Sources say the immigration gate at Taftan was closed on instructions from senior officials in Islamabad
QUETTA:
Cross-border commercial activities between Pakistan and Iran on Saturday halted suddenly at the Taftan border crossing. This followed the unexpected closure of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) immigration gate and the withdrawal of an important import waiver, leaving traders concerned over potential multi-million rupee financial losses.
Sources said the immigration gate at Taftan- a vital commercial artery connecting the two neighbouring nations- was closed on instructions from senior officials in Islamabad.
However, the exact reasons behind the decision remain undisclosed, and authorities have yet to issue an official notification explaining the suspension or providing a timeline for reopening.
The border closure coincides with regulatory developments from the Ministry of Commerce.
On Friday, the ministry issued an office memorandum No. 9(3)/2017-IRANwithdrawing its earlier order dated October 3, which extended the Electronic Import Form (EIF) waiver for imports from Iran.
Responding to the evolving situation, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Quetta Balochistan issued an urgent advisory to its members and the broader business community, recommending a temporary suspension of all new purchases, product bookings, and trade commitments from Iran.
The chamber cautioned that proceeding with trade activities without regulatory clarity could result in severe customs clearance delays and financial distress for importers.
It urged local merchants to verify the legal status of EIF requirements directly with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), the Ministry of Commerce, and border authorities before initiating fresh orders.
While official government representatives have yet to issue a public statement clarifying the policy posture, local business leaders emphasized that a swift resolution and clear policy framework are essential to safeguard commercial interests and restore smooth cross-border operations at Taftan.
Meanwhile, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei, commenting on reports about the closure of the land border with Pakistan, said:
“Due to certain technical issues and the need to take precautionary measures, border crossings and exchanges have been temporarily suspended. However, the relevant authorities of the two countries are in close contact and are holding consultations to resolve the issue as soon as possible and restore normal operations at the border crossings.”
