By News Desk 
Following the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India has intensified its stance against Pakistan by imposing a complete ban on all imports from the neighboring country. The decision is expected to deliver a significant economic blow to Pakistan, which is already grappling with mounting debt, inflation, and unemployment.
According to economic experts, this move will severely impact Pakistani traders, further weakening a fragile economy and increasing public distress. The ban is likely to deepen the unemployment crisis in Pakistan and push ordinary citizens closer to poverty.
Commerce Ministry Issues Official Notification
On Saturday, India’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry issued an official notification announcing an immediate suspension of all direct and indirect imports from Pakistan. The notification states that a new clause has been added to the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023, which comes into effect immediately.
The ministry clarified that any future imports from Pakistan will now require prior approval from the Government of India.
Details of the Ban
The notification reads:
“With immediate effect and until further notice, the import of all goods originating in or exported from Pakistan—whether freely importable or otherwise permitted—shall be prohibited. This measure has been taken in the interest of national security and public policy.”
Any exceptions to this rule will require explicit authorization from the Indian government.
What Does India-Pakistan Trade Look Like?
Prior to the ban, India exported a variety of goods to Pakistan, including:
- Cotton
- Chemicals
- Pharmaceuticals
- Food products and spices
- Tea, coffee
- Steel, iron, and auto parts
- Onions, tomatoes, and salt
While direct imports from Pakistan had already decreased significantly after 2019, some items such as rock salt and Multani mitti (Fuller’s earth) continued to enter India via indirect channels. Now, even those limited items fall under the new comprehensive ban.
This move marks yet another diplomatic and economic escalation between the two nations and underscores India’s resolve to isolate terror-supporting networks by targeting their financial lifelines.