Record increase in imports from India seen despite trade ban

ISLAMABAD (Rizwan Abbasi): The imports from India have seen a notable surge in the first seven months of the incumbent government.

Although the trade with India was suspended in 2019, a substantial 45% increase was recorded in imports from India since September 2024.

According to government sources, imports reached $28 million in September this year, compared to $19.3 million in the same month last year.

Despite the trade suspension, imports from India have continued to rise for the second consecutive month. In August 2024, annual imports from India increased by 5%. Similarly, significant increases were also recorded in January, March 2024, and February, and May 2023.

It is pertinent to mention that Pakistan suspended the trade with neighboring India after escalating tensions in 2019. The government, however, relaxed the policy only for life-saving medicines, but the recent surge has raised questions about current trade policies.