Pakistan has suspended trade with Iran through the official Taftan and Gabd-Rimdan border crossings in Balochistan, with officials citing security concerns and the need to curb smuggling.
The Ministry of Commerce issued a memorandum on Friday that withdrew, with immediate effect, its earlier order dated October 3 that had allowed trade through the two crossings.
Government Says the Closure Is Temporary
Adviser to the Balochistan chief minister on media and political affairs Shahid Rind said the temporary closure is meant to address security concerns, stop smuggling, and make the border system more effective.
In a statement on X, Rind dismissed what he called rumours on social media and asked people not to trust unverified information. He said the step was necessary to improve security and administrative affairs on both sides of the border.
Rind added that senior officials of the two countries are making progress on resolving administrative issues, and that the border is likely to reopen soon. He said a coordinated system is being set up to improve border management and prevent smuggling.
Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baqaei also described the closure as temporary, according to Iran’s state-run news agency IRNA. However, he blamed “technical issues” and said both countries are holding consultations to restore normal operations.
Trucks Stranded and LPG Supplies at Risk
The Quetta Chamber of Commerce and Industry (QCCI) has told its members to stop placing new import and export orders with Iran until further notice.
Hundreds of goods vehicles carrying liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), rice, fresh fruit, and other essential items are reportedly stuck on both sides of the border.
Iran-based Wana news agency reported that passenger traffic through the Rimdan-Gabd crossing is still running, while commercial operations have stopped.
The Gabd-Rimdan route has become a key supply line for Pakistan’s energy needs. Over 4,000 tonnes of LPG are reportedly imported through it every day.
Pakistani exports, especially rice, have also grown through this route in recent months.
Trade and energy sector sources warned that the suspension could worsen LPG shortages in Karachi and other cities and push up open-market prices, as the Taftan route was already facing disruptions due to unrest in Balochistan.
Traders have also warned of losses to the national exchequer and to the livelihoods of people who depend on cross-border trade.
A Setback for Growing Pakistan-Iran Trade
In August, an Iranian delegation led by Trade and Industry Minister Mohammad Atabak visited Islamabad for the 10th session of the Pak-Iran Joint Trade Committee.
During a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, both sides agreed to raise bilateral trade to $10 billion and keep border crossings open round the clock.
This is not the first time the route has faced trouble. In June, reports said trade through the Gabd-Rimdan crossing had come to a halt, though Pakistan Customs rejected claims of a disruption in LPG imports at the time.
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