The Ministry of Economy said on Thursday that the sanctions imposed by the international community on Afghanistan have had a negative impact on the country’s economic, commercial, and financial situation.

The deputy of the minister of economy, Abdul Latif Nazari, urged the international community to engage with Afghanistan instead of employing pressure or sanctions on it.

“Sanctions have had a negative impact on Afghanistan's economic, commercial, and financial situation,” he said. “We ask the international community to adopt an engagement policy with the Islamic Emirate.”

More than 500 foreign aid organizations are operating in Afghanistan's various sectors, according to information from the Ministry of Economy.

“We welcome humanitarian support to Afghan people from foreign organizations and we provide facilities for their cooperation,” Nazari added.

Meanwhile, the Norwegian Refugee Council said that the humanitarian aid of organizations cannot solve the problems of the Afghan people.

Neil Turner, head of the Norwegian Refugee Council in Afghanistan, said the misconception of the sanctions is hampering the private sector in Afghanistan.

“We know in the current situation that the humanitarian aid which is coming into Afghanistan cannot solve the problems of Afghanistan and therefore we need a functioning economy,” Turner noted.

According to some analysts, the international community should keep providing humanitarian support to overcome the current economic crisis in Afghanistan.

"Almost half of the population of Afghanistan are facing hunger, and nearly six million people are at risk of famine. Freezing of the assets and international sanctions have paralyzed the economy of Afghanistan under the current situation,” said Siyar Quraishi, an analyst in economic affairs.

The World Bank said in its recent report that Afghanistan's economic growth would be -0.5% in 2023.