Pakistan Bans Indian-Flagged Ships From Entering Its Ports In Tit For Tat Move
In a tit for tat move, Pakistan has officially barred Indian-flagged cargo vessels from entering its ports. The decision came just hours after India imposed a series of punitive trade measures against Islamabad, including a complete ban on goods from or routed through Pakistan and restrictions on Pakistani ships entering Indian ports.
The announcement by Pakistan’s Ministry of Maritime Affairs stated that all Indian flag carriers are now banned from docking at Pakistani ports, and Pakistani vessels would also not be allowed at Indian ports.
The ministry said these steps are necessary to safeguard the country’s maritime sovereignty, economic interests and national security. It also stated that any exception to this policy would be considered on a case-by-case basis.
India’s response to the Pahalgam attack- which killed 26 people, mostly tourists, has been swift and multi-pronged.
The Indian authorities alleged Pakistan’s involvement in the assault, though Islamabad has firmly rejected these claims, calling them baseless and politically motivated.
Pakistan has instead demanded an international and transparent investigation into the incident.
As tensions grew, India announced the suspension of all imports from Pakistan, even through third countries. This new ban goes beyond the earlier 200% import duty imposed in 2019 after the Pulwama attack, which had already largely halted direct trade.
India also barred Pakistani ships from entering its ports and prohibited Indian ships from traveling to Pakistani ports.
The Directorate General of Shipping in India confirmed that the port bans were implemented immediately to protect Indian cargo, infrastructure, and national interests.
Additionally, India has suspended the exchange of letters, parcels, and mail with Pakistan through both air and land routes. Diplomatic ties have also been downgraded.
Defense attachés were recalled from Islamabad, and visa exemptions granted under the SAARC agreement to Pakistani nationals were canceled.
India also announced the suspension of the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, a long-standing water-sharing agreement between the two countries. Indian officials said the treaty’s suspension was justified by current security concerns.
In response, Pakistan issued a strong warning, stating that any interference with its water rights would be treated as an act of war and would trigger full retaliation.
Pakistan also reacted by closing its airspace to Indian flights and reaffirmed its intention to respond forcefully to any military or strategic provocation from India.
According to local media, the Pakistani Army conducted a training launch of the Abdali surface-to-surface missile, which has a range of 450 kilometers. The military said the launch was aimed at testing the readiness of its forces and technical capabilities.
Indian officials called the move provocative.
Meanwhile, Sri Lankan authorities searched a Colombo-bound flight from Chennai after receiving a tip that a suspect linked to the Pahalgam attack might be on board. The national airline confirmed that the plane was thoroughly checked before being cleared for operations.
Indian investigators have identified four individuals they believe were involved in the attack, including two Pakistani nationals.
India and Pakistan have fought three wars since 1947, two of which were over Kashmir- a region both countries claim but control in parts. For the past ten days, both sides have also exchanged fire across the Line of Control, the de facto border in the disputed Himalayan region.
Countries including the United States, China, the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Iran have appealed to both India and Pakistan to de-escalate and avoid a military confrontation.
