Taliban Deputy PM Meets Uzbek Official to Address Drug Shortage
KABUL (Afghan Verified) — Taliban Deputy Prime Minister Abdul Salam Hanafi met with Abdullah Azizov, head of Uzbekistan's drug department, to discuss solutions to Afghanistan's pharmaceutical shortages.
Azizov stated that Uzbek investors and companies are ready to export high-quality drugs to Afghanistan and invest in the sector to resolve supply problems. He also emphasized Uzbekistan's willingness to cooperate on laboratory equipment and staff training.
The meeting comes amid a serious drug shortage crisis in Afghanistan, exacerbated by border clashes with Pakistan. Hasht-e Subh reported that Pakistani medicine imports have been banned as a result, while Afghanistan International linked the shortages to Pakistan border closures and noted that Health Minister Noor Jalal Jalali admitted to a severe supply problem.
Afghanistan International further reported that Uzbek investors have visited Kabul to examine pharmaceutical issues and that Hanafi promised facilities and support for Uzbek drug-importing companies. It also said the Taliban is negotiating drug supplies with India and Iran, including signing $100 million contracts with Indian companies in Dubai.
Hasht-e Subh attributed additional price increases to the war in Iran.
Both outlets detailed the discussions based on Taliban statements and press releases.
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Where reports agree
- Meeting between Abdul Salam Hanafi and Abdullah Azizov occurred
- Azizov announced Uzbek readiness to invest in/export high-quality drugs to address Afghanistan's pharma issues
- Uzbekistan ready to provide lab equipment and train staff
- Drug shortages in Afghanistan linked to Pakistan border conflicts
Where reports differ
- Investor status: entered Kabul (AI) vs. announced readiness (HS)
- Hanafi's promise of support only in AI
- India/Iran talks, minister admission, $100M contracts only in AI
- Pakistani import ban and Iran war price impact only in HS
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