Following the repeated closures of commercial border crossings, officials of the Islamic Emirate announced yesterday that political pressure is only effective when Afghanistan lacks alternative trade routes.
They emphasized that while reducing trade relations with Pakistan may have some economic costs, the decision has been made to protect the Afghan people and safeguard national interests.
Nuruddin Azizi, Minister of Industry and Commerce, stated: “Even if there is a loss, we accept it for the sake of God, the nation, the martyrs, and in defense of our Emirate and Shariah because we have no other choice and are compelled to implement this decision.”
According to the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment (ACCI), the country’s geographic position at the heart of Asia offers broad opportunities to reduce trade reliance on Pakistan. Identified alternative routes include Iran’s Chabahar Port, the Wakhan Corridor to China, Central Asian countries, air corridors, and regional rail links.
Key Alternative Trade Routes for Afghanistan:
- Iran (Chabahar): Afghanistan–Iran–India → Direct access to open waters
- Turkmenistan: Afghanistan–Turkmenistan–Russia → Stability and economic cooperation
- Uzbekistan: Afghanistan–Uzbekistan–Central Asia → Fast rail-based transit
- Tajikistan: Afghanistan–Tajikistan–China → Central Asian corridor
- China (Wakhan): Afghanistan–China → Opportunity for mineral exports
- Air Corridors: Various countries → Fast, delay-free exports
- Lapis Lazuli Corridor: Multinational route to Europe → Access to global markets
Jan Agha Naveed, spokesperson for the ACCI, said: “We are not dependent on a single market. We can transport goods through various routes like Iran, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Tajikistan, either by railway or by trucks. Fortunately, railway lines are expanding, and we’re also utilizing maritime ports.”
This comes as Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, in a recent meeting with Afghan traders, once again emphasized the evaluation and implementation of alternative routes and announced that importing medicines from Pakistan will be banned in three months.
