India has introduced an immediate ban on imports of goods derived from or transit through Pakistan, the Indian government announced that hostilities between the two countries were intensified following a deadly attack in Indically illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
The Directorate -General for Foreign Trade said the restriction was adopted “in interest in national security and public politics”, without any exemption time being provided.
The decision follows a 22 April attack in the Pahagam area of IIOJK, which killed at least 26 tourists.
India has blamed Pakistan for supporting attackers – an accusation Islamabad refuses strongly and instead urges an independent international investigation.
Islamabad has also claimed that India is preparing for military retaliation and responding by stopping all trade at border crossings, closing its airspace to Indian flights and exhibiting Indian diplomats.
Pakistan has warned India that any action to disrupt water flows under the Indus Waters Treaty would be considered an act of war.
Earlier, Pakistan has dismissed India’s request to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to review Islamabad’s financial support program.
An adviser to Pakistan’s Finance Ministry confirmed on Friday that the country’s IMF Bailout of $ 7 billion, secured last year, remains “good on track” and critical of macroeconomic stability.
Islamabad also received an additional $ 1.3 billion in climate abuse financing in March 2025.
“This program not only stabilizes Pakistan – it’s built confidence,” said Finance Advisor Khurram Schehzad. “The latest IMF review went smoothly, and our meetings with global financial institutions in Washington reflected high investor interest.”
India’s steps to press the IMF come as the two nuclear armed neighbors impose mutual suspensions on treaties, diplomatic exchanges and access to airspace, elaborate hostilities after New Delhi accused Pakistan of the Pahaldam attack without presenting evidence.
Officials claim that India’s attempt to involve the IMF is an extension of its political campaign to isolate Pakistan Pakistan diplomatically.
Neither India’s Finance Ministry nor the IMF have publicly responded to Pakistan’s concerns.
Airspace closures, the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and Tit-For-Tat Diplomatic Expulsions have further strained the fragile regional balance.
