The Federal Ministry of Commerce has issued an official clarification regarding the recent controversy over ships carrying Indian cargo anchoring at Pakistani ports, stating that no new restrictions have been placed on such transit activities.
The clarification comes in response to communications from foreign shipping lines, which was exclusively obtained by Samaa TV. The ministry explained that while Indian-flagged ships are still banned from docking in Pakistan, foreign vessels carrying Indian cargo are permitted to anchor at Pakistani ports while en route to other countries.
“The facility allowing ships with Indian cargo to stop at Pakistani borders while traveling to third countries has not been withdrawn,” the letter stated.
Policy explained: Ban on Indian ships, not cargo
The ban on the entry of Indian-flagged ships into Pakistani waters remains in force. However, Pakistan continues to allow foreign ships carrying Indian goods to transit or anchor at its ports under a remain-on-board arrangement, meaning the cargo does not necessarily offload.
“Pakistani maritime borders have been kept open for Indian-flagged ships on a case-by-case basis,” the letter added.
India’s reciprocal ban on Karachi ships
In contrast, the Indian government has maintained a complete ban on ships coming from Karachi, prohibiting their entry into Indian maritime borders regardless of origin or cargo type.
