KABUL; Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund has urged Afghan traders and industrialists to immediately seek alternative trade routes instead of depending on Pakistan.
Addressing a meeting with business representatives, Baradar said the move was necessary to protect Afghanistan’s economy from repeated disruptions caused by border closures.
He criticized Pakistan for using trade routes as a tool of political pressure, claiming that such closures have inflicted heavy financial losses on Afghan traders.
Baradar stressed that Afghanistan must now secure more stable and independent trade options through other regional corridors.
The deputy prime minister further stated that trade through Pakistan would only continue if Islamabad provides “firm and practical guarantees” that the routes will remain open permanently — both in peace and conflict times. He added that Afghanistan desires balanced and respectful trade relations, not dependence on any country.
In a major policy shift, the Taliban government has also announced a complete ban on the import of pharmaceutical products from Pakistan.
The sale of Pakistani medicines will become illegal after a three-month grace period. Afghan authorities have similarly warned that food products imported from Pakistan will be declared illegal after traders are given time to find alternative supply routes.
Baradar also cautioned Afghan traders that those who continue to rely on Pakistan for imports and exports will not receive any government support in case of future border closures.
He said the Islamic Emirate’s focus is on building economic self-reliance and strengthening trade through alternative regional routes.
