Afghanistan— A Taliban-linked video circulating on pro-IEA social media channels has alleged that several Pakistani medicines being sold in Afghanistan are “counterfeit” or “substandard,” prompting renewed questions about Kabul’s recent efforts to phase out Pakistani pharmaceutical imports.
The claims, made by a military health commander rather than a certified pharmacologist, have not been independently verified by Afghan media, laboratories, or credible regulatory bodies.
In the video, Dr Mohammad Tahir Ahrar presents twenty-two medicines as “poor quality,” but provides no batch numbers, laboratory reports, regulatory filings or inspection data. The requirements normally needed to substantiate claims of product defects.
Claims coincide with Kabul’s import pivot
The timing of the video has drawn scrutiny from analysts, who note that it coincides with the Taliban administration’s November 2025 decision to phase out Pakistani medicines and expand imports from India and Iran.
Despite this shift, Afghan consumers continue to purchase Pakistani medicines in large numbers, with market sources reporting a sharp rise in prices due to supply restrictions.
A commonly used Pakistani gastro medicine now sells for nearly AFN 600 per bottle in local markets.
Observers say market behavior contradicts the narrative being pushed online. Rather than signaling distrust, rising prices suggest demand remains strong and shortages stem from policy-driven supply cuts.
The allegations, they add, risk appearing more political than clinical particularly when amplified through pro-IEA accounts without scientific verification.
Pakistan emphasizes standards and long-standing support
Pakistan’s Drug Regulatory Authority (DRAP) maintains that Pakistani pharmaceutical products are manufactured under globally recognized standards aligned with WHO, ICH, BP and USP guidelines.
Local manufacturers operate under Good Manufacturing Practices, while generics undergo bioequivalence studies and clinical trials regulated under international frameworks.
DRAP itself is ISO 9001:2015 certified, underscoring its compliance with international quality benchmarks.
Analysts argue that if Kabul has genuine concerns about public safety, the appropriate avenue is regulator-to-regulator engagement. Furthermore, third-party laboratory testing not media-driven accusations by non-specialists.
Pakistan has supplied medicines to Afghanistan for decades, including during the post-2021 collapse when shortages surged. Even amid diplomatic tensions, Pakistan has not blocked humanitarian or medical supplies.
Against this backdrop, experts say unverified allegations risk deepening mistrust at a time when Afghan civilians continue to rely heavily on Pakistani pharmaceuticals for affordable and reliable treatment.
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