The Ministry of Commerce is moving forward with a proposal to completely suspend all remaining imports from India, as it prepares to seek formal approval from the federal cabinet. This move would mark the end of exemptions that currently allow certain critical health-related imports from India to continue despite a broader trade ban that has been in place since 2019.
Pakistan initially imposed a trade ban on India on August 5, 2019, following heightened diplomatic tensions between the two countries. However, exceptions were made for the import of essential medicines and vaccines, including life-saving drugs, vaccines under the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI), and anti-rabies vaccines crucial for treating dog bite cases.
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If approved by the federal cabinet, the new measure will halt these remaining imports, potentially disrupting the supply of vital health products in the country. While there is a possibility of sourcing some of these medicines and vaccines from China, officials have indicated that registering these alternatives will take time, leading to a temporary supply gap that could affect public health services.
The decision to pursue a complete import ban reflects the government’s ongoing stance on maintaining strict trade restrictions with India. A formal notification regarding the suspension of trade will be issued only after the cabinet grants its final approval. The proposed policy is part of a broader strategy to address geopolitical and economic concerns while ensuring the availability of critical health supplies from alternative sources.
