ECONOMY — April 5, 2026
Taliban Deputy PM Meets Uzbek Official to Address Drug Shortage
Taliban Deputy Prime Minister Abdul Salam Hanafi met Uzbek official Abdullah Azizov to discuss exporting high-quality drugs and lab cooperation amid Afghanistan's pharmaceutical shortages linked to Pakistan border issues. Uzbek investors expressed readiness to invest, while additional talks with India and Iran were reported by one outlet.
The Ehtebar Desk — originates with Hasht-e Subh — corroborated by RTA, Omid Radio and Afghanistan International — 2 min read
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.
Read the original reporting at Hasht-e Subh →
Reliability assessment
Core event of meeting between named Taliban Deputy PM Abdul Salam Hanafi and Uzbek official Abdullah Azizov corroborated by 4 outlets; statements attributed on-record to Azizov on drug exports and cooperation.
The source language reads straight.
Independent web corroboration
An independent web search turned up no separate corroborating reports. Treat the account as single-sourced until more outlets pick it up.
Across the newsrooms
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
Filed by 4 outlets
Hasht-e Subh
Originating
Reported straight
Reported straight
RTA
Reported straight
Reported straight
Omid Radio
Reported straight
Reported straight
Afghanistan International
Reported straight
Reported straight
Filed under
Economy — Taliban, Uzbekistan, Abdul Salam Hanafi, Abdullah Azizov, drug shortage
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