In a bold response to cross-border terror, India imposes a blanket ban on all Pakistani imports, shuts Wagah-Attari route, and escalates pressure amid diplomatic freeze.
New Delhi, May 3, 2025:
India has imposed a complete ban on imports from Pakistan in a strong diplomatic and economic response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians, including a Nepalese tourist and a local guide. The Commerce Ministry issued a notification stating that all direct and indirect imports or goods in transit from Pakistan are prohibited with immediate effect, citing national security and public policy concerns.
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This move comes days after India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, revoked visas issued to Pakistani nationals, and ordered those already in India to leave. The only operational trade route via the Wagah-Attari border was already shut down following the terror attack.
“No goods originating in or exported from Pakistan shall be imported to India unless specifically approved by the government,” the notification added.
Though trade volumes had already dwindled — especially after the 200% import duty imposed in 2019 post-Pulwama — Pakistan’s exports to India, largely comprising pharmaceuticals, fruits, and oilseeds, had fallen to negligible levels by 2024-25, amounting to less than 0.0001% of India’s total imports.
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India has accused Pakistan of being directly linked to the recent Baisaran massacre in Jammu and Kashmir, escalating tensions further. In retaliation, Pakistan has threatened to suspend all bilateral treaties, including the 1972 Simla Agreement, and diplomatic ties remain severely downgraded.
Meanwhile, cross-border firing at the Line of Control continues, with Indian forces on high alert. Home Minister Amit Shah reiterated that no trade dialogue would be pursued with Islamabad until terrorism is fully eradicated from the region.
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