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Tashkent– As Afghanistan marks Ramadan and the new solar year 1404, Uzbekistan has stepped up its humanitarian outreach, delivering nearly 200 tons of food supplies—including flour, rice, oil, and dates—to Balkh province on March 22.
The convoy, flagged off from Termez, crossed the Hairatan border amid celebrations of solidarity between the two nations. Uzbek officials described the aid as a “gesture of brotherhood” to ease Afghanistan’s dire food shortages, worsened by drought and economic collapse since 2021.
Local Afghan authorities in Mazar-i-Sharif praised the move, with Governor Mohammad Farooq noting that over 10,000 families would benefit. However, residents like shopkeeper Ahmad Wali told the Afghan Herald that while the aid is welcome, “it’s a drop in the bucket” given the scale of hunger nationwide.
Analysts see Tashkent’s move as part of a broader strategy to stabilize its southern neighbor and secure trade routes, though questions linger about long-term commitments.
