Delhi, 4 May (H.S.): Pakistan has reportedly imposed a ban on the use of its ports by Indian flag carriers shortly after India enacted punitive measures against Pakistan. On Saturday, India banned imports of goods from or transiting through Pakistan and prohibited Pakistani ships from entering its ports. Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized India’s commitment to taking firm and decisive actions against terrorism and its supporters.
Following India’s restrictions, Pakistan announced that no Indian flag carriers would be allowed access to any of its ports. This decision was made as part of measures to protect Pakistan’s maritime sovereignty, economic interests, and national security. The Pakistani newspaper, Dawn, reported that Pakistani flag carriers would also be barred from visiting Indian ports. Exemptions would be considered on a case-by-case basis.
The tensions between the two countries escalated following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of 26 individuals, primarily tourists. As a further response to these heightened tensions, India has suspended exchanges of mail and parcels with Pakistan through both air and surface routes.
In addition to barring the entry of Pakistani ships into its ports, India has reciprocated by prohibiting Indian ships from traveling to Pakistani ports. This comprehensive set of restrictions became effective immediately, as confirmed by officials from the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) in India.
Both countries’ relations remain strained due to ongoing hostilities, with both sides taking significant actions that reflect their commitment to safeguarding national interests amid rising tensions.
An Indian government order has imposed a complete ban on imports from Pakistan, citing national security and public policy concerns. Initially, a 200 per cent import duty was imposed on Pakistani goods in 2019 following the Pulwama attack, which had already curtailed direct imports. The new ban also prevents Pakistani goods from entering India through third countries. This decision comes after a series of punitive actions against Pakistan, including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, closure of the Attari land border crossing, and downgrading of diplomatic relations, all in response to a recent terror attack.
In the meantime, the Pakistan army announced a successful training launch of the Abdali Weapon System, a surface-to-surface missile with a 450 km range, aimed at ensuring troop readiness and validating technical aspects. Indian officials view this missile test as a provocative action.
Additionally, as the investigation into the Pahalgam attack escalates, Sri Lankan police received information about a potential suspect linked to the incident aboard a flight from Chennai to Colombo. Indian authorities have identified four terrorists, two of whom are Pakistani nationals, connected to the Pahalgam attack. Following a thorough inspection, SriLankan Airlines confirmed that the aircraft was cleared for further operations after being searched by police.
The ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan, aggravated by recent events, underline the fragile security situation in the region, with both nations engaged in escalatory military postures and diplomatic standoffs. As India remains vigilant regarding any provocations from Pakistan, the international community watches closely for developments that may contribute to peace or further conflict in South Asia.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
