Tensions Escalate: Pakistan Bans Indian Ships Amid Ongoing Conflict

Pakistan's Immediate Ban on Indian Ships

In a significant escalation of tensions, Pakistan has prohibited Indian-flagged vessels from accessing its ports, effective immediately. This decision follows India's recent imposition of sanctions, which included a ban on imports from Pakistan and restrictions on Pakistani ships entering Indian ports, amid rising hostilities after the Pahalgam terror incident.

On Saturday, India announced a comprehensive ban on goods imported from or passing through Pakistan, alongside a prohibition on Pakistani vessels docking at Indian ports. Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the nation's resolve to take 'firm and decisive' actions against terrorism and its supporters.

In response, Pakistan declared that no Indian flag carriers would be permitted to dock at any of its ports, while also preventing Pakistani ships from entering Indian waters.

The Ministry of Maritime Affairs in Pakistan issued a notification stating that this ban was enacted in light of the current geopolitical climate, prioritizing maritime sovereignty, economic interests, and national security.

The ministry confirmed, 'Indian-flagged ships will not be allowed to reach any Pakistani port. Similarly, Pakistani-flagged ships will not visit any Indian port.'

Relations between the two nations have deteriorated sharply following the April 22 Pahalgam attack, which resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals, primarily tourists.

India's latest punitive measures, which took effect immediately, also included halting the exchange of mail and parcels with Pakistan via air and land routes.

In addition to barring Pakistani ships from Indian ports, India has also restricted its own vessels from visiting Pakistan, as per directives from the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS). These restrictions were implemented without delay, according to officials.

An Indian government order cited national security and public policy as the basis for a total ban on all imports from Pakistan.

While a 200 percent import duty on Pakistani goods was already in place since 2019 following the Pulwama attack, the new measures extend to prohibit the entry of Pakistani goods that are routed through third countries.

These recent actions follow a series of punitive measures announced by India, including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, closure of the Attari land border crossing, and a downgrade of diplomatic relations in the wake of the terror attack.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Army reported a successful training launch of the Abdali Weapon System, a surface-to-surface missile with a range of 450 km, aimed at ensuring troop readiness and validating technical parameters.

In New Delhi, sources indicated that India views this missile test as a 'blatant' provocation.

As investigations into the Pahalgam attackers continue, Sri Lankan police conducted a search of a flight arriving from Chennai, acting on intelligence that a suspect linked to the attack might be aboard. Indian authorities have identified four terrorists involved in the Pahalgam incident, including two Pakistani nationals.

A statement from SriLankan Airlines confirmed that the aircraft was thoroughly inspected and cleared for further operations.