Hafezi: Replacing Pakistan in Afghanistan’s trade is difficult

With rising tensions and the closure of trade routes between Afghanistan and Pakistan, the Taliban are seeking alternatives for their commercial relations. Economic experts point to Iran and the Central Asian countries as potential options to replace Pakistan’s trade routes.

Mohammad Basheer Dodyal, an economic analyst, told Radio Azadi that Afghanistan’s northern ports and its trade corridors with Iran — including the port of Chabahar — could serve as strong alternatives for expanding Afghanistan’s commerce. However, Azerakhsh Hafezi, the former head of international relations at the Afghanistan Chambers of Commerce and Industries, believes that trade with Pakistan cannot be replaced due to that country’s unique geographic position. He emphasizes that Afghanistan’s southern ports remain the best connection to South Asia, while the northern ports provide strong links to Central Asia and the Caucasus.

With border closures and shifts in Pakistan’s policies, Afghan citizens are increasingly turning to Iran and Central Asia’s transit routes, and it appears that Afghanistan’s commercial future may depend on these pathways.