Islamabad: The Pakistani government has announced a sweeping ban on the transit of Indian-origin goods through its territory, citing national security and public interest. The decision, outlined in Statutory Regulatory Order (S.R.O) 750(I)/2025 issued by the Ministry of Commerce, takes immediate effect.
The order prohibits:
1. Transit of Indian Goods via Third Countries: Goods originating from India, imported by third countries through sea, land, or air routes transiting Pakistan, are now banned.
2. Exports to India via Pakistan: Third-country exports destined for India and passing through Pakistani territory are also barred.
The restrictions will not apply to shipments for which a Bill of Lading (B/L) or Letter of Credit (L/C) was issued or established before the order’s implementation on May 4, 2025.
While the order does not specify detailed reasons, it emphasizes that the move aligns with Pakistan’s national security priorities and public interest. This decision follows years of strained trade relations between the two neighboring nations, which have seen minimal direct commerce since India’s revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status in 2019.
The ban is expected to disrupt regional trade logistics, particularly for landlocked countries like Afghanistan, which rely on Pakistani routes for trade with India. Analysts suggest the move could escalate tensions in an already volatile geopolitical climate.
The Ministry of Commerce has yet to clarify the duration of the ban or potential alternatives for affected traders. Stakeholders are advised to review their supply chains and legal documentation to ensure compliance.