Intensifying clashes along the Afghanistan–Pakistan Durand Line have driven over 115,000 civilians from their homes in eastern Afghanistan since February 26, according to a report from the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC). The violence, which has primarily affected Kunar and Nangarhar provinces, shows no signs of abating, leaving families to seek refuge in temporary shelters, makeshift camps, or with relatives.

In the first week of the conflict, at least 56 civilians were killed, and 129 others sustained injuries. The destruction has been widespread, with over 800 homes either damaged or destroyed. Humanitarian organizations have expressed urgent concern over the dire situation, as displaced families face severe shortages of essential services such as clean water, healthcare, and education.

“The scale of displacement is staggering,” said an NRC spokesperson. “Many families are now living in substandard conditions and struggling to make ends meet.” Some have resorted to renting overcrowded and inadequate housing that they can barely afford, further exacerbating their vulnerability.

The ongoing violence has also severely disrupted vital services. Over 20 health facilities in the region have suspended operations due to insecurity, including five centers damaged by airstrikes or shelling from the Pakistani regime. The World Food Programme (WFP) has temporarily halted food distributions in several areas, while NRC suspended classes in Khost province, leaving 626 children without access to education.

“We are already facing a looming food crisis, and these latest disruptions could make it even worse,” said a WFP official. The organization previously warned that Afghanistan could face a severe food shortage this spring unless urgent funding gaps are addressed.

The crisis is made even more complex by the ongoing displacement of those affected by previous disasters. Over 25,000 people displaced by an earthquake in Kunar province six months ago are now being forced to leave their temporary shelters and return to areas where services remain limited. An additional 14,500 individuals are at risk of being displaced again if the conflict continues.

Aid organizations are attempting to respond to the crisis. The NRC has already provided cash assistance to over 4,300 displaced individuals and plans to extend support to another 4,000 in the coming days. However, Afghanistan’s humanitarian response remains severely underfunded, limiting the reach of available aid.

The humanitarian situation is also affecting Afghan migrants abroad. With over 4.4 million Afghans living in Iran, including around 1.4 million undocumented migrants, many are now at risk of forced return due to regional instability. Reports indicate that approximately 1,700 Afghan migrants are returning home each day, driven by both security concerns and economic pressures.

Humanitarian agencies are calling on all parties to the conflict to ensure the protection of civilians and allow unhindered access for aid workers to provide essential support to affected communities.

Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Foreign Minister of the Islamic Emirate, held a telephone conversation with Wang Yi, China’s Foreign Minister, to discuss the expansion of bilateral relations between Afghanistan and China, regional security, and the impacts of ongoing developments in the region.

According to a statement from the Afghan Foreign Ministry, Muttaqi emphasized the Islamic Emirate’s economically oriented foreign policy and said that Afghanistan seeks to build trust, mutual respect, and economic cooperation with all neighboring and regional countries.

He also addressed recent regional security developments, underlining that the Islamic Emirate views dialogue and diplomacy as the only path to resolving any crisis.

During the call, Muttaqi shared the Islamic Emirate’s position on recent Pakistani incursions into Afghan territory, stressing that Afghanistan has the legitimate right to defend its people and territorial integrity, while simultaneously supporting political solutions rather than the escalation of conflict.

Wang Yi highlighted the importance of strengthening positive relations between Afghanistan and China and stated that China considers political understanding and problem-solving mechanisms crucial for regional stability and security. He also welcomed Afghanistan’s dialogue-based approach and stressed that targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure is unacceptable.

Regarding Afghanistan-Pakistan tensions, Wang Yi noted that military measures are not a solution and only heighten the crisis. He added that China is ready to play a constructive role in fostering understanding and trust.

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) says civilian casualties are increasing amid the latest escalation of violence in Afghanistan.

According to UNAMA, at least four civilians were killed and 14 others injured — including women and children — in Pakistani airstrikes in the Pul-e-Charkhi area of Kabul on Thursday night.

The UN mission expressed concern over the continued violence and called for an immediate halt to hostilities to prevent further civilian casualties.

UNAMA noted that civilians, particularly women and children, are paying the heaviest price for the recent escalation. The agency reported that since February 26, at least 75 civilians have been killed and 193 others injured across Afghanistan as a result of ongoing armed clashes.

Earlier, Georgette Gagnon, Acting Head of UNAMA and Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, warned that the United Nations remains deeply concerned about the rising tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Speaking at a press conference, Gagnon said that although clashes have so far been largely concentrated in border areas, continued exchanges of fire carry serious risks. She added that the incidents have now entered their 14th consecutive day, affecting six provinces and eight districts across Afghanistan.

Gagnon emphasized that the United Nations is closely monitoring the impact of the conflict on civilians, including casualties, displacement, and growing restrictions on humanitarian access.