Afghanistan

At just 16 years old, Ahmad Reza starts each day burdened with a responsibility no child should have to carry. In the quiet village of Zargaran, nestled within the mountainous region of Bamyan Province in Afghanistan, he struggles to survive as an orphan whose young life has been shaped by significant loss and daily hardships. […]

Afghanistan is currently experiencing significant food insecurity due to a weak economy, massive reductions in humanitarian aid and environmental disasters such as flooding and drought.   In Bamyan province, the highest and coldest region of Afghanistan, the situation is especially critical. Winters often last up to six months and the region’s steep mountains and deep valleys

Prepared with assistance from PWS&D’s local partner in Afghanistan. Nestled within the rugged mountains of Bamyan, Afghanistan, lives Ghulam Hussain, a 65-year-old man whose life has been shaped by profound loss and remarkable resilience. A series of heartbreaking events marked Ghulam Hussain’s life. Twenty years ago, he lost his first wife, Aqila, to a sudden

Adapted from a story written by PWS&D’s partner in Afghanistan. In Afghanistan, within Bamyan province’s stony mountains, lives Zahra. A 58-year-old widow, she became the steadfast guardian and provider for her children last winter, following her husband’s passing.  Zahra’s husband, Hossein Ali, died last winter due to severe bone rheumatism exacerbated by the region’s bitter

The Government of Pakistan is accelerating its drive to expel undocumented Afghans, as well as those who have temporary permission to stay. Between 700 and 800 families are being deported daily. These deportations pose devastating risks—particularly for women and girls—who face heightened threats of violence, persecution, and loss of access to basic rights upon return. These

In Afghanistan, Ali Mohammad’s family was surviving on a diet of wheat bread, with the occasional addition of potatoes or rice. Like many other families across the country, Ali faces daily challenges in accessing enough food to feed his family, as Afghanistan faces an extreme hunger crisis.  At 79, Ali is the sole provider for

Food insecurity in Afghanistan remains alarmingly high, having risen consistently since the Taliban took control of the country again in August 2021. Winter months only exacerbate the situation.  The climate crisis increases challenges for communities across the country. Erratic weather conditions have become the norm. Heavy rains leading to flash flood, followed by drought-like conditions

Ruqaiya’s life took a challenging turn 10 years ago when she fell on ice, resulting in paralysis in one of her legs and a hand. “I couldn’t get medical help in time because we didn’t have enough money. Now I can’t use my hand or leg anymore,” says Ruqaiya, a 65-year-old mother of three sons