It is with deep sorrow that Afghanaid announces the passing of Dr. David Page, a cherished member of our Board of Trustees and our former Chairman, whose contributions to the people of Afghanistan leave an indelible legacy. David’s extraordinary life was marked by his commitment to fostering understanding, peace, and development through his work in media, academia, and humanitarian service.

David worked with the BBC World Service for over 20 years, during which time he made significant contributions to broadcasting in Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, and Sri Lanka. He worked as Editor of the BBC Urdu Service from 1977 to 1985, and in 1981, he was instrumental in the founding of the BBC Pashto Service, further deepening the BBC's connection with Afghanistan during a critical period in the country's history.

Beyond his work with the BBC, as co-director of the Media South Asia Project at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies at London University, David was deeply committed to academic research and dialogue on the media's impact on democracy and development in South Asia. He authored and co-authored the books Prelude to Partition (1982) and Satellites over South Asia: Broadcasting, Culture and the Public Interest (2001), and co-edited Embattled Media: Democracy, Governance and Reform in Sri Lanka (2015).

David's association with Afghanaid began in 1995, as a passionate supporter of the charity’s mission to support the rebuilding of Afghanistan despite decades of conflict. He joined our Board of Trustees in 1996, and took on Board leadership as Chairman in 2004.

David visiting Khuram Wa Sabarbagh, Samangan province, where we were rebuilding homes damaged by flash flooding (2014).

David’s leadership guided Afghanaid through some of its most challenging periods. He played a key role in shifting Afghanaid’s focus from emergency relief to long-term development as we increasingly took on large-scale infrastructure projects such as the construction of roads and bridges, as well as micro-hydro and irrigation systems. During this time, our community-led approach became ingrained in our identity as we began forming and collaborating with local councils and self-help groups. We also launched our first long-term disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation programming, which remains central to our work. Additionally, David oversaw the expansion of our programming into Ghor and Samangan provinces, where we remain to this day.

David stepped down as Chairman in 2014, and has remained a committed and engaged Trustee ever since. In more recent years, David personally catalogued 30 boxes of Afghanaid’s historical material for the Special Collections archive at the SOAS National Research Library. Last autumn, for our 40th anniversary celebrations, he coordinated an event at the House of Lords to bring together Afghanaid’s alumni and closest friends. In his almost three decades of service to Afghanaid, many of David’s friends and colleagues - in particular congregation members at his church, All Saints West Dulwich - have been moved to support Afghanaid’s work as a result of his enthusiasm and commitment, and remain incredibly important members of our community.

David’s wisdom, humility, and unwavering dedication to Afghanaid and Afghanistan will be remembered by all who had the privilege to know and work alongside him - as will his wonderful sense of humour. His contributions have made a lasting difference in the lives of countless people, and his legacy of compassion and committed service will continue to inspire us.

Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to his family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time.

May he rest in peace.

David and Afghanaid staff in Badakhshan province (2007).