New Delhi, May 3: In a major blow to Pakistan, India announced an immediate ban on all goods coming from Pakistan, whether directly or indirectly.
A notification in this regard was issued by the Ministry of Commerce on Saturday.
The order amends the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023 to include a new rule that bans the import or transit of any goods originating in or exported from Pakistan “until further orders.”
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) stated that the ban was put in place to protect national security and uphold public policy.
The Government of India has officially added a new provision titled “Prohibition on Import from Pakistan” to the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP), placing an immediate ban on all goods originating in or exported from Pakistan.
“Direct or indirect import or transit of all goods originating in or exported from Pakistan, whether or not freely importable or otherwise permitted, shall be prohibited with immediate effect, until further orders,” read the notification.
Any exemption to this ban will need prior approval from the Government of India.
The decision comes after the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 people. In response to Pakistan’s support for cross-border terrorism, India has taken a series of strong measures including:
- Suspending the Indus Waters Treaty
- Shutting down the integrated check post at Attari
- Cancelling SAARC visa exemptions
- Revoking visas already issued to Pakistani nationals
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has barred ships flying the Pakistani flag from entering Indian ports and banned Indian-flagged vessels from docking at ports in Pakistan.
The restrictions, which take effect immediately, have been enforced under Section 411 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958, to protect Indian assets, cargo, and port infrastructure.
“The objective of the Act is to foster the development and ensure the efficient maintenance of an Indian mercantile marine, in a manner best suited to serve national interests,” read the official notification.
