Sources in southern Afghanistan say the smuggling of goods in border areas has increased following the closure of routes between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Sources told the Hasht-e Subh Daily on Sunday, September 13, that the Taliban bring various smuggled goods into Afghanistan from Pakistan in exchange for money.
Sources said goods are being widely smuggled between Pakistan and Afghanistan by the Taliban in the border areas of Bahramcha and Disho districts in Helmand province.
According to the sources, Taliban forces stationed along the border have established special groups for smuggling goods. They transport various goods from Pakistan into Afghanistan in exchange for large sums of money.
The sources added that the Taliban demand 500,000 Pakistani rupees for each cargo vehicle crossing the border, 60,000 rupees for each man and 100,000 rupees for each woman.
Sources said smuggling continues in the area from night until morning, with vehicles loaded with goods illegally entering Afghanistan.
According to the sources, senior Taliban officials are also aware of these activities.
The sources added that Taliban officials also receive a share of the money collected.
A few days ago, sources in the area also reported that Taliban forces stationed along the border shot and killed a driver who had refused to pay them.
A similar situation is also reported in the border areas of Kandahar and Zabul, across from Helmand, where Pakistani goods are being brought into Afghanistan through informal and smuggling routes instead of official trade channels.
As a result, the prices of Pakistani goods in Afghan markets have increased by up to twofold.
The closure of Afghanistan-Pakistan border crossings has disrupted trade between the two countries.
Alongside increased restrictions on official routes, the situation has created greater opportunities for informal routes and goods smuggling in border areas.
