Pahalgam Attack Aftermath: India Bans Direct & Indirect Trade With Pakistan

New Delhi: India on Saturday banned direct or indirect import of all goods from Pakistan with immediate effect. The Ministry of Commerce issued a notification in this regard. The step was part of India's sanctions against Pakistan after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in which 22 people were killed.

As per the notification, direct or indirect Import or transit of all goods originating in or exported from Pakistan, whether or not freely importable or otherwise permitted, will be prohibited with immediate effect.

"In exercise of powers conferred by Section 3 read with Section 5 of Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Act, 1992, read with paragraph 1.02 and 2.01 of the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023, as amended from time to time, the Central Government hereby inserts a new Para 2.20A in Foreign Trade Policy, 2023 as follows with immediate effect," the notification read.

"This restriction is imposed in the interest of national security and public policy. Any exception to this prohibition shall require prior approval of the Government of India," it added.

After the Paghalgam massacre, New Delhi announced a series sanctions against Islamabad, including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and the closure of the Attari-Wagah border. Notably, it is the only trade route between India and Pakistan.

India also cancelled visas of all the Pakistani nationals staying in the country.

After the Pahalgam attack, Pakistani troops are violating ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC). The India Army is retaliating strongly.