Pakistan's Imports From India Jump 68.9% to $61.74 Million Despite Trade Ban

Pakistan's recorded imports from India jumped 68.9% to $61.74 million in July-September 2026, even though direct bilateral trade remains suspended, according to State Bank of Pakistan data reported by Dawn on October 27. In the same quarter last year, imports from India stood at $36.55 million, while Pakistan recorded no exports to India at all in the latest quarter. The figures have raised questions about how Indian-origin goods are still reaching Pakistani buyers when formal trade channels are officially shut.
The India numbers sit inside a much bigger regional picture. Pakistan's trade deficit with nine neighbouring countries widened 26.62% to $4.97 billion in the quarter, up from $3.93 billion a year earlier, as imports from the group rose 19.79% to $5.92 billion while exports fell 6.72% to $944.24 million. China dominates the gap: imports from China grew 19.76% to $5.82 billion against exports of $663.57 million, accounting for roughly 82% of the widening deficit. Exports to Bangladesh slipped 2.96% to $174.77 million, while trade with Afghanistan remained largely suspended.
The data does not explain the route behind the Indian imports, and experts caution against jumping to conclusions. Some goods may arrive through third countries such as the UAE and Singapore, while Pakistan's commerce ministry has clarified that therapeutic products regulated by the drug authority can still be imported under exemptions. Direct trade has been suspended since May 2025, when India banned Pakistani goods after the Pahalgam attack and Pakistan imposed its own ban on Indian-origin goods.
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