RASC News Agency: According to official Taliban sources and regional media reports, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has implemented nearly 100 humanitarian and relief initiatives in Afghanistan, amounting to a total investment of approximately $298 million. Among these, the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre has been responsible for executing at least 45 projects, collectively valued at around $45 million. These efforts have largely focused on addressing immediate humanitarian needs and improving living conditions in various regions of the country. Over the past two decades and particularly in the wake of Afghanistan’s recent political upheaval Saudi Arabia has played a prominent role in delivering humanitarian assistance. Saudi officials have reiterated that their country remains committed to standing with the Afghan people during times of crisis and will continue its support irrespective of political developments.
The Saudi Fund for Development (SFD), one of the Kingdom’s key development institutions, began its operations in Afghanistan in 2003. Since then, it has provided five concessional development loans totaling $810 million, supporting four major infrastructure projects in sectors such as education and transportation. In addition to these loans, the SFD has also issued two grants exceeding 191 million Saudi riyals equivalent to more than $50 million for reconstruction and development purposes. These initiatives are part of Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to ease humanitarian suffering and prevent the worsening of migration and displacement crises in the region.
While Taliban officials have welcomed the financial assistance as a sign of growing international engagement, critics contend that such aid may have limited long-term impact in the absence of structural reforms. Analysts argue that without inclusive governance, economic stabilization, and respect for civil rights, external investments risk being undermined by systemic inefficiencies, corruption, and deteriorating security.
