ECONOMY — February 16, 2026
Taliban Ban on Pakistani Drugs Reshapes Afghanistan's Pharmaceutical Market
The Taliban have banned Pakistani drug imports, causing shortages, price hikes, and higher costs in Afghanistan's pharmaceutical market, with alternative suppliers like India stepping in.
The Ehtebar Desk — originates with Hasht-e Subh — 2 min read
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.
Read the original reporting at Hasht-e Subh →
Reliability assessment
Single source with direct attribution to Taliban ministries (Public Health and Finance) providing concrete details (cost percentages, listed alternative countries, ban timing) and citation of AFP report; not a volatile ground event.
Across the newsrooms
Filed by
Hasht-e Subh
Originating
Filed under
Economy — Taliban, Pakistan, pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Public Health, Ministry of Finance
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