Taliban Administration Bans Drug Imports from Pakistan at Afghan Customs

The Taliban’s Ministry of Finance has announced that, starting from the 21st of Sha’ban, corresponding to the 20th of Dey, the import of medicines from Pakistan will be prohibited at all customs points across the country. This decision applies to all pharmaceutical shipments, and strict enforcement is mandated at customs.

Abdul Qayum Nasir, spokesperson for the Ministry of Finance, stated in an audio message that intensified supervision will be implemented to prevent the import of drugs and other goods through smuggling routes, and legal action will be taken against individuals violating these regulations.

The ministry has also urged traders and importers to seek alternative routes for importing medicines and other necessary goods instead of relying on Pakistan. According to ministry officials, efforts are ongoing to facilitate traders in this sector.

This decision comes amid Pakistan’s trade restrictions, while the Taliban administration speaks of efforts to reduce Afghanistan’s trade dependency on Pakistan. However, halting drug imports through one of the main routes has raised concerns among residents and health sector activists—especially given the challenges in access to medicine across many parts of the country and the lack of clear, practical alternative sources so far.