Kabul: Residents report a rise in child labor and street work across Kabul, driven by unemployment, the economic crisis, and reduced humanitarian aid—raising risks of accidents, violence, and abuse while pushing children out of school. Return Pressure & Rights: UN officials warn Afghanistan is facing one of the world’s biggest displacement crises as millions return, while UN leaders urge the Taliban to allow women’s full participation for household resilience and long-term recovery. Food/Medicine Smuggling Crackdown: Afghanistan’s agriculture ministry says a new law is being enforced against smuggling of food and medicines, with seized and destroyed shipments and legal action against offenders. Water & Agriculture Cooperation: India and Afghanistan agree to set up a joint working group to expand agriculture and livestock cooperation, including climate-resilient seeds and water-saving irrigation methods. Industry Push: Mullah Baradar inaugurated construction of a second Jabal Saraj cement plant in Parwan, targeting 5,000 tonnes per day to boost construction supply and jobs.

Water & Health in Afghanistan: WHO says 150 health facilities have suspended or stopped operations since early 2026 due to funding shortages, cutting vaccination and safe maternal care for millions. Humanitarian Pressure & Returns: UN officials warn Afghanistan is facing one of the world’s biggest displacement crises as millions return, straining cities, villages, and basic services. Women’s Participation: UN leaders urge the Taliban to allow women full social and economic participation, saying recovery and household resilience depend on it. Food & Medicine Smuggling Crackdown: Afghanistan’s agriculture ministry says a new law is being enforced to stop smuggling of food and medicines, with seized and destroyed shipments reported at customs. Regional Water Cooperation: India and Afghanistan agree to set up a joint working group to expand agricultural cooperation, including climate-resilient crops and water-saving irrigation methods. Wakhan Corridor Trade Ambition: Taliban officials say road work toward the Wakhan corridor is 75% complete, but experts warn turning it into a real trade route needs far more investment in transport and border infrastructure.

Smuggling Crackdown: Afghanistan’s Ministry of Agriculture says the new Law on preventing smuggling of food, medicines and health products is already being enforced, with thousands of tons of human and veterinary medicines destroyed at customs and more cases headed to court. Health Underfunding: WHO warns 150 health facilities have suspended or stopped operations since early 2026 due to funding gaps, cutting vaccination and maternal care; UN officials also say aid cuts are worsening the humanitarian squeeze. Women’s Participation: UNDP and UNHCR urge the Taliban to allow women full social and economic participation, saying recovery and household resilience depend on it. Displacement + Climate Stress: UNDP flags Afghanistan’s displacement crisis as layered—returnees, drought and other climate shocks, and reduced women’s participation—leaving about three-quarters of Afghans unable to meet basic needs. Water Crisis in Kabul: UN-Habitat and UN reporting highlight worsening drinking water shortages in the capital, adding pressure to already strained services. Fuel Price Shock (Herat): Herat residents report petrol prices rising to around 76 afghanis per liter, pushing up transport costs and the price of essentials. Wakhan–China Trade Push: Taliban officials say Wakhan road construction is 75% complete, but experts warn turning it into a real trade corridor needs major investment in transport, customs and infrastructure.

UN Humanitarian Warning: UN agencies say Afghanistan is facing one of the world’s biggest displacement crises, with 2.7 million returnees and worsening climate shocks piling onto a fragile economy—74% of people can’t meet basic needs. Urban Pressure & Housing: UN-Habitat warns mass returns are straining cities and villages, pushing demand for sustainable settlements; UN says 425 families have been identified for permanent housing support in Kunduz and Baghlan, alongside mine-contaminated land clearance. Water & Heat Stress: Reports highlight Kabul’s worsening drinking water shortage and seasonal illness risks, while residents in Paghman and across Afghanistan describe hotter summers and power cuts. Fuel Cost Squeeze (Herat): Herat residents report petrol prices rising to about 76 afghanis per liter, driving up transport fares and the cost of essentials. Disaster Risk: A major monsoon-linked debris slip in the region underscores how extreme weather can quickly turn dangerous during construction and recovery. Women’s Livelihoods: AFP reports returnee women in Balkh finding rare work in a dried fruit factory, but restrictions on education and movement keep jobs out of reach for many. Press Freedom: Taliban released Paigard News Agency owner Javid Niazi after nearly two months, but rights groups warn arrests and restrictions on journalists continue.

