Pakistan bans transit trade of Indian goods amid rising tensions

In a significant move amid escalating tensions with India, the Government of Pakistan has imposed a sweeping ban on the import and export of Indian goods via third countries through its territory, citing national security and public interest concerns.

According to a notification issued by the Ministry of Commerce, the federal government has prohibited the transit of Indian goods through Pakistan — whether by sea, land, or air — even if the trade is routed through third countries.

The decision effectively blocks: Import of Indian goods into Pakistan via third countries, export of goods from Pakistan to India through third countries, third-country exports to India or imports from India that are routed through Pakistan.

“These restrictions apply to goods of Indian origin, regardless of the country of shipment,” stated the Ministry.

However, the ministry clarified that the ban will not affect imports or exports where bills of lading or letters of credit were issued before the enforcement date.

This latest measure adds another layer of economic separation between the two South Asian neighbours, whose trade ties have been virtually frozen since the revocation of Article 370 in Indian-administered Kashmir in 2019.