Kabul / Doha – September 4, 2025 (Agencies) – In a historic humanitarian gesture, Her Excellency Dr. Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad, Minister of State for International Cooperation of the State of Qatar, arrived in Kabul this week to oversee the delivery of emergency aid to victims of the devastating earthquake that struck eastern Afghanistan on August 31. Her visit marks the first by a female Arab government official to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, underscoring Qatar’s unique diplomatic posture and principled humanitarian outreach.
The Qatari delegation, dispatched under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of Qatar, arrived aboard four Amiri Air Force aircraft carrying a comprehensive relief package coordinated by the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Qatar International Search and Rescue Group of Lekhwiya.
The aid shipment included:
- Two fully equipped field hospitals to support emergency medical response
- Food parcels and nutritional supplies for displaced families
- Shelter materials, including tents and blankets
- Medical kits and sanitation items
- Support for approximately 11,000 beneficiaries across the affected provinces
The relief operation was launched as part of Qatar’s emergency air bridge to Afghanistan, aimed at stabilizing communities devastated by the 6.3 magnitude earthquake that claimed over 1,400 lives and injured thousands more. The worst-hit areas include Kunar, Nangarhar, and Laghman provinces, where infrastructure collapse and aftershocks have left thousands homeless and vulnerable.
In her remarks during the aid handover, Dr. Al Misnad emphasized Qatar’s enduring solidarity with the Afghan people. “This mission reflects our commitment to humanity, regardless of borders or politics. The people of Afghanistan are our brothers, and we stand with them in this time of hardship,” she stated.
Notably, Dr. Al Misnad referred to the country as the “Islamic Republic of Afghanistan”, signaling Qatar’s continued diplomatic recognition of the pre-Taliban government. Her presence as a senior female Arab minister engaging directly with Taliban officials is being viewed as a milestone in humanitarian diplomacy and a subtle assertion of inclusive values.
Qatar has played a pivotal role in Afghan affairs over the past decade, hosting peace negotiations, facilitating evacuations, and maintaining open humanitarian channels. The current relief mission reinforces Qatar’s reputation as a regional leader in crisis response and principled engagement.
The Qatari delegation also conducted field assessments and met with local health and logistics teams to ensure the aid reaches the most vulnerable populations. The two field hospitals are expected to be operational within days, providing critical care in areas where medical infrastructure has collapsed.
Dr. Al Misnad, who also serves as Vice-Chairperson of QFFD’s Board of Directors, has led numerous humanitarian initiatives across conflict zones and disaster-hit regions. Her visit to Kabul is being hailed as a powerful symbol of leadership, compassion, and diplomatic courage.