Wheat and Cash Aid Distribution Begins for Migrant Families in Herat
The distribution of wheat and cash assistance for migrant families in Herat province officially began in the presence of the Taliban’s Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock. Officials say these aid packages are being provided to meet the immediate needs of returning families as part of support programs.
Mawlavi Ataullah Omari, the Taliban’s Minister of Agriculture, said at the ceremony that this program is part of regular measures to support migrants returning to the country. He claimed the process aims to deliver food and cash aid to deserving families and alleviate their livelihood pressures.
According to him, this initiative is not limited to Herat but is simultaneously underway in 12 other provinces. However, migrant families in Herat say their needs go beyond temporary assistance, stressing that return remains challenging without access to employment, housing, and basic services.
At the same event, Sheikh Maulana Islamjar, the governor of Herat, reported that some local residents have cooperated with migrant families by helping with transportation and providing temporary shelter. He added that, following the Taliban leadership’s directive, work has started on constructing residential neighborhoods for the permanent settlement of migrants.
Meanwhile, Mufti Kifayatullah Haqqani, the Herat provincial chief financial officer, announced that each migrant family will receive 5,000 Afghanis in cash and 250 kilograms of wheat. According to him, the total cash aid amounts to six million Afghanis, and the distribution process is supervised by an appointed committee.
Some migrant recipients cautiously welcomed the aid, saying that while it alleviates some immediate problems, sustainable return requires clearer programs and long-term support. Officials stated that the distribution will continue over three days in Herat.
