Afghanistan bans import of Pakistani medicines, declares trade illegal

Afghanistan’s Taliban government has imposed a complete ban on the import of all pharmaceutical products from Pakistan, declaring the trade of Pakistani medicines in Afghan markets illegal. The decision, announced by Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Economic Affairs, escalates tensions between the two neighboring countries.

The ban will come into effect within the next three months, after which the purchase, sale, or use of Pakistani medicines in Afghanistan will be considered illegal. Mullah Baradar urged Afghan traders to end their reliance on Pakistan and seek alternative trade routes and partners. He further warned that any trader continuing to conduct business through Pakistan would face commercial losses, for which the Taliban government would not be responsible.

Trade relations with Pakistan could only be restored if Islamabad provided a written assurance that trade routes would not be closed again for political or security reasons. The Afghan Ministry of Public Health has been instructed to implement the decision immediately and prepare a plan to strengthen local pharmaceutical production.

The decision also hints at possible future restrictions on food imports from Pakistan. Afghan traders have been advised to explore trade links with other countries for essential food products. Economic analysts warn that the ban could significantly reduce bilateral trade, with Pakistan’s exports to Afghanistan expected to be hit hard. Afghanistan could face shortages and rising prices of essential items, including medicines, food, and construction materials.

Afghanistan imports goods worth approximately 150 million US dollars (42 billion rupees) from Pakistan every month, while its exports to Pakistan total around 60 million US dollars. The ongoing closure of border crossings has already impacted between 20,000 and 25,000 workers, and agricultural product prices in Afghanistan have sharply dropped, with Afghan grapes losing value in Pakistan’s market.

Afghan officials maintain that the ban is a step toward economic self-reliance, reducing dependency on Pakistan and building more stable trade relationships across the region.