CNBC has been told by a United Nations Development Programme official that Afghanistan is facing the most severe humanitarian crisis. With nearly all of its population living in poverty and millions starving, it could be the world’s worst ever.

Some 23 million people are in desperate need of foodA $20 billion economy would be a great idea. shrink by $4 billion or moreAbdallah Al Dardari said Wednesday that 97% and 38 million of Afghanistan’s population were at high risk of poverty.

Al Dardari said that Afghanistan was facing the “worst humanitarian catastrophe we’ve ever witnessed.”Squawk Box Asia“

He stated that he had never witnessed an economic shock this severe and that a humanitarian crisis that was as serious has never been seen. He added that it is vital to provide funding for emergency services and essential services in order for West Asian countries to continue their lives and existence.

Multiple reportsThat is what you should say several areas in Afghanistan are also facing droughtsEven as winter draws near

The world government cut Afghanistan off from international financing and frozen the Afghan accounts after the Taliban seized power. central bank’s roughly $10 billion in assets held abroadTo stop hardline Islamists gaining access to that money.

This led to the collapse of public finances and workers were unable to receive their salaries. It also increased pressure on the banking system.

International community still has not recognized the militant group in Afghanistan as its de facto rulers.

Pakistan hosted on Thursday a meeting at Islamabad with representatives from China Russia and the United States in order to address the Afghan situation.

According to reports, officials from all four countries met on the sidelines with top Taliban leaders. U.S. State Department

Imran Khan, Prime Minister of Pakistan stated that Pakistan “is sending essential food items and emergency medical supplies.” [and]Afghans will receive immediate help from winter shelters The international community was also asked to take “its collective responsibility” to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe in Afghanistan.

Al Dardari from UNDP stated that international cooperation can help to provide humanitarian aid and keep the essential services in operation.

He said, “We are now talking now about short-term interventions but keeping our eyes open for the medium and long term.”

The U.N. announced last month its launch a special trust fund to urgently get cash into the hands of everyday Afghans — through grants for small businesses and cash-for-work projects that offer temporary income to those without jobs, so they can help restore local infrastructure.

Germany has already promised to contribute 50 million euros ($57million) to the U.N.

Al Dardari said the U.N. has so far used a combination of Afghan banks — those that are still functioning and can conduct foreign exchange operations — and private money service providers, to get funds directly to the beneficiaries.

The European Union will be in October, however. pledged a support packageAfghanistan and its neighboring countries received around 1 billion euros in aid. However, overall EU aid for Afghanistan is frozen.

But media reports this month According to Taliban, the Taliban have banned foreign currency use in Afghanistan. This could lead to further disruption of the already fragile economy.