From Dawn · Behram Baloch | Saleem Shahid | News Desk · · 2m
Pakistan suspends Iran trade corridors over security concerns
Pakistan closes border crossings with Iran to address smuggling and security risks.
In brief
Pakistan closes border crossings with Iran to address smuggling and security risks. Pakistan suspended trade with Iran through key border crossings due to security and smuggling concerns, risking LPG shortages and economic disruption. Originally reported by Dawn.
Pakistan suspends Iran trade
Pakistan suspended trade with Iran through Gabd-Rimdan and Taftan border crossings on Saturday.
Ministry withdraws trade order
The Ministry of Commerce issued a memorandum on Friday withdrawing its earlier order dated Oct 3 with immediate effect.
Balochistan official explains closure
Shahid Rind, Balochistan chief minister's media adviser, said the closure addresses security concerns and prevents smuggling.
Rind refutes social media rumors
Rind urged the public not to pay attention to unverified information about the border closure on social media.
Border improvements expected
Rind stated that the Pak-Iran border is likely to reopen soon with a coordinated system to improve border affairs.
Iran's foreign ministry response
Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson attributed the closure to technical issues and said consultations would resume.
Quetta chamber advises halt
The Quetta Chamber of Commerce and Industry advised businesses to stop new import and export orders with Iran.
Stranded freight vehicles
Hundreds of freight vehicles carrying LPG, rice, and fresh fruit were stranded on both sides of the border.
Gabd-Rimdan trade significance
The Gabd-Rimdan crossing imported over 4,000 tonnes of LPG daily and saw surging rice exports generating millions in foreign exchange.
LPG shortage risks
Sources warned the closure could worsen LPG shortages in Karachi and other parts of Pakistan.
Taftan route disruptions
The Taftan route already faced disruptions amid Balochistan unrest, with the Gabd-Rimdan suspension pushing up LPG prices.
Trade disruption impacts
Local traders warned the closure could cause substantial losses to the national exchequer and energy crises.
Recent trade measures
Since March, Islamabad and Tehran rolled out measures to facilitate border trade including customs procedures and transit routes.
Recent diplomatic visit
In early August, an Iranian delegation visited Islamabad for the 10th session of the Pak-Iran Joint Trade Committee.
The takeaway
Pakistan suspended trade with Iran through key border crossings due to security and smuggling concerns, risking LPG shortages and economic disruption.
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