India bans imports from Pakistan

New Delhi, May 3: In the aftermath of April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that left 26 people, mostly tourists dead, the Centre on Saturday announced snapping of more ties with Pakistan.
The decisions included imposing a ban on importing any goods from the neighouring country, prohibiting Pakistani ships from entering Indian ports and suspension of all categories of mail and parcels.
The Union Ministry of Commerce amended the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023 to prohibit the import or transit of goods originating in or exported from Pakistan. This ban includes both direct and indirect imports and applies to all categories of goods, regardless of whether they are freely importable or previously permitted under existing trade rules.
An order issued by the Commerce Ministry reads: “In exercise of powers conferred by Section 3 the Central Government hereby inserts a new Para 2.20A in Foreign Trade Policy, 2023 as follows with immediate effect: Para 2.20A: Prohibition on Import from Pakistan. Direct or indirect Import or transit of all goods originating in or exported from Pakistan, whether or not freely importable or otherwise permitted, shall be prohibited with immediate effect, until further orders. 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.”
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways issued an order banning Pakistani-flagged vessels from entering Indian ports with immediate effect.
The order states: “In exercise of power conferred by section 411 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958 read with objectives as enshrined under Preamble of the said Act, keeping in view of the present situation, the following directions are hereby issued: A ship bearing the flag of Pakistan shall not be allowed to visit any Indian Port. An Indian flag ship shall not visit any Ports of Pakistan.”
“This order is issued to ensure safety of Indian assets, cargo and connected infrastructure, in public interest and for interest of Indian shipping. Any exemption or dispensation from this order shall be examined and decided on case-to-case. This order shall come into force with immediate effect and remain in force till further order,” the order states.
In a related development Department of Posts that operates under the Ministry of Communication ordered suspension and exchange of all categories of mail and parcels from Pakistan through air and surface routes amid escalating tensions between the two nations.
It may be recalled that after the Pahalgam terror attack India had promised severe punishment to those involved in the strike.
In a high-level meeting with the top defence brass, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had asserted that the armed forces have “complete operational freedom” to decide on the mode, targets and timing of India’s response to the terror attack.
The Prime Minister has affirmed that it is a national resolve to deal a crushing blow to terrorism.
India on April 23 announced a raft of punitive measures against Pakistan including suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, shutting down of the only operation land border crossing at Attari and downgrading of diplomatic ties in view of cross-border links to the attack. (KNO)