India Bans Imports from Pakistan in Post-Pahalgam Attack

New Delhi, May 3, 2025 – In a significant escalation of regional tensions, India bans imports from Pakistan following the deadly attack on Indian security forces in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The attack, which killed seven soldiers and injured several others, has been blamed by Indian authorities on Pakistan-based militant outfits, prompting swift economic retaliation.

India’s Ministry of Commerce announced the suspension of all inbound trade from Pakistan, citing national security concerns and accusing Islamabad of failing to curb cross-border terrorism. The ban takes immediate effect and halts the limited trade that had slowly resumed after years of strained relations.

The suspension affects key commodities such as textiles, rock salt, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural goods, which were still being traded informally or under specific exemptions. A senior Indian official stated that “no form of engagement can be sustained while our soldiers are being targeted,” describing the measure as “a necessary step to safeguard national interest.”

In Islamabad, Pakistan’s Foreign Office condemned the move, calling it an unjustified and politically motivated reaction. It reiterated Pakistan’s denial of any involvement in the Pahalgam incident and warned that such unilateral steps further destabilize the region. “India must refrain from knee-jerk measures that undermine long-term peace and economic cooperation,” the statement read.

Meanwhile, India continued its blocking spree as Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said today his social media account had also been blocked in the neighbouring country, the Associated Press of Pakistan reported. The Indian government has already blocked access to the official YouTube channels of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, and the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) for users in India.

India has blocked dozens of accounts so far in the wake of the Pahalgam attack, including those of high-profile Pakistani cricketers, actors, entertainment channels, news publications, and journalists.

As India bans imports from Pakistan, the move adds to the intensifying wave of diplomatic, economic, and digital disengagement between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.