India has given a economic blow to Pakistan after a deadly terrorist attack on tourists in Pahgam, claiming the lives of 28 people, which announces the immediate closure of the Integrated Check Post (ICP) in Attari.The decision was taken on security by the Cabinet Committee and was announced by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Wednesday.
Misri said, “Those who have crossed with legitimate endorsements can return from that route before 1 May 2025,” clarifying that the route will only be open for returns for a limited time.
Attari, located just 28 km from Amritsar, is the first land port in India and the only permitted land route for trade with Pakistan. Spread over 120 acres and directly connected to the National Highway-I, the Czech post has played an important role in cross-border trade, especially in imports from Afghanistan.
The Attari-Vagah Corridor has seen data ups and downs in the trade and passenger movement over the years. In 2023-24, Land Port recorded a trade of Rs 3,886.53 crore with 6,871 cargo movements and 71,563 passenger crossings.
Attari Land Port has long served as an important trade drain between India and Pakistan, which has a variety of goods. Major Indian exports via the route include soybean, chicken feed, vegetables, red chillies, plastic grains and plastic yarn. On the other hand, the imports of Pakistan and beyond include a large extent dried fruits, dry dates, gypsum, cement, glass, rock salt and various herbs. The closure of the port is expected to significantly affect the movement of these objects, especially those who affect small traders and manufacturers who rely on this border across-day-groom.
However, the volume has generally declined since 2018-19, which reflects ongoing tension and disruption.
Increasing tension between India and Pakistan is already ready to give another shock for trading relations, delicate and staggering. This decision is expected to influence small traders and industries who rely on these daily use items, which are as a means of winning bread.
In addition, Afghan imports into India and on the contrary, many of which pass through Pakistan, can also face logistic challenges.
