In a strong response to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, the Indian government has announced a complete ban on the import of any goods from Pakistan.
This decision follows the brutal terrorist attack in Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam in South Kashmir’s Anantnag district on April 22, which killed 26 people, mostly tourists. The ban takes effect immediately.
Imports and Transit from Pakistan Prohibited
According to a notification from the Commerce Ministry, a new provision has been added to the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023.
It states that both direct and indirect imports or transit of any goods from Pakistan are now prohibited until further notice.
This includes items that were earlier freely importable or allowed under specific conditions.
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) clarified that the import ban has been imposed in the interest of national security and public welfare.
Any exemption to this rule will only be possible with prior approval from the Government of India.
Diplomatic Measures Against Pakistan
The terror attack has triggered a series of tough diplomatic actions from India.
The country has cancelled the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) for Pakistani nationals, expelled the Pakistani military attaché, suspended the decades-old Indus Water Treaty signed in 1960, and shut down the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at the Attari border.
These measures are aimed at sending a clear message to Pakistan following the attack, which has shocked the nation and fueled public outrage.
PM Modi’s Strong Stand
Earlier this week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a high-level meeting with top defence officials.
During the meeting, he said that the Indian armed forces have “complete freedom” to decide the timing, target, and method of India’s response to the terror attack.
His statement signals a firm stance on national security and a possible future retaliation.
