Taliban bans returning migrants from bringing food, medicines across Torkham

Qureshi Badlon, the Taliban director of information and culture in Nangarhar province, stated that migrants returning from Pakistan to Afghanistan are prohibited from bringing food items and medicines with them.

He specified that items such as honey, sugar, oil, medicines and fresh fruits carried by returnees are stopped at the Torkham customs post. Badlon emphasized in a statement that these goods are deemed illegal and their entry constitutes smuggling. He urged migrants to avoid transporting such items to prevent issues at the border.

Informed local sources from several provinces previously told Amu TV that following the Taliban's announcement of a complete ban on medicine imports from Pakistan, medicine prices in Afghan markets have risen and some Pakistani-made drugs are being hoarded. These sources noted that a significant portion of medicines available in Afghanistan were previously imported from Pakistan, and the sudden halt has raised concerns among patients, pharmacists and traders.

The measure comes amid tensions between the Taliban and Pakistan ongoing for over three months. Some officials from the previous government described the parties as strategic allies turned rivals. The disputes intensified after Pakistan accused the Taliban of destabilizing its country and supporting militant groups, charges the Taliban have repeatedly denied.

The fallout of these tensions is affecting citizens of both countries, including traders, importers, patients and low-income families facing higher costs and new challenges. Economic experts warn that prolonged trade restrictions, particularly on medicines, could worsen the crisis in access to health services in Afghanistan.