In a statement released in Islamabad, Pakistan, the WFP reiterated that it was committed to UN principles of impartiality and neutrality. "WFP has never been involved in propagating any religious persuasion in Afghanistan or elsewhere. Such strings are never attached to the food aid WFP provides," the statement said. "It provides help to Afghan people solely on the basis of need and without religious, political or ethnic bias."

The agency said it delivered more than 20,000 tonnes of food every month throughout Afghanistan and that it remained committed to helping millions of poor Afghans suffering from a devastating three-year drought and a two-decade-long war.

"WFP calls on the Taliban to help facilitate such a gigantic task rather than obstruct it," the statement said.