India has announced a sweeping India-Pakistan trade ban, halting all imports and suspending inbound mail and parcels from Pakistan. This move comes in the wake of rising tensions following a deadly April 22 attack in Pahalgam, occupied Kashmir, which left 26 people dead—mostly tourists. Although India implied a cross-border link, no evidence has been provided, and Pakistan has firmly denied involvement, calling for an impartial investigation.
Rising Tensions After Kashmir Attack
Following the attack, both nations hardened their positions. India granted its military “operational freedom,” while Pakistan braced for a possible incursion, warning of an attack within 24–36 hours. As military preparedness intensified, diplomatic channels were activated to avoid escalation.
Read:Â Pakistan Successfully Tests Abdali Missile Amid Regional Tensions
Trade and Communication Severed
India’s Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) issued a notice declaring an immediate ban on imports from Pakistan, citing national security and public interest. Simultaneously, the Indian government suspended all inbound mail and parcels arriving from Pakistan via air or land routes.
Adding to the blockade, India barred Pakistani-flagged ships from entering its ports and prohibited Indian ships from docking in Pakistan. The shipping authority stated these decisions aim to protect Indian cargo, assets, and infrastructure.
Pakistan Responds with Countermeasures
In response, Pakistan closed its airspace to Indian carriers and halted all border trade. It also expelled Indian diplomats. However, Pakistan allowed 150 Afghan trucks carrying Indian goods to cross the Wagah Border, easing a bottleneck.
Trade ties between the countries had already weakened, especially since Pakistan downgraded relations in 2019 after India revoked Article 370, stripping Kashmir of its special status.
Digital and Diplomatic Restrictions
India has also blocked access to social media accounts of Pakistani officials and institutions, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, ISPR, and various news outlets and celebrities. Pakistani Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said his account was also blocked in India.
Media Visit to LoC
Pakistan invited local and international media to the Line of Control (LoC) to challenge Indian claims about alleged terrorist camps. The government said it remains committed to peace and will defend its sovereignty against any aggression.
Follow us on Google News, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook,Whats App, and TikTok for latest updates
