Afghanistan remains at a “critical juncture” requiring urgent and coordinated international action to address mounting humanitarian and economic challenges, Tariq Ali Bakhit, Special Envoy of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), said during a high-level meeting in Istanbul.
The remarks were delivered at the Afghanistan Coordination Group meeting held from April 28 to 30, which brought together international and regional stakeholders to assess developments in Afghanistan and strengthen coordination of response efforts.
Addressing participants, Bakhit emphasized that Afghanistan continues to demand sustained international attention at a time when competing global crises are placing increasing pressure on available resources and humanitarian funding. He called for practical, immediate, and coordinated measures to stabilize conditions on the ground and alleviate human suffering.
The envoy underscored the importance of maintaining uninterrupted humanitarian assistance, particularly in critical sectors such as food security, healthcare, and essential public services. He stressed that ensuring equitable access to aid across all regions of the country remains a priority for the international community.
Highlighting structural challenges, Bakhit called for a gradual and coordinated easing of restrictions affecting banking channels, noting that such steps are essential to facilitate humanitarian operations and revive economic activity.
He further emphasized the need to promote economic opportunities and alternative livelihoods for Afghan households, warning that failure to address economic vulnerabilities could accelerate decline and exacerbate issues such as illicit narcotics production.
Bakhit acknowledged the role of key partner institutions, including the Islamic Development Bank, the Islamic Organization for Food Security, and the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, in supporting humanitarian assistance and early recovery initiatives in Afghanistan.
Reaffirming the Organization of Islamic Cooperation’s commitment, he stated that the OIC will continue to engage through multilateral platforms such as the Afghanistan Coordination Group, working alongside international partners to support gradual and sustainable progress.
“The OIC remains committed to working with all stakeholders to promote stability, uphold human dignity, and support Afghanistan’s path toward recovery,” Bakhit said.
The meeting concluded with a shared understanding among participants on the need for enhanced coordination and sustained engagement to address Afghanistan’s evolving challenges.
