Kabul, Afghanistan – Afghan authorities in Kandahar province have issued a stern warning to shop owners, demanding that they remove all Pakistani goods
and products from shop shelves within a period not exceeding three months.
This decision comes as part of a local policy aimed – according to officials –
at promoting reliance on national products.
And to limit the flow of goods coming from Pakistan.
According to commercial sources in Kandahar, the actual campaign
to implement the decision began only one week after the official announcement.
Inspection teams have begun extensive tours to monitor markets
and verify that vendors are complying with the new instructions.
A state of confusion
Traders say the sudden measures have created confusion within the market.
Especially since a large number of shops rely primarily on goods imported from Pakistan.
Several traders confirm that Pakistani medicines are still entering
the market through smuggling routes, despite the announced ban.
They point out that the continued entry of these products through
unofficial channels reflects a deficiency in oversight on the one hand,
On the other hand, it affects fair competition between sellers.
Testimonies from traders in Kandahar also reveal
a new phenomenon: the resale of confiscated goods within the market at inflated prices.
The value of some goods has tripled compared to their previous price.
Increased financial burden in Kandahar
Sellers confirm that this unprecedented inflation has increased the financial burden on consumers.
Those who are already facing difficult economic conditions
and a general rise in the cost of living in Kandahar.
Observers believe that the decision may affect market
activity in Kandahar in the coming period.
Whether by encouraging local production or pushing traders to seek new import alternatives,
However, the success of the ban will remain dependent on
the authorities’ ability to tighten control and prevent the smuggling of Pakistani goods.
