Trade at Taftan comes to a grinding halt

Cross-border trade between Pakistan and Iran halted abruptly at the Taftan border crossing on Saturday. The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) abruptly shut the immigration gate at Taftan, a key commercial link between the two nations, citing instructions from senior officials in Islamabad. The exact reasons for the closure remain unknown, with authorities yet to release an official statement explaining the suspension or providing a reopening timeline.

This abrupt shutdown occurs amid regulatory changes from the Ministry of Commerce. Earlier on Friday, the ministry issued office memorandum No. 9(3)/2017-IRAN, withdrawing its October 3 order that extended the Electronic Import Form (EIF) waiver for Iranian imports. In response, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Quetta Balochistan advised its members and the broader business community to suspend all new purchases, product bookings, and trade commitments with Iran, citing the lack of regulatory clarity could lead to customs clearance delays and financial losses for importers.

The chamber urged merchants to verify EIF requirements directly with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), the Ministry of Commerce, and border authorities before initiating new orders. Although government representatives have not issued a public statement on the matter, local business leaders stressed the urgency of a swift resolution and clear policy framework to protect commercial interests and resume smooth cross-border operations at Taftan.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei commented on the border closure, stating that technical issues and precautionary measures led to the temporary suspension of border crossings, but the two countries' authorities are in close contact and working to resolve the situation.