In the wake of mysterious so-called the Pahalgam terror attack, on 22 April 2025. Following New Delhi’s escalating tensions, without investigation taking aggressive measures to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, directed Pakistani nationals to leave India within 48 hours, and closed the Attari / Wagah borders immediately leaving the collateral damage for Afghanistan.
Further that on May 03, 2025 Directorate General of Shipping, Mumbai vide their Notification F. No 27-19/10/2025-INT-COOP-DGS (Comp. No.: 34081) has ordered, “That a ship bearing the flag of Pakistan shall not be allowed to visit any Indian Port.”
India’s Trade Suspension Since 2019
Likewise, mysterious so-called Pulwama incident in 2019, India unilaterally suspended all trade with Pakistan. This included the halting of imports and exports through both land and sea. Over the years, the suspension has intensified, leading to a complete cessation of bilateral trade activities.
Pakistan is forced to Retaliate.
India’s unilateral restrictive steps forced Pakistan to reciprocate the situation just in retaliation and to maintain sovereignty and national prestige. Through an Order by the Ministry of Commerce vide S.R.O. 750(I)/2025 dated the 4th May, 2025 Pakistan has prohibited import of Indian origin goods via sea, land and air, either directly or via third country including the transit.
In fact Pakistan is forced by India to retaliate and reciprocate. Even then Pakistan showed the grace and relaxed that prohibitions shall not be applicable to those imports/exports for which the Bill of Lading (B/L) 0r Letter of Credit (L/C) is issued or established prior to the imposition of prohibitions.
Further vide Shipping Order No. 001/2025 dated 3rd May 2025 Ministry of Maritime Affairs, Pakistan has reciprocate and banned Indian Flag Carriers shall not be allowed to visit any Pakistani Ports.
Pakistan’s Retaliation but Balanced and Generous Response.
On April 22, 2024, Pakistan announced a ban on entry for all Indian-owned, operated, or leased planes into its airspace. This ban targets Indian airlines and is set to stay in place until at least May 23, 2025. The Government of Pakistan chose this ban as a form of retaliation. This means the skies between the two neighbors are now closed for Indian airlines. However, as the responsible state, Pakistan announced the closure of its airspace to all Indian airlines only. Other International carriers not covered by the ban.
Pakistan allowed the passage of 150 Afghan trucks that had entered the country before April 25. These trucks were carrying Afghanistan’s export commercial goods intended for India and were stranded due to the closure of Attari / Wagah Borders by India. However, Pakistan made an exception for Afghanistan, acknowledging the importance of regional support and neighborly relations.
IRTCoP observed that, despite being on the receiving end of such Indian restrictions, Pakistan has consistently responded with patience and maturity. Rather than reciprocating with equal measures, Pakistan maintained transit flexibility, especially for third-party and humanitarian cargo.
A Gesture of Grace amid Political Restrain.
IRTCoP observed the way that Pakistan responded, it is a powerful example how diplomacy can prevail even in a tense political environments. Pakistan, despite facing repeated economic and diplomatic hurdles, chose to facilitate transit trade not for political gain, but for the well-being of a neighboring nation. It is a rare moment in international affairs when a country allows trade through its land to another nation that has severed all ties with it. Even as India has closed its ports, borders, and trade routes to Pakistan, Pakistan chose to act in good faith, prioritizing human and regional needs over retaliation
National Support and Collective Pride.
President IRT Chamber of Pakistan has assured, that the business community and people of Pakistan have stood firmly behind decisions taken by Pakistan. There is a deep-rooted national belief in extending kindness even when not reciprocated. Citizens across the country have voiced their pride in Pakistan and willingness to support regional harmony. Pakistan’s decisions, being act of goodwill reflects the unity, strength, and maturity as a nation that does not seek conflict, but rather contributes to peace — even under pressure.
He further says Pakistan’s decision to facilitate Afghan trade through its land into India will be remembered as a milestone of responsible diplomacy. And allowing Non-Indian Air Lines, sends a clear message to the world: that Pakistan as responsible nation proceeds through actions that heal, not divide.
