Pakistan Halts Trade via Gabd-Rimdan and Taftan Crossings, Stranding Hundreds of Trucks
Pakistan’s Ministry of Commerce has abruptly stopped all commercial traffic through the Gabd-Rimdan and Taftan border points with Iran, leaving hundreds of freight trucks stranded on both sides.
Pakistan announced an immediate suspension of trade through the official Gabd-Rimdan (250) and Taftan border crossings with Iran, rescinding a 2017 order via a new memorandum from the Ministry of Commerce. The Quetta Chamber of Commerce and Industry also urged businesses to stop placing fresh import and export orders until further notice. Iranian Transit Office director general Syed Hossein Hosseini said passenger traffic remains open but commercial operations are halted.
Hundreds of trucks carrying LPG, rice, fresh fruit and other commodities are now stuck on both sides of the border, raising concerns of LPG shortages in Karachi and higher prices nationwide. The closure adds pressure to the Taftan corridor, which has already been disrupted by unrest in Balochistan. Earlier this year, Pakistan and Iran had taken steps to ease customs procedures and expand trade, including a joint committee meeting attended by Trade Minister Mohammad Atabak and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Why it matters
The shutdown threatens Pakistan’s energy supply and trade earnings, potentially raising fuel prices and harming the economy.
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