Pakistan suspends Iran trade corridors over 'security, smuggling concerns'

Dawn reported that Pakistan has halted trade with Iran through the Gabd-Rimdan (250) and Taftan crossings, citing a Commerce Ministry memorandum from Friday. The memorandum also withdrew an earlier order dated October 3, effective immediately. Balochistan government adviser Shahid Rind linked the temporary closure to security concerns, smuggling prevention and a push to run the frontier more efficiently.

Rind dismissed social media rumours about the closure and said the crossing was likely to reopen soon. Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Esmail Baqaei also called the halt temporary, attributing it to technical issues while the two governments consult on restoring normal operations. The Quetta Chamber of Commerce and Industry has told members to pause placing orders for imports and exports until further notice. Hundreds of freight trucks loaded with LPG, rice and fresh fruit are reportedly held up at both ends of the frontier.

The Gabd-Rimdan crossing had become a key channel for energy supply, with more than 4,000 tonnes of LPG reportedly brought in each day, while rice exports had risen in recent months. Trade and energy sources cautioned that the halt could deepen LPG shortages in Karachi and push open-market prices up, while traders flagged losses and an energy crisis. The Taftan route had already been disrupted by unrest in Balochistan.