Pakistan Suspends Trade at Gabd-Rimdan and Taftan Border Crossings

GWADAR: Pakistan has suspended trade with Iran through the Gabd-Rimdan and Taftan border crossings effective immediately, as confirmed on Saturday. The Ministry of Commerce issued a memorandum on Friday, retracting its previous order dated October 3 without providing a reason for the abrupt closure.

The Quetta Chamber of Commerce and Industry (QCCI) has advised its members to halt all new import and export orders with Iran until further notice. Initial communications between Pakistani and Iranian authorities have reportedly taken place following the suspension.

This closure has left hundreds of freight vehicles stranded on both sides of the border, carrying essential goods such as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), rice, and fresh fruit. The disruption raises concerns about the impact on local economies and the availability of vital commodities in the region.

Passenger traffic through the border crossings remains operational, according to reports from the Iran-based Wana news agency. As the situation develops, further discussions between the two nations are anticipated to address the implications of this trade suspension.