Key Points:
- Two-thirds of Afghanistan’s population, or a startling 28.3 million people, will require immediate humanitarian assistance in 2023 as the nation enters its second year of crippling economic decline and its third consecutive year of drought-like conditions.
- Political events throughout the year 2022 have also played a critical role in shaping the attitude of the international community toward Afghanistan.
- The United Nations (UN) has launched its largest-ever single plea for USD 4.4 billion to help 20 million Afghans with food, shelter, and medical treatment.
- Following the US withdrawal in 2021, Islamabad has promised Kabul humanitarian aid totalling about USD 28 million, including 50,000 metric tons of wheat, winter shelter, and emergency medical supplies.
- China has made significant financial investments in Afghanistan, around USD 3.5 billion since 2005 and has indicated a willingness to make more substantial investments once the Taliban have taken control.