Islamabad issues notification bans import and export to New Delhi

Axar.az reports citing AA that Pakistan has formally suspended its trade relations with India after New Delhi’s move to scrap the special status of Indian-administered Kashmir, an official statement said on Saturday.

A statement issued by the Commerce and Textile Ministry said the bilateral trade with India has been suspended immediately.

"The Federal Government has been pleased to suspend bilateral trade with India with immediate effect and until further order", read the statement.

The ministry issued two different statements amending the country's import policy order 2016 and added "India" in the list from where import of goods is banned.

Islamabad also suspended all kind of exports to India.

Earlier, this ban was only limited to Israel with which Pakistan has no diplomatic relations and trade ties.

On Wednesday, the NSC announced to downgrade diplomatic relations and suspend bilateral trade with India.

Later at the evening, Islamabad asked India to withdraw its High Commissioner and announced that Islamabad would not be sending its High Commissioner-designate to New Delhi.

The move from Islamabad came days after New Delhi revoked the special status of Jammu and Kashmir and divided the Muslim-majority state into two unions.

Tensions between Islamabad and New Delhi, the two longtime rivals have further escalated following India's move to revoke the special status of Jammu and Kashmir -- which allowed Kashmiri citizens to enact their own laws and prevented outsiders to settle and own land in the territory.

Kashmiri leaders and citizens fear this step is an attempt by the Indian government to change the demography of the Muslim-majority state, where some groups have been fighting against Indian rule for independence, or for unification with neighboring Pakistan.