Afghanistan cut off trade with Pakistan

KABUL (Pajhwok): The Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs has urged industrialists and traders to seek alternative trade routes instead of relying on Pakistan, warning that if they fail to do so, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) will not address any resulting problems.

During a meeting with industrialists and traders in Kabul, Deputy Prime Minister Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar said: “All industrialists and traders in the country should turn to alternative trade routes instead of Pakistan. Trade through Pakistan has not only harmed our merchants but has also caused problems for markets and the general public.”

He strongly urged traders to procure goods from other countries and markets rather than purchasing or importing goods through Pakistan.

Mullah Baradar added: “Second, there is no doubt that a major issue in our health sector, and the main reason hundreds of millions of dollars leave the country annually, is the import of low-quality medicines from Pakistan. I urge those importing medicines from Pakistan to switch to other countries and alternative routes as soon as possible.”

He emphasized: “Through this notification, the Islamic Emirate absolves itself and clearly informs you that if traders continue to import or export goods through Pakistan after this notice, the Islamic Emirate will not address any problems that arise and will not respond to complaints.”

He also stated that traders who already have contracts or purchases in Pakistan are given three months to settle all accounts and finalize their operations there.

Mullah Baradar explained that Pakistan has repeatedly blocked trade routes, including currently, and has politically exploited commercial and humanitarian matters, harming traders and industrialists of both countries. These actions have compelled the Islamic Emirate to make this decision.

He noted that similar problems have occurred in the past: when Pakistan’s harvest season arrived, the border would open, but when it was time for Afghan farmers’ produce, Pakistan would close the route under various pretexts.

sa