Trade Ties
LONDON: Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has indicated that Pakistan is open to considering the restoration of trade ties with India, which have been suspended since August 2019.
This suspension came after the Indian government, led by Narendra Modi, revoked the special status of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
Speaking to the media at the Pakistan High Commission in London, Dar acknowledged the desire of Pakistani businessmen to resume trade with India.
He highlighted that the decision to downgrade ties with India was a response to the unilateral change in the status of the occupied valley, which Pakistan perceived as detrimental to the prospects of dialogue between the two nations.
Pakistan has conditioned the normalization of relations with India on the restoration of IIOJK’s special status. Despite the strained relations, both countries agreed to renew the 2003 ceasefire agreement along the Line of Control (LoC) in February 2021.
Recently, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended congratulations to Shehbaz Sharif on assuming the position of Pakistan’s prime minister, raising hopes for improved diplomatic relations.
In a related development, Dar condemned threats made to the family of Donald Lu, the US Assistant Secretary of State, who was accused by former Prime Minister Imran Khan of playing a role in his government’s downfall in April 2022.
Dar emphasized the need for overseas Pakistanis to prioritize the interests of the state over political affiliations while residing abroad. He also objected to the observations made about Pakistan’s elections during US hearings, dismissing allegations of rigging as baseless.
Regarding the economy, Dar expressed confidence in the newly appointed Finance Minister, Muhammad Aurangzeb, stating that Aurangzeb’s extensive banking experience would enable him to effectively manage Pakistan’s economic challenges.
Dar reiterated the importance of economic diplomacy in advancing Pakistan’s interests on the global stage.
During his visit to the UK and Europe, Dar held substantive meetings with senior officials and leaders from various European countries, aiming to bolster Pakistan’s diplomatic relations and economic prospects.
I am a dynamic professional, specializing in Peace and Conflict Studies, Conflict Management and Resolution, and International Relations. My expertise is particularly focused on South Asian Conflicts and the intricacies of the Indian Ocean and Asia Pacific Politics. With my skills as a Content Writer, I serve as a bridge between academia and the public, translating complex global issues into accessible narratives. My passion for fostering understanding and cooperation on the national and international stage drives me to make meaningful contributions to peace and global discourse.
