Could Pakistan's trade suspension with India trigger a healthcare crisis?

In a tit-for-tat move following New Delhi's decision to halt trade, Pakistan on Thursday suspended all commercial ties with India — including the crucial import of pharmaceutical raw materials — raising fresh concerns about the country's healthcare supply chain.

Official data accessed by Nukta shows that Pakistan has been importing pharmaceutical raw materials, including organic chemicals, enzymes, and other pharmaceutical products, from India.

Pakistan imported $305 million worth of such materials from India in 2024, an increase from $260 million in 2023.

Trade between Pakistan and India was suspended in 2019, but despite the broader trade ban implemented in February 2019, Islamabad had allowed limited imports from India, particularly organic chemicals, enzymes, and pharmaceutical products critical to medicine manufacturing.

The abrupt trade freeze now threatens the availability of essential medicines, industry insiders warn, at a time when Pakistan is already grappling with inflation and limited healthcare resources.

Sources say some Pakistani businesses may continue sourcing Indian goods indirectly through third-party routes, such as the United Arab Emirates — a common backdoor channel used during previous trade disruptions.

Cabinet approval regarding the trade ban is also mandatory to ratify the decision of the National Security Committee, sources said.

Nukta approached SAPM Dr. Touqeer and the information minister for comment on this matter but had not received a response by the time of publication.

It is pertinent to note that United Nations law recognizes the importance of protecting civilians and their basic needs during conflict, including access to food, water, and medical care.