Pakistan closes its ports for Indian flag carriers

ISLAMABAD: In a strong response to India’s rising war hysteria, Pakistan has banned the entry of Indian-flagged commercial vessels into its ports with immediate effect.

The Ministry of Maritime Affairs has issued a formal notification enforcing the ban.

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The directive also prohibits Pakistani-flagged vessels from docking at Indian ports, marking a significant escalation in bilateral maritime restrictions.

The move comes in the wake of the April 22 Pahalgam attack in Indian-administered Kashmir, where 26 tourists were killed. India accused Pakistan of involvement, leading to the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, orders for Pakistanis in India to leave the country, and a sharp deterioration in diplomatic ties.

Pakistan had earlier closed its airspace to Indian aircraft and, on April 24, imposed a complete trade ban on India, including indirect trade via third countries.

Pakistan has also offered to facilitate an international and impartial investigation into the Pahalgam incident, an offer India has yet to respond to.

Countries such as China, Türkiye, and Switzerland have voiced support for Pakistan’s call for transparency.

Following China, Türkiye has now publicly backed Pakistan, denouncing India’s aggressive rhetoric and urging restraint in the region.