Pakistan has banned Indian-flagged ships from entering its ports with immediate effect after New Delhi imposed fresh punitive measures, including a ban on the import of goods and entry of Pakistani vessels into its ports, against Islamabad amid heightened tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack.
The Pakistani newspaper, The News, reported on Sunday that the ministry confirmed that no Pakistani-flagged vessel would be allowed to dock at Indian ports either.
Pakistan called on its Gulf allies
Pakistan on Friday called on its Gulf allies to help defuse tensions with India following the deadly April 22 attack on tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir, which killed 26 people, most of them Hindus. India blamed Pakistan for the attack, a charge Pakistan vehemently denies.
India : A ban on the import of goods coming from Pakistan
It is noteworthy that India on Saturday imposed a ban on the import of goods coming from or transiting through Pakistan and also the entry of Pakistani ships into its ports even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the country is committed to taking “firm and decisive” action against terrorists and their backers.
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Banning the Indian ships
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In retaliation, Pakistan late Saturday ordered that any Indian flag carriers will not be allowed to visit any Pakistani port and also barred Pakistani ships from docking at any Indian port.The ministry of maritime affairs in a notification said that it took the step of banning the Indian ships in the context of the current situation, keeping in mind maritime sovereignty, economic interests and national security
An Indian government order
According to an Indian government order, a complete ban on imports of all goods from Pakistan was imposed on the grounds of national security and public policy.Though the 200 per cent import duty imposed on Pakistani goods in 2019 after the Pulwama attack had effectively halted direct imports, the latest decision also prohibits the entry of Pakistani goods routed through third countries
Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty
The fresh moves came a week-and-half after India announced a raft of punitive measures against Pakistan, including suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, shutting down of the only operation land border crossing at Attari and downgrading of diplomatic ties following the terror attack according to Rediff news
