‘Not Through Pakistan’: Afghan Taliban Wants Traders To Find Alternatives Trade Routes | Exclusive

Last Updated:November 12, 2025, 17:04 IST

Baradar warned that following this directive, any trader who continues exports or imports through Pakistan will not receive any aid from the Islamic Emirate in case of disruptions

Baradar emphasised the need for Afghanistan to reduce reliance on Pakistan. (AP File)

Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar has urged Afghan industrialists and traders to swiftly seek alternative trade routes to Pakistan.

Speaking at a meeting with business representatives in Kabul, Baradar warned that following this directive, any trader who continues exports or imports through Pakistan will not receive any assistance from the Islamic Emirate in case of future disruptions.

Baradar emphasised the need for Afghanistan to reduce reliance on Pakistan and strengthen trade connections through other regional routes

Pakistan has closed all trade routes to Afghanistan since October 10.

What intelligence sources say

Traders are exerting pressure on both Pakistan and Afghanistan to open up the borders. Mullah Baradar’s statement makes it clear that the warning to the traders means few things, said intelligence sources.

According to them, the statement means:

1. There is no going back to relations with Pakistan.

2. Interdependence for peace is a dead notion.

3. Making alternative choices and trade routes put pressure on Pakistan.

4. Kabul wants new friends minus Pakistan.

5. Afghan Taliban Regime is mentally prepared fo long term conflict with Pakistan.

6. Afghan Taliban will never go against Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

The clashes

Pakistan in early October announced a strict crackdown on Afghan refugees, with the government declaring that all Afghan nationals residing illegally in the country will be deported “as soon as possible". The clashes broke out after Pakistan reportedly launched cross-border airstrikes in Kabul on October 9, targeting Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) camps. Pakistan accused the Afghan Taliban of harbouring TTP militants, responsible for killing hundreds of Pakistani soldiers since 2021.

In response, Taliban mounted a major counteroffensive across the border, killing 58 Pakistani soldiers and destroying 20 security outposts.

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