They salvaged a few belongings but were not able to carry out all their ­savings, which would have carried them through the winter, Samiullah added. “Economic programmes take time and do not have an immediate impact on people’s lives.”The World Food Programme (WFP) says Iran and Pakistan have expelled more than 2.5 million Afghans in massive repatriation programmes. At the Qasaba Clinic in the capital, mothers soothed their children during the wait for medicine and supplements. After the Taliban takeover, she said, “My husband lost his (government) job, and gradually, our economic situation collap­sed. As dusk gathers and the temperature falls, Samiullah brings in firewood, and Bibi lights a stove for warmth.

Source: The Star February 04, 2026 02:05 UTC