Taliban plans to export coal to Uzbekistan instead of Pakistan

Afghan coal will now be exported to Uzbekistan rather than Pakistan, according to Taliban spokesperson Haji Zaid.

He stated that Afghanistan and Uzbekistan have reached important trade agreements, under which Afghan coal will be shipped to Uzbekistan. He added that Uzbekistan will, in turn, export high‑quality cement and pharmaceuticals to Afghanistan.

Due to the closure of border crossings with Pakistan and the suspension of bilateral trade, the Taliban are expanding economic ties with neighboring countries, particularly Iran and Uzbekistan.

Earlier, the Taliban announced that Afghan agricultural products would be transported via Uzbekistan by air to markets in Central Asia, South Asia and Europe.

In addition, the Taliban’s Acting Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs advised entrepreneurs to seek alternative routes for trade and transit.

The Afghan Ministry of Finance claimed that the disruption of trade with Pakistan has had “no negative impact,” adding that customs revenues have not declined. The ministry emphasized that full support will be provided to businesses seeking to strengthen alternative trade routes.

However, media reports contradict these claims. According to the *Dawn* newspaper, the border closure has caused an estimated USD 4.5 billion loss to Afghanistan‑Pakistan trade.

Economist Reza Farzam also dismissed the Taliban’s statements as unrealistic, saying Afghanistan lacks alternative trade corridors that can quickly replace Pakistan.

As reported earlier, delegations from both countries met in Istanbul in early October to prevent further escalation following clashes between their armed forces. This was one of the most serious border incidents since the Taliban took control of Kabul in 2021.

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif said the ceasefire mechanism remains unchanged and that Kabul appears to be interested in peace. However, he warned that if negotiations with the Taliban fail, Islamabad is prepared to openly enter armed conflict.