In a sharp escalation of trade tensions following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, Pakistan has announced the closure of its ports to Indian shipping vessels. The move comes in direct response to New Delhi’s decision to ban all imports from Islamabad, citing national security concerns.
The tit-for-tat actions reflect the deteriorating diplomatic and economic ties between the two countries in the aftermath of the April 22 attack, which killed 26 civilians and was blamed by India on terror groups backed by Pakistan.
A spokesperson for Pakistan’s Ministry of Maritime Affairs confirmed the directive, stating that Indian-flagged vessels or those carrying Indian-origin goods will no longer be allowed to dock at Pakistani ports. The announcement follows India’s suspension of key bilateral trade agreements and the blocking of Pakistani social media accounts accused of spreading anti-India propaganda.
Officials in New Delhi said the import ban is part of a broader strategy to exert diplomatic and economic pressure on Islamabad to act against terror groups operating from its soil.
This is the latest in a series of retaliatory moves, including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and reduction of Pakistan’s diplomatic presence in India.
As both nations dig in, the diplomatic standoff shows no signs of easing—raising concerns of long-term regional instability and further economic fallout.