Pakistan Closes Iran Border

Pakistan has suspended trade with Iran through the official Taftan and Gabd-Rimdan border crossings in Balochistan, with authorities citing security worries and the need to curb smuggling.

Key points

• In August, an Iranian delegation led by Trade and Industry Minister Mohammad Atabak visited Islamabad for the 10th session of the Pak-Iran Joint Trade Committee.
• During a session with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, both sides agreed to raise bilateral trade to $10 billion and keep border crossings open round the clock.
• The Quetta Chamber of Commerce and Industry (QCCI) has informed its members to stop placing new import and export orders with Iran until further notice.
• Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baqaei additionally described the closure as temporary, according to Iran's state-run news agency IRNA.
• While commercial operations have ceased, iran-based Wana news agency documented that passenger traffic through the Rimdan-Gabd crossing is still running.

Notably, the Ministry of Commerce issued a memorandum on Friday that withdrew, with immediate effect, its earlier order dated October 3 that had allowed trade through the two crossings. The suspension came to light on Saturday. IPhones Becomes Latest Victim of Hormuz Closure. Administration States the Closure Is Temporary.

Adviser to the Balochistan chief minister on media and political affairs Shahid Rind remarked the temporary closure is meant to address security worries, stop smuggling, and create the border system more effective.

In an official note on X, Rind dismissed what he called rumours on social media and asked individuals not to trust unverified information. He remarked the step was necessary to improve security and administrative affairs on both sides of the border.

Rind continued that senior office-holders of the two countries are making progress on resolving administrative problems, and that the border is anticipated to reopen shortly. He remarked a coordinated system is being set up to improve border management and prevent smuggling.

Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baqaei additionally described the closure as temporary, according to Iran's state-run news agency IRNA. Nevertheless, he blamed "technical issues" and stated both countries are holding consultations to restore normal operations. Trucks Stranded and LPG Supplies at Risk.

Notably, the Quetta Chamber of Commerce and Industry (QCCI) has informed its members to stop placing new import and export orders with Iran until further notice.

Hundreds of goods vehicles carrying liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), rice, fresh fruit, and other essential items are reportedly stuck on both sides of the border.

Meanwhile, the Gabd-Rimdan route has become a key supply line for Pakistan's energy needs. Over 4, 000 tonnes of LPG are reportedly imported through it every day.

Pakistani exports, especially rice, have additionally grown through this route in recent months.

As the Taftan route was already facing disruptions due to unrest in Balochistan, trade and energy sector sources cautioned that the suspension could worsen LPG shortages in Karachi and other cities and push up open-market costs.

Traders have additionally cautioned of losses to the national exchequer and to the livelihoods of individuals who depend on cross-border trade. KFC Switches to Coca Cola in US. A Setback for Growing Pakistan-Iran Trade.

This is not the first time the route has faced trouble. Though Pakistan Customs rejected claims of a disruption in LPG imports at the time, in June, reports remarked trade through the Gabd-Rimdan crossing had come to a halt. Stay Connected with ProPakistani.

Obtain the latest business news, market insights, and economic updates wherever you prefer. Follow on Google Discover. Follow on Google News Join WhatsApp. See more ProPakistani stories in Google Search and Top Stories.

For now, pakistan Closes Iran Border remains the part of the story worth watching, and further updates are likely as more details are confirmed.