Pakistan has suspended commercial trade through the Taftan and Gabd-Rimdan crossings with Iran, leaving cargo shipments stranded and raising concerns among traders about losses and supplies of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).
The suspension began on Saturday, October 17, after the Ministry of Commerce withdrew an earlier order, according to Dawn, which reported seeing the ministry’s memorandum.
The memorandum did not specify a reason. Balochistan officials described the measure as temporary and linked it to security, smuggling and border-management concerns.
Trucks held up at crossings
Traders reported that large numbers of trucks and containers were stranded as commercial traffic stopped. The two crossings carry food, other goods and energy-related imports between Pakistan and Iran.
The Gabd-Rimdan route is particularly important for LPG imports. Trade sources warned that a prolonged closure could put pressure on supplies in Karachi and other markets, Dawn reported.
The warnings do not mean an LPG shortage has already occurred.
The Quetta Chamber of Commerce and Industry advised importers and exporters to hold off on new orders until the situation becomes clearer. Traders shipping rice, fruit and other goods also face delays.
No reopening date announced
Officials have not announced when commercial trade will resume.
The restriction concerns commercial cargo movements at the two crossings; reports reviewed on October 18 did not establish that all other forms of cross-border travel had stopped.
Businesses are awaiting fresh instructions from border and commerce authorities before restarting shipments.