Taliban Conditions Reopening of Trade Routes with Pakistan on Written Guarantees

The Taliban administration has stated that the reopening of trade routes with Pakistan is only possible if Islamabad provides a clear and written guarantee that these routes will not be unilaterally closed again. Zabihullah Mujahid, the spokesperson for the Taliban administration, said that past experiences have compelled them to impose such a condition.

According to Mujahid, Pakistan has repeatedly and without coordination closed trade routes to Afghan products and traders, an action that he says has caused serious damage to Afghanistan’s trade and economy. He emphasized that until a reliable guarantee is given, these routes will remain closed.

Several economic experts believe that Pakistan often closes the routes during Afghanistan’s harvest seasons, causing Afghan farmers, orchard owners, and traders to suffer losses from spoiled products. These experts say that this pattern has been repeated in the past, but the previous Afghan government did not respond effectively.

Meanwhile, some economic analysts support the Taliban administration’s decision, stating that without political and economic pressure, Pakistan is likely to repeat such restrictions. However, critics stress that the absence of a clear and sustainable trade strategy by the Taliban administration could increase pressure on traders and ordinary citizens.

According to a report from Bakhtar Agency, the halt in trade between the two countries has significantly impacted Pakistani markets and stopped exports of goods like medicine and vegetables to Afghanistan. The report claims that Pakistani factories have suffered losses as a consequence.

The Taliban administration says it is seeking alternative markets to meet the needs of Afghan citizens through other routes at lower costs while simultaneously finding new markets for domestic products. Officials of the administration also say efforts are underway to increase domestic production and move towards self-sufficiency.

Some economic experts believe expanding trade relations with Central Asian countries, China, Russia, India, Bangladesh, and Iran could reduce Afghanistan’s dependence on Pakistan’s traditional market. They warn that the success of this process requires transparent management, support for domestic producers, and avoidance of short-term decisions.