Kabul: ARCS General President Discusses Humanitarian Situation with UK Special Representative for Afghanistan

Wednesday, October 14, 2026

Sheikh-ul-Hadith Shahabuddin Delawar, General President of the ARCS, met with Richard Lindsay, the United Kingdom’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, to discuss the country’s humanitarian situation, the needs of vulnerable people, and ways to expand humanitarian assistance.

During the meeting, both sides discussed support for people affected by natural disasters, Afghan returnees, and other vulnerable groups, with a focus on addressing their essential needs.

Mr. Delawar expressed his appreciation for the United Kingdom’s humanitarian assistance to people affected by natural disasters and provided an overview of the ARCS’s humanitarian and healthcare activities.

He highlighted the medical services provided to children with congenital heart defects at the ARCS’s cardiac hospital, vocational training and skills development programs for vulnerable women and children across seven regional zones, treatment services for people with mental health conditions, and assistance delivered to communities affected by natural disasters.

Mr. Delawar noted that decades of hardship have left many people in Afghanistan facing mental health problems, while numerous vulnerable families continue to experience serious difficulties. He emphasized that these groups require broader humanitarian assistance and healthcare support.

Referring to the situation of Afghan refugees who have recently returned from neighbouring countries, he said that many families need shelter, food, non-food items, and healthcare services. He called for increased cooperation and support from the United Kingdom to help address the challenges faced by returnees and meet their basic needs.

The UK Special Representative for Afghanistan praised the humanitarian services provided by the ARCS and pledged continued cooperation in supporting returnees and other humanitarian activities in the coming year.

Mr. Lindsay added that he would seek to facilitate adequate and effective cooperation with the ARCS in the healthcare sector as well.

Both sides emphasized the importance of joint efforts to expand humanitarian assistance, support vulnerable communities, and strengthen healthcare services.