Humanitarian Pressure: UN agencies warn Afghanistan is facing one of the world’s biggest displacement crises as 2.7 million returnees come back in 2025, with nearly two million more expected in 2026—piling stress on livelihoods, water, food, health care, and already fragile eco-zones. Urban Housing & Land Safety: UN-Habitat says the return surge is increasing pressure on cities, peri-urban and rural areas, while UN support in the northeast has identified 425 families for permanent housing and cleared mine-contaminated land for safer reintegration. Climate & Heat Impacts: In Kabul and beyond, scorching summer heat is pushing people toward rivers and pools for relief, with residents linking hotter seasons to climate change and noting power cuts worsen illness risks. Fuel Costs in Herat: Herat residents report fuel prices rising to about 76 afghanis per liter, squeezing transport and everyday goods as fares reportedly jump. Women’s Work Amid Restrictions: A rare job opening is highlighted in Balkh, where UN-backed factory work helps some returnee women earn income despite Taliban limits on education and movement. Press Freedom: Taliban released Paigard News Agency owner Javid Niazi after nearly two months in detention, but rights groups say arrests and restrictions on journalists continue.

Education & Infrastructure in Afghanistan: In Ghazni, around 200 schools still have no buildings and 350 more need reconstruction, with only 21 projects under way; UNICEF and the Ministry of Education are funding some works, but teachers warn students can’t learn under sun or unsafe conditions. Humanitarian Pressure: UN officials say three in four Afghans can’t meet basic needs as crises stack up, including earthquake damage, pushing the country from return toward “real recovery” needs. Women’s Rights & Recovery: Senior UN leaders urge the Taliban to lift restrictions on girls’ education and women’s work, saying Afghanistan can’t recover without full participation of women in education, employment, and entrepreneurship. Public Health: A new polio vaccination drive is set to begin July 7 in Kandahar and Helmand, targeting children under five as Afghanistan remains one of the last places where polio is not eradicated. Environment & Heritage Risk: Residents in Takhar report uncontrolled gold extraction linked to Taliban-affiliated firms, saying it’s destroying farmland and green areas and threatening Ai-Khanum and Khatayan.

Women’s Rights & Recovery: UN officials say Afghanistan can’t recover without women’s full participation, urging the Taliban to lift bans on girls’ education and women’s work, as UNDP warns restrictions remain the biggest obstacle to long-term recovery. Humanitarian Pressure: A senior UNDP official warns three in four Afghans can’t meet basic needs amid overlapping economic, humanitarian, and climate shocks, calling for development alongside emergency aid. Kabul Water Crisis: UN-Habitat and UN reporting highlight worsening drinking water shortages in Kabul, while Kabul’s SDG 6 meeting calls for investment to expand water networks, wastewater management, and protect groundwater. Public Health: A new polio vaccination drive is set to start July 7 in Kandahar and Helmand, targeting children under five as cases and environmental samples persist. Mining & Heritage Damage: Residents in Takhar accuse Taliban-linked firms of uncontrolled gold extraction around Ai-Khanum and Khatayan, damaging farmland, green areas, roads, and natural landscapes. Migration Rights in Iran: A rights group reports Afghan migrants in Iran face rising administrative and judicial barriers, especially women and children, due to tightened security and weak civil registration.

Water Crisis in Kabul: UN-Habitat and TOLOnews warn Kabul’s drinking water shortage is worsening as groundwater levels fall, population grows, and climate change adds pressure—officials point to new infrastructure efforts, but the gap remains a major threat to the city’s future. SDG 6 Push: Kabul hosted an SDG 6 meeting on clean water and sanitation, with the Urban Water Supply and Sewerage Corporation calling for international financial and technical support, while officials flagged declining groundwater and urged investment in water networks and sewerage. Public Health Under Heat: Kabul residents report rising seasonal illnesses linked to power outages, lack of clean water, air pollution and dust, with doctors warning children, the elderly and pregnant women face higher risks. Humanitarian Pressure: NRC chief Jan Egeland says Afghanistan is among the world’s most neglected humanitarian crises, driven by poverty, food insecurity, climate change, and large-scale returns from Iran and Pakistan. Polio Update: WHO says stronger coordination could eradicate polio in Afghanistan within 12 months, citing security enabling vaccination campaigns; current figures include human cases and environmental detections. UN Support Visit: UNDP and UNHCR officials arrived in Kabul to assess challenges and explore practical support for women, returnees, IDPs and host communities. Deforestation Watch: Reports from Upper Dir’s Jatkul area highlight weak forest enforcement, with thousands of tons of chestnut wood allegedly cut and sold, exposing jurisdiction gaps.