Afghan Taliban Regime Bans Pakistani Medicines, Orders Traders to Avoid Pakistan Trade Routes

KABUL: The **Afghan Taliban regime**, led by **Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Economic Affairs Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar**, has issued strict directives to Afghan traders and industrialists to reduce trade via Pakistan and immediately adopt alternative routes. The government warned that any trader continuing imports or exports through Pakistan will **not receive support or protection** from the Islamic Emirate in case of trade disruptions or losses.

According to private news agency **Khorasan Daily**, Mullah Baradar stated that Pakistan must provide **strong practical guarantees** that trade routes will not be closed on political or security grounds; otherwise, bilateral trade ties will be restricted.

In addition, the Taliban administration has announced a **complete ban on medicines imported from Pakistan**. After three months, Pakistani medicines — and potentially certain food items — will be considered **illegal imports in Afghanistan**, prompting traders to seek alternative supply routes.

The move is expected to significantly impact trade between the two neighboring countries and could create challenges for businesses dependent on cross-border commerce.