The Foreign Minister of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, Amir Khan Muttaqi, has called on countries holding Afghan helicopters to return them for use in humanitarian operations, while also renewing appeals for the lifting of banking sanctions that have hampered relief efforts.

Muttaqi made the remarks during a high-level meeting organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, attended by diplomats and representatives of international organizations. The discussions focused on emergency humanitarian needs following the recent earthquakes in eastern Afghanistan.

“We ask those countries that took part of our helicopters to return them to the Afghan people so they can be used in humanitarian operations,” Muttaqi said, referring to helicopters transferred abroad following the political changes four years ago.

Muttaqi also highlighted the negative impact of banking sanctions, which have made it difficult for Afghans living overseas to send financial aid to their homeland.

“Unfortunately, due to the unjust and unlawful restrictions imposed on Afghanistan, our compatriots have been unable to send aid to those affected by the earthquake,” he said, urging the international community to remove these restrictions so assistance can reach those most in need.

Roza Otunbayeva, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, also addressed the meeting, voicing concern over the shortage of healthcare staff during the earthquake rescue and recovery operations.

Muttaqi reaffirmed that the government’s top priority remains providing sustainable assistance to earthquake-affected communities. He stressed that continued international cooperation is essential to overcome both the immediate humanitarian crisis and the broader economic challenges caused by sanctions.

The Islamic Emirate has consistently appealed to foreign governments and international agencies to normalize economic engagement, restore Afghanistan’s frozen assets, and allow the country’s institutions to operate fully in order to meet the urgent needs of its people. (ILKHA)