Afghan economy crumbles amid Taliban policies, trade disruptions

WEB DESK: Afghanistan’s economy is facing severe setbacks as the Taliban’s rigid policies and poor strategic decisions continue to undermine exports, employment, and overall economic stability, Afghan media outlet Amu TV reported.

For years, Karachi Port has been Afghanistan’s fastest and most cost-effective trade route. Goods shipped from Kabul to Karachi typically take 3–4 days at an average cost of USD2,000 per container. By contrast, the Chabahar route takes 7–8 days with costs averaging USD4,000 per container, making it both slower and more expensive.

The situation has worsened over the past two months as trade through Pakistan has been halted, leaving Afghan traders struggling with increased transportation costs and longer delivery times. Alternative northern routes to Russia or the Black Sea can take 15–25 days, while air transport, though feasible, is prohibitively expensive for large shipments.

Experts and traders emphasise that Karachi remains the most practical and efficient route in terms of cost, time, and cargo capacity. They warn that if the Pakistan border remains closed, Afghanistan’s supply chains will face further disruption.

Amu TV attributed the country’s growing economic crisis to the Taliban government’s intransigence and its support for terrorist groups, which have prevented Afghanistan from accessing affordable and efficient trade channels.