India prohibits imports & transit of goods originating from Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: The Government of India has imposed an immediate and indefinite ban on the import and transit of all goods originating or exported from Pakistan.

This was announced on Friday by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under the Indian Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

The notification prohibits both direct and indirect imports or transit of goods originating in or exported from Pakistan, irrespective of whether such goods are otherwise permitted or can be freely imported. The ban is effective with immediate effect and will remain in force until further notice.

According to the DGFT, the move has been taken in the interest of “national security and public policy”. Any exemption from the ban will require prior approval from the Government of India, the notification read.

The notification clearly states that the ban is absolute and covers all goods, thus freezing even those that were previously permitted under specific trade categories.