Afghan Taliban Set 3-Month Deadline to Cut Pakistan Trade
The ruling Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has issued a three-month deadline to domestic traders and transporters to reduce and eventually end reliance on trade routes through neighbouring Pakistan. The announcement came at a joint press event by Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, who cited repeated “blockades” of Afghan goods at the Pakistan border as justification.
Directive Details
Baradar said the government will encourage alternate transit corridors to replace Pakistani routes and warned that state support may be withheld from companies which continue prioritising trade via Pakistan beyond the deadline. He also declared a ban on the import of certain Pakistani medicines, saying Kabul aims to protect national dignity and its “trade-industry rights”.
Strategic Implications
The move comes amid persistent border tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, including frequent closures of the crucial Torkham and Chaman crossings. Analysts say the deadline reflects the Taliban’s aim to diversify trade links and reduce its reliance on Pakistan, but also raises concerns about regional supply disruptions and increased costs for traders already under strain.
