Mullah Abdul Ghani, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, expressed profound sorrow on Friday over the devastating earthquake that struck Kunar province earlier this week, claiming numerous lives and injuring many others.

Speaking at a gathering attended by government officials and community leaders, Mullah Abdul Ghani offered heartfelt prayers for the martyrs of the earthquake and wished a swift and full recovery to those wounded. He conveyed the Islamic Emirate’s solidarity with the affected families, assuring them that the government remains committed to standing by them during this time of tragedy.

“The Islamic Emirate is with you. We will not leave the victims of this disaster alone,” Mullah Abdul Ghani declared. He announced that immediate efforts have been launched to reconstruct houses destroyed by the tremors and pledged that every measure will be taken to ensure that those who lost their homes receive timely assistance.

He further emphasized the need for long-term disaster preparedness, noting that Afghanistan is highly vulnerable to earthquakes and other natural disasters. “It is our duty to not only rebuild what has been lost but also to implement comprehensive measures that will mitigate the impact of future disasters,” he said, underscoring the importance of improved infrastructure, emergency planning, and local resilience.

Mullah Abdul Ghani revealed that the leadership of the Islamic Emirate has instructed all relevant ministries and provincial authorities to begin collecting and distributing aid in a transparent and accountable manner. “Our officials have been tasked with ensuring that no affected family is left behind, and that relief reaches those most deserving,” he added.

In a strong message to the international community, the Deputy Prime Minister called for the lifting of economic sanctions imposed on Afghanistan, arguing that such restrictions hinder the delivery of critical humanitarian aid and exacerbate the suffering of ordinary Afghans. “Sanctions not only harm the government but also deprive our people of the assistance they urgently need in times of crisis,” he warned.

The Kunar earthquake, which struck earlier this week, caused significant destruction in several districts, damaging homes, roads, and local infrastructure. Rescue teams and local volunteers are continuing to search for survivors under the rubble while delivering food, water, and medical care to the displaced.

Afghanistan, located in a seismically active region, has faced multiple earthquakes over the past few years. The nation’s mountainous terrain and fragile infrastructure make rural communities particularly vulnerable to such disasters, compounding the country’s ongoing humanitarian challenges.

International aid agencies have expressed concern about the growing needs in Kunar and surrounding provinces, warning that delays in delivering aid due to sanctions, banking restrictions, and logistical obstacles could worsen the humanitarian situation.

Despite these challenges, the Islamic Emirate has pledged to mobilize all available resources to assist the victims and rebuild the affected areas, framing the response as a national and moral duty. (ILKHA)