Former Afghan Finance Minister Criticizes Taliban for Halting Trade with Pakistan
Omar Zakhilwal, Afghanistan’s former finance minister, has criticized the Taliban administration’s recent decision to suspend trade and transit relations with Pakistan, warning that depriving Afghan traders of vital commercial routes is a clear violation of international law and harmful to the country’s economy.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Zakhilwal emphasized that Afghanistan, as a landlocked country, has a legitimate right to access Pakistan’s ports and transit corridors—rights that are recognized under international conventions and bilateral agreements. He argued that such rights should not be sacrificed due to political tensions between the Taliban and the Pakistani government.
Zakhilwal said the Taliban is undermining the interests of Afghan traders by effectively forcing them to abandon the Pakistani route, a move he described as not only irresponsible but also in breach of a state’s legal obligations to its citizens.
He underlined that “it is the duty of a landlocked state’s administration to utilize diplomatic and legal tools to ensure trade and transit opportunities for its traders—not to voluntarily give up this legal entitlement.”
Tensions between the Taliban administration and Pakistan have escalated sharply in recent weeks. The crisis intensified following the breakdown of talks in Islamabad and a deadly suicide bombing in Pakistan’s capital. As a result, the Taliban’s decision to halt trade with Pakistan has sparked significant domestic and regional concern.
Beyond the economic impact, experts warn that the closure of this critical trade route could severely affect the livelihoods of many Afghan traders and laborers. Despite growing concerns, the Taliban has yet to propose any alternative solutions to mitigate the potential losses stemming from the decision.
