Export of Afghanistan's Fruit To Neighbouring Countries Hampered, Claims Taliban

Attaullah Omari, the Taliban's Minister of Agriculture, announced that export of Afghanistan's fruit to neighbouring countries has been hampered.

During a meeting with a number of Afghan businessmen, he said that the Taliban is negotiating with Pakistan to export fresh Afghan fruits to the country.

The Taliban-controlled Bakhtar News Agency reported on Wednesday, that Afghan businessmen also complained about Pakistan's policies during the visit, accusing the country of "hypocrisy”.

According to the report, Afghan traders have said that due to Pakistan's policy changes during the harvest season, both they and the farmers are losing money.

The Taliban's Minister of Agriculture has promised that the problems of Afghan businessmen will be solved, without providing a timeframe. He did not elaborate on the nature of these problems.

Recently, a number of businessmen contacted Afghanistan International and said that Pakistan was blocking the trade route and their fruits would rot during this period.

In recent weeks, a number of farmers in Parwan sent videos to Afghanistan International saying that grape vines are ready to be harvested, but they are spoiling due to the lack of buyers. They said that the borders are closed and that the fruit is not exported abroad.

The Torkham crossing was closed several times in the past three years after clashes between Pakistani border guards and the Taliban.

Currently, the main road between Peshawar and Torkham is closed due to the protest of some Pakistani residents.