Baradar termed the border disruptions an “economic war,” accusing Pakistan of weaponizing trade and sending substandard medicines. He warned that if Islamabad seeks to reopen commercial routes, it must guarantee that the borders will not be closed again under any pretext.
Afghanistan’s Acting Commerce Minister Nooruddin Azizi urged traders to explore markets in Central Asia, criticizing Pakistan for “arbitrary restrictions” that often occur during peak export seasons, especially for fruits and vegetables. “Such obstacles harm both nations’ economies,” Azizi said.
Five major border crossings, including Torkham and Spin Boldak, have remained shut for over a month, straining a trade relationship once valued at over $2.5 billion annually. The Taliban administration is now developing three alternative routes to diversify exports — through Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Tajikistan — linking Afghan goods to Russia, Turkey, and China.
The Uzbekistan route, via Hairatan and Termez, is set to handle 50% of Afghanistan’s exports by 2025. The Turkmenistan corridor, connecting through the Caspian Sea to Azerbaijan and Turkey, is expected to be fully operational by 2026. A third route through Tajikistan’s Kulma Pass aims to provide access to western China, though it faces logistical challenges during winter.
Trade between Afghanistan and Pakistan has already fallen 13% year-on-year, dropping to $475 million in the first quarter of FY 2025–26. Analysts say the Taliban’s shift marks a strategic move to reduce dependence on Pakistan and assert greater economic autonomy in the region.
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