The decision follows the April 22 attack in Pahalgam in Indian-occupied Kashmir. The attack claimed the lives of 26 people mostly tourists.
India has suggested a cross-border link to the attack without presenting any shred of evidence.
Pakistan has firmly rejected the allegation and instead called for an independent investigation by a neutral party.
Since the attack, relations between the two nuclear-armed neighbours have deteriorated rapidly.
Pakistan has reportedly reinforced its military presence, while Indian leadership has granted its forces “operational freedom.” On April 30, Pakistan warned of a potential Indian incursion within the next 24–36 hours, prompting urgent diplomatic efforts to defuse the crisis.
In a significant maritime development, India earlier Saturday announced that Pakistani-flagged ships would no longer be allowed to dock at Indian ports, nor would Indian-flagged ships be permitted to call at ports in Pakistan.
Also Read: Leaked documents uncover shocking details about Pahalgam incident
“Given the recent maritime developments with the neighboring country, and in order to protect Pakistan’s maritime sovereignty, national security, and economic interests, the following measures are enforced with immediate effect: Indian flag carriers are banned from visiting Pakistani ports, and Pakistani flag carriers will not visit Indian ports. Any exceptions will be considered on a case-by-case basis,” the statement read.
These reciprocal measures follow other punitive steps taken by New Delhi, including the closure of its airspace to Pakistani aircraft until May 23 and the blocking of several Pakistani social media accounts belonging to news outlets and political figures.
Bilateral trade between India and Pakistan has already been in decline for several years. In 2019, Pakistan downgraded trade relations with India to the same status it maintains with Israel—with which it has no formal trade—after India revoked Article 370, removing the special constitutional status of occupied Kashmir.
