Pahalgam Terror Attack LIVE Updates: Pakistan shuts ports for Indian ships after New Delhi bans imports from Islamabad

Time of India

03-05-2025

Pahalgam Terror Attack LIVE Updates: India has imposed an immediate and comprehensive ban on the direct or indirect import and transit of all goods originating from or exported by Pakistan, effectively freezing bilateral trade. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry announced the decision through a Gazette notification on Saturday, invoking provisions under the Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Act, 1992, and the Foreign Trade Policy 2023 to justify the move.
The notification states that a new clause, Para 2.20A, has been inserted into the Foreign Trade Policy, declaring that "direct or indirect import or transit of all goods originating in or exported from Pakistan, whether or not freely importable, shall be prohibited with immediate effect, until further orders." The ministry cited national security and public policy concerns as the rationale for the prohibition, adding that any exceptions would require prior government approval.
This sweeping measure comes in the wake of rising tensions between India and Pakistan following the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives, mostly tourists. In response to the attack, the Indian government has implemented a series of diplomatic steps, including closing the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Attari, suspending the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme for Pakistani nationals—giving them 40 hours to return—and reducing diplomatic staff in both countries' High Commissions.
Additionally, India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, a landmark 1960 agreement governing water sharing between the two nations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowed that those responsible for the Pahalgam attack—and those who aided them—would face unimaginable consequences. Emphasizing national resolve, Modi declared that the time had come to dismantle terrorism's remaining strongholds and that the collective will of 1.4 billion Indians would crush the backbone of terror networks.