India Suspends All Cross Border Trade Across LoC After Pakistan Used It To Smuggle Weapons, Fake Currency

The Indian government on Thursday (18 April) announced the suspension of all cross-border trade across Pakistan after it was found that the trade routes were being used by Pakistan to smuggle weapons, narcotics and counterfeit currency across the border, ANI has reported.

The trade route was originally used to allow the exchange of goods between the populace of both nations but Pakistan began misusing it to smuggle weapons and other illegal items.

As per a statement issued by the Home Ministry the trade will be suspended effective 19 April.

The two check-posts which allow the trade are located at Salambad in Uri and Chakkan-da-Bagh in Poonch district. The trade based on barter system attracted zero custom duty and was allowed for four days a week.

Following the suspension, the Home Ministry is working out a mechanism to place strict checks to prevent illegal smuggling before reviewing whether to reopen the trade route.