Tehran- IRAF- Abdul Qayum Nasir, a spokesperson for the Taliban’s Ministry of Finance, announced that the import of medicines from Pakistan has been completely banned as of today (Monday, February 9). He stressed that the move is part of broader efforts to halt smuggling and crack down firmly on violators.
The ministry has urged traders to seek alternative routes and sources for supplying medicines instead of relying on Pakistan.
The spokesperson further emphasized that, in addition to medicines, the transfer of all goods through smuggling routes has also been halted. He warned that smugglers will be arrested, referred to the courts, and their confiscated goods will be seized and destroyed.
Previously, the Ministry of Finance had instructed traders to terminate all commercial transactions and trade relations with Pakistan within 19 days. This decision was taken following political tensions and border clashes between Pakistan and the Taliban, as well as the closure of transit routes.
Emphasis on Finding Alternative Routes
Earlier, Abdul Ghani Baradar, Acting Minister of Economy of the Taliban, had also called on traders to suspend trade with Pakistan and identify alternative trade routes.
This comes as border crossings between Afghanistan and Pakistan have remained closed since October, following escalating border tensions.
Negative Impact on the Pharmaceutical Market
Since the implementation of the ban, shortages of medicines and rising prices have been reported across Afghanistan’s pharmaceutical market. Previously, more than 70 percent of Afghanistan’s required medicines were imported from Pakistan, and the suspension has particularly affected life‑saving drugs, including cardiovascular medications.
Rising Drug Prices in Afghanistan
Pharmacy owners in Kabul have reported reduced supply and significant price increases for medicines.
In an effort to address shortages and stabilize the pharmaceutical market, Taliban officials traveled last month to India, Iran, and Turkey to explore the possibility of importing medicines through alternative routes.
