In a significant escalation of bilateral friction, Afghanistan’s government declared on Wednesday that medicines imported from Pakistan will no longer be sold in the country after February 9. Traders received a stark directive: finalize all commercial activities involving these drugs within the remaining 19 days.
Pajhwok News, citing the Finance Ministry, detailed the enforcement of a prior decision dated November 13, 2024. Customs authorities will reject any processing of Pakistani pharmaceuticals beyond the cutoff, aiming to sever a key import dependency amid souring ties.
Trade disruptions have plagued the region since border closures in late 2024, triggering skyrocketing prices and supply chain breakdowns. The Durand Line, a perennial flashpoint stretching 2,600 km, has witnessed multiple clashes, including a deadly October 11 exchange that scuttled truce negotiations.
Landlocked Afghanistan depends on Pakistan’s Karachi and Gwadar ports for much of its overseas trade, supplemented by Iranian routes to the west. Recent Taliban incursions across the border were framed as responses to supposed Pakistani air raids, further straining relations.
Regional powers have failed to mediate effectively. Despite interventions by Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey, no breakthroughs emerged. Mujahid, the Taliban spokesperson, pointed fingers at Pakistan’s ‘irresponsible behavior’ during Turkey-hosted discussions.
Echoing these concerns, Mullah Baradar, the deputy PM for economic affairs, urged businesses last November to diversify routes. He lambasted Pakistan for weaponizing trade through frequent closures and politicization, vowing that Kabul won’t mitigate the consequences of such overdependence.
This pharmaceutical ban arrives at a precarious moment, amplifying economic instability. As Kabul pivots toward self-reliance, the move could ripple through South Asian trade networks, forcing traders to adapt swiftly or face severe repercussions.