KABUL - Sustainability of development gains in Afghanistan is at risk because of inadequate sub-national governance systems, lack of support from the centre, capacity constraints and insufficient planning on the civilian side, a top UN diplomat warned on Wednesday.

Secretary-General's Special Representative for Afghanistan Ján Kubiš told a UN Security Council meeting on the situation, said that troop withdrawals were being accompanied by a scaling down of huge military-backed stabilisation projects, and that the combined effect of these would have substantial economic impacts.

"There have been some appeals to the United Nations to assume new functions and projects. However, the very core of transition is that the Afghan government is in the lead. This must be the first port of call," he remarked.

Kubiš also drew attention to humanitarian needs in Afghanistan, which remained one of the poorest countries in the world. International donations to this year's combined aid appeal -- just 48 per cent of the requested $448 million -- were disappointing, he said.

While dismissing what he called media's "relentless depiction" of Afghanistan as a place of conflict and terror, the envoy said: "In my travels around 22 provinces this past year, I have seen girls and boys getting an education unthinkable a decade ago…"

Referring to the 2014 presidential election, Kubiš said the ballot would have profound implications for stability across the region as long as it was perceived to be legitimate.

He also highlighted anti-corruption efforts, but lamented the "corrosive effect" of the narcotics industry. "The increase in both cannabis and opium cultivation reported in this period must be a wakeup call, with the illicit economy being an active impediment to institutional development and sustainable growth." (Pajhwok)