Trade Relations Between Pakistan and India Remain Suspended Since 2019
Islamabad, The Gulf Observer: Trade ties between Pakistan and India have remained suspended since 2019 following New Delhi’s imposition of heavy duties on imports from Pakistan in the aftermath of the Pulwama attack, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar informed the National Assembly in a written reply on Saturday.
Referring to the suicide attack on a bus carrying soldiers in Indian-occupied Kashmir on February 14, 2019, which resulted in the deaths of 40 personnel, Mr. Dar explained, “India decided to impose a 200 percent duty on imports from Pakistan, suspended the Kashmir bus service, and halted trade across the Line of Control.”
The minister’s response was prompted by a query from Sharmila Faruqui, seeking information on the challenges Pakistan faces in its relations with neighboring countries.
Mr. Dar outlined the difficulties in Pakistan’s relationships with India, Afghanistan, and Iran, emphasizing the country’s advocacy for constructive engagement and result-oriented dialogue to resolve all outstanding issues, including the core issue of Jammu and Kashmir. “India’s intransigence and retrogressive actions have vitiated the atmosphere and impeded the prospects of peace and cooperation,” he stated.
Highlighting India’s actions in Kashmir, Mr. Dar noted that India continues to consolidate its occupation of the region while unleashing oppression on Kashmiris. “India’s belligerence poses a serious challenge to efforts for normalization of relations,” he added. The foreign minister also accused India of engineering acts of subversion in Pakistan, stating, “The onus is now on Delhi to take steps for the creation of an environment that is conducive to peace and dialogue.”
Regarding Afghanistan, Mr. Dar stressed that a peaceful and stable Afghanistan is a strategic imperative for Pakistan. “Pakistan has consistently remained engaged with the interim Afghan government, neighboring countries, and the international community to achieve the objective of peace and stability in Afghanistan,” he said. However, he expressed regret that “terrorism from Afghanistan has emerged as a major challenge” for Pakistan, citing attacks by the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and its affiliates based in Afghanistan. “The freedom of movement enjoyed by the TTP there has hampered efforts to improve bilateral relations,” Mr. Dar remarked.
The foreign minister’s statements underscore the complex geopolitical challenges facing Pakistan in its regional relationships, highlighting the ongoing tensions and the need for diplomatic solutions to foster stability and peace.
