Taliban Delegation Visits Uzbekistan to Expand Pharmaceutical Cooperation

DID Press: A Taliban health delegation has traveled to Uzbekistan for talks on expanding pharmaceutical cooperation, strengthening drug quality control laboratories, and enhancing medical collaboration, as Afghanistan continues to face medicine shortages following the suspension of pharmaceutical imports from Pakistan.

According to the Taliban’s Ministry of Public Health, Hamdullah Zahid, Deputy Minister for Food and Medicine, led an official delegation to Tashkent, where it met senior Uzbek health officials.

During talks with Ilhomjon Umarzakov, Uzbekistan’s Deputy Minister of Health, the two sides discussed exchanging technical expertise, expanding cooperation in the treatment of Afghan patients—particularly those suffering from cancer and cardiovascular diseases—and strengthening bilateral technical ties. Both sides emphasized closer cooperation in the healthcare sector and the development of joint capacities.

In a separate meeting with Abdulla Azizov, head of Uzbekistan’s Agency for the Development of the Pharmaceutical Industry and Medical Equipment, discussions focused on training technical personnel, developing the pharmaceutical industry, enhancing drug quality control laboratories, and expanding cooperation on laboratory equipment.

The visit comes as Afghanistan continues to face pressure on its pharmaceutical market after the Taliban suspended medicine imports from Pakistan about a year ago amid political tensions and trade restrictions.

The delegation’s visit to Tashkent is aimed at strengthening alternative sources of pharmaceutical supplies and expanding long-term cooperation with Uzbekistan.