KARACHI : Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) Acting President 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 on 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.