Amid rising tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, India has imposed a complete ban on all imports from Pakistan. The move is aimed at protecting national security and public policy. The decision also affects goods currently in transit and intensifies the diplomatic standoff between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
In a decisive move, the Government of India has banned all imports from Pakistan, effective immediately, following the recent Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India—responsible for formulating and implementing foreign trade policies—stated that the ban is imposed to protect national security and public policy.
A notification issued by the ministry read, “Direct or indirect import or transit of all goods originating in or exported from Pakistan, whether or not freely importable or otherwise permitted, shall be prohibited with immediate effect, until further orders.” The ministry emphasized that any exceptions would require prior government approval.
The ban comes after a brutal terrorist assault on April 22 in the Baisaran meadow near Pahalgam, where 26 civilians, including a Nepalese tourist and a local pony guide, were killed. The attack has been linked to terrorist networks with alleged support from across the border in Pakistan.
India has also suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, a key bilateral agreement signed in 1960 for water-sharing between the countries. The government is now reviewing options to block or divert river waters flowing to Pakistan, which could significantly impact water availability for millions of its citizens.
The Wagah-Attari border, the only land trade route between the two nations, had already been shut down after the attack. Pakistani imports to India have historically included pharmaceutical items, fruits, and oilseeds. However, trade volumes had plummeted after India imposed a 200% duty on Pakistani goods in the aftermath of the 2019 Pulwama terror attack, making recent imports negligible.
In addition to trade measures, India has canceled all visas issued to Pakistani nationals, including those for medical reasons. The government has ordered all Pakistanis residing in India to leave by a specified deadline. In retaliation, Pakistan has threatened to suspend all existing bilateral agreements, including the historic Simla Agreement.
Tensions remain high along the Line of Control and the International Border, with cross-border firing incidents reported. The Indian Armed Forces have responded firmly to each provocation.
Home Minister Amit Shah reiterated India’s position, stating that no dialogue or trade with Pakistan is possible unless terrorism is eradicated from Jammu and Kashmir.
The escalating diplomatic and trade standoff marks a new low in Indo-Pak relations, with no signs of de-escalation in the near future.
