ISLAMABAD: On Friday, the Foreign Office stated that resuming trade with India is not currently under consideration due to the ongoing situation in Jammu and Kashmir since the events of 2019, which led to the initial suspension.
“The situation remains unchanged, and there are no bilateral discussions between Pakistan and India regarding trade at this time,” said FO spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch during the weekly media briefing.
The statement came in response to queries about India’s lack of response to Pakistan’s attempts to restore trade relations. Trade between the two countries was suspended following India’s revocation of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir in August 2019.
Despite this, leaders from the PML-N government have expressed a willingness to reassess trade relations. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has highlighted the Pakistani business community’s interest in reviving trade ties, a sentiment echoed by the Shehbaz Sharif administration since taking office earlier this year.
The PML-N, led by Nawaz Sharif, has historically advocated for the economic benefits of normalizing trade with India. However, any potential resumption of trade would require a shift in Pakistan’s current stance, which remains influenced by the 2019 developments.
Regarding a recent incident in which Indian forces killed four Kashmiri youths in the Doda district of Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), the spokesperson condemned the action as a violation of human rights. She called on the international community to hold India accountable and protect the rights of the Kashmiri people.
On the Gaza ceasefire talks in Doha, the spokesperson welcomed the diplomatic efforts but noted that the negotiations had been suspended without resolution. Pakistan has consistently called for an urgent and unconditional ceasefire since October 2023.
The spokesperson also addressed the absence of Hamas from the talks, stating, “Pakistan is not involved in these discussions and cannot comment on the details.” Additionally, she clarified that Pakistan is not participating in any mediation efforts to resolve the Middle East conflict.
