Uzbekistan Opens Trade to Taliban, Sidelines Pakistan

Uzbekistan is deepening economic ties with Afghanistan's Taliban government. This shift comes as the Taliban's relationship with Pakistan worsens. The key project is the new "Termez" free trade zone on the Uzbek-Afghan border. Uzbekistan is investing heavily here, building logistics centers and storage for Afghan goods. The goal is to make Termez a major hub for regional commerce. For the Taliban, this offers a crucial economic link. Pakistan, once Afghanistan's main trade partner, has closed key border crossings amid disputes over security and terrorism. The new Uzbek route provides an alternative. Uzbekistan sees a strategic opportunity. By connecting to South Asia via Afghanistan, it seeks new trade paths and energy deals. The Taliban, in turn, gains international engagement without political recognition from Tashkent. This growing partnership signals a change in Central Asian trade, reducing Pakistan's historic influence over Afghan commerce.