Kabul has escalated its trade war with Pakistan by announcing a complete ban on the sale of Pakistani medicines starting February 9. This bold move comes as relations between the two neighbors hit rock bottom, with Afghanistan’s Finance Ministry urging traders to wrap up all pending deals before the deadline.
According to reports from Pajhwok News, the ministry has given businesses just 19 days to clear their transactions. After that, no Pakistani-imported drugs will be processed through customs. The decision stems from a November 13 announcement, where the minister ordered a three-month grace period before enforcing the cutoff.
The backdrop to this ban is a chaotic border situation. Since late 2024, when key trade routes along the Durand Line closed, markets in both countries have seen wild price swings and shortages. A fierce gunbattle on October 11 derailed ceasefire talks, leaving tensions simmering along the 2,600-km frontier.
Afghanistan, a landlocked nation, relies heavily on Pakistani ports like Karachi and Gwadar for exports, though it has an alternative route via Iran. This latest step signals deepening mistrust. Just three months ago, Taliban forces launched cross-border strikes, claiming retaliation for alleged Pakistani airstrikes on Afghan soil.
Diplomatic efforts have faltered. Mediators from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey tried repeatedly to broker peace, but to no avail. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid blamed Pakistan’s uncooperative stance for derailing talks in Turkey, despite Afghanistan’s goodwill.
In a related development last November, Deputy Prime Minister Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar warned traders against over-reliance on Pakistan. He accused Islamabad of politicizing trade by repeatedly shutting borders, causing massive losses to businesses on both sides. Kabul now vows not to bail out those stuck in the fallout.
As the deadline looms, Afghan markets brace for disruptions. This ban not only hits pharmaceuticals but underscores a broader push for alternative trade corridors, potentially reshaping regional dynamics for years to come.
