An Afghan Taliban aid organisation has donated GBP 41,512 placed in a plastic bag advertising an energy drink to earthquake victims in Turkey.

The Afghan Red Crescent Society (ARCS) President Mawlavi Matiul Haq Khalis, 62, was photographed giving the cash-filled plastic bag featuring an Afghan energy drink to the Turkish ambassador in the city of Kabul Cihad Eginay, 56.

The Afghan Taliban leader reportedly served as a member of Afghanistan’s negotiating team in Qatar office during US talks, and was appointed the president of the ARCS in 2021.

Khalis said: “Turkey is a compassionate and friendly country of Afghanistan, which has always helped and sympathised with the people of Afghanistan in difficult situations.”

ARCS published a photo of the handout on Twitter and said in a statement obtained on Monday, 13th February 2023: “AFN 4,500,000 were donated to the victims of the earthquake in Turkey by the Afghan Red Crescent!

“Based on Islamic brotherhood, philanthropy, sympathy and sincerity, AFN 4,500,000 [USD 50,000] in cash aid, by Maulvi Mutiul Haq Khals, acting general directorate of the Afghan Red Crescent.”

The ARCS reportedly follows the practice and principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Foundations, by delivering humanitarian services to the most vulnerable people throughout Afghanistan.

Meanwhile, Turkey’s Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu confirmed that the number of people killed in the two 7.8 and 7.7 magnitude earthquakes has risen to 43,556 as of Thursday, 23rd February.