Pakistan has suspended trade with Iran through the Gabd-Rimdan and Taftan border crossings, according to a Ministry of Commerce memorandum withdrawing an earlier order with immediate effect.

Shahid Rind, adviser to the Balochistan chief minister on media and political affairs, said the temporary closure aims to address security concerns, curb smuggling and improve border management.

In a statement on X, Rind rejected rumours circulating on social media about the closure. He urged the public to rely on verified information.

Rind said officials from both countries were working to resolve administrative issues. He added that the crossings could reopen soon as authorities develop a coordinated system to improve border management and prevent smuggling.

Iran Says Closure Is Temporary

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baqaei also described the closure as temporary.

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Baqaei attributed the disruption to technical issues. He said Pakistan and Iran were consulting to resolve the problem and restore normal operations.

Meanwhile, the Quetta Chamber of Commerce and Industry advised businesses trading with Iran to stop placing new import and export orders until further notice.

Sources said Pakistani and Iranian officials had made initial contact following the suspension.

Hundreds of freight vehicles carrying liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), rice, fresh fruit and other essential goods have reportedly become stranded on both sides of the border.

However, passenger movement through the Rimdan-Gabd crossing remains operational, according to Iran-based WANA news agency. The agency quoted Syed Hossein Hosseini, director general of Iran’s Transit Office, as saying authorities had halted commercial operations at the crossing.

LPG Supplies and Trade Face Disruption

The Gabd-Rimdan crossing has become an important route for Pakistan’s energy supplies. Reports indicate that more than 4,000 tonnes of LPG enter the country through the crossing daily.

Pakistan also exports goods, particularly rice, through the route. These shipments have reportedly increased in recent months, generating foreign exchange earnings.

However, the suspension has raised concerns among traders and energy-sector representatives. They warn that prolonged disruption could worsen LPG shortages in Karachi and other parts of Pakistan.

The Taftan route has also faced disruptions amid unrest in Balochistan. As a result, the interruption at Gabd-Rimdan could further constrain supplies and push up LPG prices in the open market.

Local traders and the chamber of commerce have warned of significant financial losses. They also fear the disruption could threaten livelihoods and intensify pressure on the country’s energy supply.

Pakistan and Iran Had Sought to Expand Border Trade

The suspension comes as Islamabad and Tehran have taken steps since March to facilitate cross-border commerce.

These measures have included easing customs procedures, formalising Taftan as a customs station and notifying new transit routes. The two countries have also sought to strengthen trade links amid regional economic pressures and the ongoing US-Iran conflict, according to the supplied report.

In early August, an Iranian delegation led by Trade and Industry Minister Mohammad Atabak visited Islamabad for the 10th session of the Pakistan-Iran Joint Trade Committee.

The delegation also met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Both sides agreed to expand trade ties by keeping border crossings open around the clock, improving logistics and harmonising customs procedures.

The visit followed earlier reports of a complete halt in trade through the Gabd-Rimdan crossing.

Meanwhile, Gwadar Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Jiand Hoot said trade through the Panjgur and Mand-Radig border crossings remained virtually nonexistent. He attributed the situation to poor road infrastructure and recurring incidents of arson and vehicle burnings.

The latest suspension has therefore added uncertainty to efforts to strengthen Pakistan-Iran trade. Businesses and energy suppliers will be watching for an official reopening announcement as both governments work to resolve the disruption.