Flood & Water Risk: A new report warns the Himalayas are nearing a tipping point, with glacier melt, thawing permafrost, and unstable glacial lakes raising flash-flood and landslide risks across the Hindu Kush Himalayan region, including Afghanistan. Humanitarian & Rights Pressure: China urged sustained aid and engagement as Afghanistan’s humanitarian crisis could worsen with falling foreign assistance, noting nearly half the population needs help and calling for dialogue that respects Afghanistan’s conditions. Water Access: UN-Habitat says millions in Afghanistan still lack safe drinking water, underscoring how basic services remain a major environmental and public-health challenge. Climate-Resilient Farming: The EU and FAO launched a €5 million initiative to strengthen climate-resilient agrifood systems in Afghanistan, aiming to support farmers and agribusinesses. Security & Cross-Border Health: Pakistan announced a Sept 21–27 polio drive reaching 31+ million children in high-risk districts, synchronized with vaccination in Afghanistan to cut cross-border transmission. Air Quality & Sustainability Metrics: Pakistan’s Environmental Performance Index improved in 2026, but air quality remains a weak spot—relevant for regional pollution pressures affecting Afghanistan too.