Pakistan Suspends Iran Trade at Gabd-Rimdan and Taftan Crossings

Pakistan has suspended Pakistan-Iran border trade through the official Gabd-Rimdan and Taftan crossings with immediate effect. The Ministry of Commerce issued a memorandum on Friday, 17 October 2026, withdrawing its earlier order dated 3 October, Dawn reported. The memorandum did not give a reason. Passenger movement through the crossings is continuing. As of 19 October, trade had not resumed.

What we know

• Crossings affected: Gabd-Rimdan (Gwadar) and Taftan (Chagai).
• Official order: commerce ministry memorandum dated 17 October withdrawing its 3 October order.
• Reason given: Shahid Rind, adviser to the Balochistan chief minister, said the temporary closure is to address security concerns, prevent smuggling and make the border system more effective.
• Traders told: the Quetta Chamber of Commerce and Industry advised members not to place new Iran import or export orders until further notice.
• Iran’s view: Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson said cross-border movement had been temporarily suspended because of technical issues and precautionary measures, and that both sides are in contact.

Sources: Dawn, Bol News, Al Jazeera (19 October) and IRNA via ANI.

Why the Pakistan-Iran border trade halt matters

Gabd-Rimdan had become a major energy route, with over 4,000 tonnes of LPG reportedly imported through it every day, according to Dawn. Trade and energy sources warned the closure could worsen LPG shortages in Karachi and push up open-market prices. Hundreds of vehicles carrying LPG, rice, fruit and other goods were reported stranded on both sides. Pakistani rice exports through the route had also grown in recent months.

Background

Since March 2026, Islamabad and Tehran have taken steps to ease border trade, including formalising Taftan as a customs station and notifying new transit routes. In August, both sides agreed at the Joint Trade Committee to keep crossings open round the clock. Trade through Gabd-Rimdan had also stopped once before, in June.

What happens next

Officials have described the closure as temporary and said talks are under way. We will update this report when Pakistan-Iran border trade resumes. For other economic indicators, see our remittances and inflation reports.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Pakistan-Iran border closed?

Trade through Gabd-Rimdan and Taftan was suspended on 17 October 2026; passenger movement continued.

Why was trade stopped?

The commerce ministry order gave no reason; Balochistan officials cited security and anti-smuggling measures.

Featured image: AI-generated illustration, for representation only.