Taliban Ban on Pakistani Drugs Reshapes Afghanistan's Pharmaceutical Market
KABUL — The Taliban have banned imports of Pakistani pharmaceuticals, significantly altering Afghanistan's drug market.
A report by Agence France-Presse on Monday, February 17, highlighted shortages and price increases for some medications as supplies now come from alternative sources, leading to longer transport times, higher transit costs, and added logistical complexities.
Previously, transport costs accounted for about 6-7% of a drug's total price, but they have now risen to 25-30%. Business owners report overall losses in the millions of dollars.
The Taliban's Ministry of Public Health stated that Pakistan had been exporting counterfeit and fake drugs to Afghanistan. The ministry emphasized that China, India, Iran, Uzbekistan, Bangladesh, and Belarus will replace Pakistan as suppliers. It noted that India, previously the second-largest source, could now become the primary one.
Last week, the Taliban's Ministry of Finance prohibited Pakistani drug imports at all customs posts.
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