ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has officially barred all Indian-flagged vessels from entering its ports and territorial waters in direct response to India’s recent decision to impose a similar restriction on Pakistani ships, news were reported on Sunday. The Ministry of Maritime Affairs issued the notification, citing national security and escalating regional tensions as key reasons.
Retaliation to India’s Port Ban
The tit-for-tat measure follows India’s Saturday announcement, which prohibited Pakistani-flagged vessels from accessing Indian ports. India also stated that Indian ships would not dock in Pakistani harbors. According to India’s Directorate General of Shipping, the order aims to safeguard “Indian assets, cargo, and infrastructure in public interest.”
Pakistan’s latest move echoes that concern, warning that such actions could harm regional stability. “This decision is necessary to protect national security and maritime interests,” the ministry’s notification said. It emphasized that any requests for exemptions will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
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Impact on Trade and Shipping
This mutual ban is expected to further strain the already fragile trade relationship between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. Maritime experts warn of disruptions in regional shipping routes and supply chains. Though official trade between India and Pakistan has dwindled in recent years, both countries remain strategically placed in South Asia’s key shipping corridors.
“This reciprocal action could delay cargo movement and increase freight costs across the region,” said a Karachi-based port analyst. “Even limited trade has now become a tool for political messaging.”
Kashmir Attack Fuels Tensions
The escalation comes in the wake of a deadly militant attack in the Pahalgam area of Indian-administered Kashmir. The assault, which took place last month, killed at least 26 people. India squarely blamed Pakistan for the attack, alleging state support for the assailants—an accusation Islamabad firmly denies.
The Himalayan region of Kashmir, claimed in full by both India and Pakistan, remains a flashpoint for conflict. The two nations have fought multiple wars over the territory since independence in 1947. Frequent cross-border skirmishes, militant activity, and diplomatic impasses continue to define the strained bilateral relationship.
No Signs of Dialogue
Efforts to restore dialogue between the two countries remain frozen. Analysts say recent events have further dimmed hopes for diplomatic engagement. “This is more than a shipping ban—it’s another sign that both nations are hardening their positions,” said a senior policy analyst in Islamabad.
As maritime restrictions tighten, experts believe regional bodies such as SAARC and international trade partners may step in to defuse the situation. For now, both nations appear unwilling to ease tensions. With Kashmir once again at the heart of the conflict, and now maritime policies being used as leverage, the outlook for peace and cooperation remains bleak.
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