Nepal imports goods worth over Rs 250 million from war-torn Pakistan
Rising tensions threaten key imports to Nepal as airspace closures and conflict escalate in Pakistan.
KATHMANDU: Pakistan is currently witnessing rising instability following a series of missile strikes carried out by India in Pakistan-administered Kashmir on Wednesday.
The retaliatory action by India comes just two weeks after a deadly terrorist attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that claimed the lives of one Nepali national and 25 other tourists.
Amid escalating tensions, concerns are mounting over the potential impact on Nepal-Pakistan trade relations, which have shown significant activity in the current fiscal year.
According to data from Nepal’s Department of Customs, from mid-July 2024 to mid-March 2025 (Nepali fiscal year 2081/82), Nepal imported goods worth Rs 254.7 million from Pakistan, while exports to Pakistan amounted to only Rs 62.2 million. This leaves Nepal with a trade deficit of Rs 192.4 million.
Nepal primarily imports a wide range of products from Pakistan, including spices, herbal medicines, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and chemical products. Among these, spices constitute the largest share, with imports totaling Rs 53.8 million.
Nepal also imported herbal medicinal products worth Rs 24.6 million and face creams worth Rs 14 million during the same period.
Other significant imports include antibiotics, hormone-based medicines, sodium bicarbonate, black salt, cigarettes, soaps, and various plastic products.
A prolonged conflict could disrupt these supply chains, potentially leading to shortages of these commonly used items in Nepal.
Meanwhile, air travel in Pakistan has been severely impacted. Major cities such as Lahore and Karachi, which host key airports including Islamabad International Airport, have seen partial or complete airspace closures.
According to flight tracking service Flightradar24, several international flights—including those operated by Finnair, Emirates, Turkish Cargo, and Saudia—have been diverted.
In a statement, Air France announced the suspension of all flights over Pakistani airspace until further notice.
As the situation develops, regional stability and trade routes in South Asia remain under close watch by governments and international observers.
