No change in policy on trade with India, clarifies govt

ISLAMABAD: The government on Wednesday clarified that there is no change in Pakistan’s policy on trade with India and the appointment of the Trade and Investment Minister has no connection with the operationalization of trade between the two countries.

Questions were raised after the federal cabinet approved the appointment of the Trade and Investment Minister in the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi.

The development has triggered speculations that the new government had decided to restore bilateral trade with India that has remained suspended since August 2019 when New Delhi revoked the special status of the disputed Jammu and Kashmir region.

After the cabinet decision opposition parties particularly PTI started criticizing the government, saying that this development would hurt the sentiments of Kashmiris.  

However, a statement issued by the commerce ministry said: “There is no change in Pakistan’s policy on trade with India.’’

The statement said the ministry managed 57 trade missions in 46 countries including the post of minister (trade and investment) in New Delhi.

“The post in New Delhi exists for more than two decades and has no connection with the operationalization of trade with India or otherwise in the current context,” it explained.

It further noted that the current cycle for selection of Trade and Investment Officers (TIOs) including for New Delhi was initiated in December 2021 and the final recommendations of the interview board were sent to the Prime Minister’s Office on April 1, i.e. during the previous government’s term.

The incumbent government has given the final approval to the recommendations of the previous regime for the selection of 15 TIOs.

The appointment, therefore, may not be seen in the context of any relaxation of trade restrictions with India.

Pakistan suspended bilateral trade with India as part of a series of measures to downgrade ties with the neighboring country after the Narendra Modi government unilaterally changed the special status of the disputed Kashmir region.