Taliban Authorities Block Protest by Kandahar Pharmaceutical Workers Against Pakistani Drug Ban
Hundreds of employees and officials of pharmaceutical companies in Kandahar gathered on Wednesday, November 11, in the “Sarak Jadid” area of the city to protest against the Taliban authorities’ restrictions on the sale of Pakistani drugs. The protesters expressed their opposition to the ban by chanting slogans such as “We want alternatives to Pakistani drugs.”
However, Taliban forces quickly arrived at the scene and prevented the continuation of the protests. Following this action, the “Sarak Jadid” area, which is the main hub for large pharmaceutical companies’ drug sales, was surrounded by the Taliban; according to local sources, civilians are not allowed to enter.
The Taliban’s ban on imports of Pakistani drugs, implemented following last year’s political tensions with Pakistan, has led to a significant increase in drug prices in Afghanistan’s markets. This restriction has also resulted in Pakistani drugs being smuggled into the country, a process lacking necessary oversight that could jeopardize public health.
Some experts have warned that the ban on Pakistani drug imports, coupled with a lack of suitable alternatives, not only raises treatment costs but also lowers drug quality and makes access to essential medicines more difficult for the population.
