The UK government has cut almost £6m in funding to a programme in Afghanistan supporting vulnerable women and girls, the Guardian Newspaper said, citing Save the Children.

According to the report, Save the Children said it has been told by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office that it will receive just over £1m of a promised £7m to support more than 100,000 people to access essential basic services such as healthcare and education.

“Afghan children are already dying from hunger and disease, and now face having funding for basic food, health and education programmes withdrawn by the British government. The decision to cut millions in funding to Afghan children sends a stark message to the world that the UK is turning its back on the most vulnerable children and families in one of the world’s most challenging contexts,” said Gwen Hines, CEO of Save the Children UK.

"We ask the donor nations and the international community to not politicize humanitarian help; aid should continue to the people of Afghanistan,” said Abdul Latif Nazari, the deputy of economy.

Hines warned that the cut in funding will affect the education and health of Afghan children.

Several businesswomen are criticizing the British government's decision to cut its support for women, saying that this will increase the challenge for women.

"Foreign friends and the international community should cooperate with institutions and businesses in the private sector so they can provide women with professional training possibilities,” said Mumtaz Yousafzai, a businessman.

"If this aid and relief is not provided for the people more than before, if they do not cooperate, I fear the institutions, those who started with their own funds like me, will not be able to continue,” said Salma, head of the Women's Chamber of Commerce.

According to figures from the Afghanistan Women's Chamber of Commerce and Industry, 560 businesswomen from the manufacturing and commercial sectors have registered with the chamber in the last year.