Afghanistan is turning more towards Iran and Central Asian routes to reduce its dependence on Pakistan, as tension between the neighbours grows and the main border remains closed. Afghan officials say this shift is driven by repeated trade disruptions and political pressure from Islamabad.
Afghanistan has long relied on Pakistani ports, giving Islamabad influence over Kabul, but this grip is weakening. More Afghan cargo is now passing through Iran’s Chabahar port, which is backed by India and offers fewer delays for traders.
Commerce ministry spokesman Abdul Salam Jawad Akhundzada said trade with Iran reached 1.6 billion dollars in six months, higher than Pakistan’s 1.1 billion dollars. He said facilities at Chabahar give traders confidence that goods will not stop when borders close.
Deputy prime minister Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar gave traders three months to shift contracts away from Pakistan, accusing Islamabad of using trade as political leverage. Iran has offered tariff cuts and faster processing to attract Afghan cargo.
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Pakistani ministers say Afghanistan can use any port, but security cannot be compromised. India has also increased engagement with Kabul and continues operating key terminals at Chabahar under a US sanctions waiver.
