Afghanistan risks famine if pressure on traders continues, chamber of commerce says

Afghan traders have warned that rising regional tensions and trade disruptions could push the country toward a serious food shortage if the situation continues.

Khan Jan Alokozay, a board member of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment, said Taliban authorities are pressuring traders to sell essential food items at lower prices despite increasing import costs.

He stated in an interview with Amu TV that the prices of several basic commodities have risen after key trade routes with Pakistan were closed and regional instability disrupted supply chains. Traders fear continued pressure could discourage imports and reduce food availability.

The warning comes as tensions between the Taliban administration and Pakistan have escalated into border clashes in recent weeks, further affecting the movement of goods between the two neighbors.

Both sides have traded accusations over the conflict. Pakistani officials say militants operating from Afghanistan territory have launched attacks inside Pakistan, while Taliban authorities deny the claims and accuse Pakistan of violating Afghanistan territory through cross-border strikes.

Alokozay said Afghanistan currently has enough food supplies in markets for about one to one and a half months, but warned that without alternative trade arrangements shortages could emerge.

He noted that rice imports are particularly vulnerable because Afghanistan largely relies on South Asian suppliers rather than Central Asian markets for the commodity.

Imports from countries such as Bangladesh typically arrive through Iran’s Bandar Abbas and Chabahar ports, but recent regional conflict and instability have disrupted these routes and slowed deliveries.

Alokozay urged stronger coordination between trade associations, chambers of commerce and the Taliban’s commerce ministry to address the crisis, warning that continued regional war could significantly worsen Afghanistan’s food supply situation.

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