Qureshi slams govt’s decision to resume trade with India 

Reminding the PML-N-led coalition government that India had always flouted the security resolutions on Kashmir and had always been hostile towards Pakistan, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Vice Chairman and former foreign minister (FM) Shah Mehmood Qureshi said on Wednesday it was a matter of concern that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had decided to restore trade ties with India, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.   

Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, he said it was unfortunate that the prime minister had ordered the appointment of 15 trade officers in Pakistan’s high commission in New Delhi. 

He also reminded the newly formed government that when the same subject had been raised at the cabinet meeting during the PTI government, the cabinet had rejected the idea. “This was despite the fact that if resumed, trade between the two countries would have benefited Pakistan,” he said, and added, “You should also keep this thing in mind that India had snatched the special status from Kashmir on August 5, 2019 in blatant violation of the United Nations’ resolutions. “Even today, the staff strength in our high commission in New Delhi is half,” he said, and expressed the surprise that very party, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), which owed its existence to the Kashmir issue, was not silent on the development. “Have you sought the opinion of the government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir on the issue?” Qureshi questioned. 

“Truth of the matter is that you have injured the feelings of people of the Indian occupied Kashmir,” former FM said, and demanded the government to immediately take back its decision. “Resumption of trade will invited a strong reaction both by the people of AJK as well as those residing in the held Kashmir,” he opined.  

He was of the view that it would have been a different situation had India made life easier for the people of occupied Kashmir. “But in the present circumstances, it is not a welcome step at all,” he concluded. 

Reporter: Awais Kiyani