National: Following India’s imposition of a ban on the import of goods from or transiting through Pakistan and the denial of entry to Pakistani ships into its ports, Pakistan has retaliated by prohibiting Indian flag carriers from using its ports. This latest development further strains the already tense relationship between the two neighboring nations.
India’s initial actions, announced on May 3rd, came with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s assertion of the country’s commitment to taking firm action against terrorism and its supporters. The ban extended to all goods originating from Pakistan, regardless of whether they were directly imported or transited through other countries, citing national security and public policy concerns. Additionally, the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) confirmed that Indian ships were also barred from visiting Pakistani ports.
Pakistan’s response, reported by the Dawn newspaper late Saturday, cited the “recent development of maritime situation with neighbouring country” as the reason for its counter-measure. The order issued by Pakistan’s Ministry of Maritime Affairs’ Ports and Shipping Wing stated that the move was aimed at safeguarding maritime sovereignty, economic interest, and national security. Any exceptions to this ban would be considered on a case-by-case basis.
The escalating tensions follow the devastating April 22nd terror attack in Pahalgam, which resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals, predominantly tourists. In the aftermath of the attack, India has implemented a series of punitive measures against Pakistan, including the suspension of mail and parcel exchanges and the reported shutdown of the Attari land border crossing, alongside the downgrading of diplomatic ties.
Amidst these developments, the Pakistan army announced a successful training launch of its Abdali Weapon System, a surface-to-surface missile with a range of 450 km, stating it was to ensure operational readiness. India has reportedly viewed this test launch as a provocative act.
Meanwhile, the search for the perpetrators of the Pahalgam attack continues, with Sri Lankan police briefly searching a flight from Chennai following a tip-off about a potential suspect. Indian authorities have identified four terrorists, including two Pakistani nationals, as being responsible for the deadly attack. Sri Lankan Airlines confirmed that the aircraft in question was thoroughly inspected and cleared.
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