KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – Afghanistan is grappling with increasing costs in medical care, food, and other essential goods as border crossings with Pakistan remain closed for nearly two months, according to the Taliban-run National Statistics and Information Authority (NSIA).
In a statement, NSIA stated that the cost of medical treatment rose by 13.9% over the past solar month, while food prices increased by 2.3%. Grain prices climbed 1.3%, meat by 1.6%, fruit by 10.3%, and vegetables by 2.1%. Non-food items also saw a 1.2% rise, including a 3.2% increase in the housing index and a 1.3% rise in the healthcare and treatment index. Monthly inflation was recorded at 1.6%, with year-on-year inflation up 8.5% compared with the same month last year.
The prolonged border closures follow escalating political tensions and repeated border clashes between the Taliban and Pakistani forces. Crossings have been closed for more than 50 days, disrupting trade and passenger movement between the two countries. Afghan traders reported daily losses of at least $2.5 million, while Pakistani media cited losses of $45 million in exports and $59 million in imports as of early November, as Pakistan lost access to both Afghan and Central Asian markets.
In response, the Taliban have instructed Afghan traders to settle accounts with Pakistani companies within three months. After this period, the import of Pakistani medicine is expected to be fully banned, with authorities citing concerns over the low quality of some medical products.
Taliban officials have previously claimed that the border closure has not affected Afghanistan’s market, citing alternative trade routes through Iran, Central Asia, and India. India has sent several tons of medical supplies to Afghanistan via air shipments to help ease shortages.
While Pakistan recently allowed UN aid shipments into Afghanistan following a UN request, it remains unclear how long the border will stay closed for trade and other movement. Pakistan has said the Taliban must guarantee that militants do not cross into Pakistan from Afghan territory, while the Taliban are seeking assurances that Pakistan will not close the border again, accusing Islamabad of using the crossings as a tool for political and economic pressure.
