Pakistan has barred Indian-flagged ships from entering its ports immediately following India’s imposition of new punitive measures. These include a ban on imports from Pakistan and the entry of Pakistani vessels into Indian ports, amidst escalating tensions following the Pahalgam attack.
In response, India implemented restrictions prohibiting goods from Pakistan and Pakistani ships from its ports.
Pakistan’s Ministry of Maritime Affairs justified its actions citing maritime sovereignty, economic interests, and national security concerns. It announced that Indian-flagged ships would be prohibited from entering Pakistani ports, mirroring India’s restrictions on Pakistani ships.
Tensions between the two nations have intensified since the April 22 Pahalgam attack, which claimed 26 lives. India’s additional measures include suspending mail and parcel exchanges with Pakistan and enforcing a ban on Indian ships visiting Pakistani ports.
Furthermore, India has completely halted imports from Pakistan, citing national security and public policy. This decision extends to goods transiting through third countries, building on earlier punitive measures introduced after the Pulwama attack in 2019.
The recent actions follow a series of retaliatory steps by India, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, closing the Attari border crossing, and downgrading diplomatic relations in response to the terror attack.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Army conducted a successful training launch of the Abdali Weapon System, a surface-to-surface missile, aiming to ensure troop readiness and validate technical capabilities.
In related developments, Sri Lankan authorities searched a flight from Chennai to Colombo amid suspicions that a suspect linked to the Pahalgam attack could be onboard. The aircraft was inspected thoroughly and subsequently cleared for further operations, according to SriLankan Airlines.
