Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry concerned over suspension of trade from Kashmir despite successful Indo-Pak talks in New Delhi

Karachi, January 20, 2014 (PPI-OT): Acting President of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) Muffasar A. Malik, while warmly welcoming the recent successful talks between Indo-Pak trade ministers in New Delhi, expressed deep concern over abrupt suspension of trade between Pakistan and India from Kashmir border after the arrest of a Pakistani driver by Indian Authorities on charge of smuggling heroin.

In a statement issued, Muffasar Malik said, “The entire process of strengthening relations between the two countries slows down and almost comes to a halt if such negative developments happen”.

Acting President KCCI pointed out that 49 Pakistani trucks and their drivers were being held by Indian authorities while Pakistan has also retaliated by holding 27 trucks, which has brought Indo-Pak trade from this important point to a complete halt.

He also noted that on one hand, India and Pakistan during a meeting of Pakistani Commerce Minister, Khurram Dastgir Khan and Indian Trade Minister, Anand Sharma in New Delhi agreed to allow round-the-clock movement of trucks and containers through their main Wagah-Attari border crossing but one the other hand, both countries have immediately stopped trade from Kashmir border.

He urged both governments to immediately resolve this pressing issue through table talks in order to ensure smooth flow of goods between the two countries. Muffasar Malik also demanded that other cross-border points, particularly the Monabao-Khokrapar border must also be opened for trade, which will not only enhance trade between the business communities of both countries but will also reduce the transportation cost.

Commenting further on Indo-Pak trade ministers’ meeting in New Delhi, Muffasar Malik appreciated the approval of liberalized visa policy for businessmen, which would certainly expand two-way trade that remained at $2.5 billion in 2012/13 fiscal year against a potential $10 billion. “For a robust economic relation to develop between the two countries, the business communities of both sides need to visit each other’s country and enhance interaction. Pakistan and India can work together and make this region a trading hub and gateway to the entire South Asia”, he added.

He was of the opinion that peace along with strong trade ties between the two countries can help lay the ground for a lowering of political tensions between them.

Highlighting the Indo-Pak trade potential, Muffasar Malik said that the size of unofficial trade was greater than the official trade between the two countries which clearly indicates that both countries have the potential to substantially enhance official trade if all hurdles in way of direct trade are effectively removed. Although trade ties between Pakistan and India have improved but lot more needs to be done as it was a long way to go, he added.

For more information, contact:
Aamir Hassan
Director Press/ Electronic Media and Public Relations
Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI)
Aiwan-e-Tijarat Road, Off Shahrah-e-Liaquat,
Karachi-74000
Email: media.dir@kcci.com.pk
URL: www.kcci.com.pk
Office: +92 99218001-09
Fax: +92 21 99218010