Drooid Logo
Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Pakistan Becomes New Drug Hub Amid Afghan Crisis

2/19/2026

47 10 Full Breakdown

1 of 1

Story summary
  • Pakistan is emerging as a significant hub for drug production and consumption after the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in 2021.
  • The Afghan government's ban on poppy cultivation collapsed production, prompting farmers to move operations to Pakistan's Balochistan province.
  • Balochistan has rapidly become a center for illegal poppy farming.
  • Afghan trafficking networks have increased the supply of synthetic drugs, particularly methamphetamine, to the Pakistani market.