India to lose $1.14 billion in trade as Pakistan blocks transit routes

The Pakistan Business Forum (PBF) officials have disclosed that India stands to incur trade losses amounting to approximately $1.14 billion due to restrictions on using Pakistani soil for trade activities.

According to the APP, PBF officials highlighted that India exported around $500 million worth of goods to Pakistan between April 2024 and January 2025, while imports from India stood at just $0.42 million.

Additionally, the forum pointed out that Indian goods transiting through Pakistan to Afghanistan — estimated at $640 million annually — would also be disrupted, compounding India's trade losses.

The business forum pledged full support for government initiatives aimed at countering Indian provocations, calling for a united national front in defence of Pakistan’s sovereignty. 

PBF President Khawaja Mehboob Ur Rehman said the business community stands firmly with the Pakistan Armed Forces, adding that India's habit of blaming Pakistan every few years is no longer acceptable.

"It has become their pattern to remain silent for a few years and then suddenly start pointing fingers at Pakistan again," he said. "Enough patience has been shown."

Senior Vice President Amna Munawwar Awan termed India's allegations after the Pahalgam attack as "absurd lies," stating that the incident was a failed attempt to cover up human rights abuses in Indian-occupied Kashmir.

Chief Organiser Ahmad Jawad emphasised the need for a complete halt of trade relations until issues are resolved based on "mutual respect and equality." He accused India of derailing regional economic integration and peace efforts.

The forum also slammed India's suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, calling the decision "ridiculous and detrimental" to stability in South Asia.

"The only way forward is unity, resilience, and prioritising Pakistan first," Jawad added.