The Relation between India and Pakistan are never stable for a long time, after Mumbai attacks both countries were again cut of from dialogues, but in last couple of years, progress has been made from both ends, and this Pakistan gave India ” The Most Favored Nation” status. For Trade and commerce, where India export to Pakistan various items worth 2.2 billion US Dollars and in return Pakistan exporting to india Trade worth 286 Millions, at this time it is hot topic here in Pakistan because some people are anti indian products and some are in favor.
let’s see what India is offering on big scale,
- Medical Drugs/ Pharma ( Made In India ) They are 50 percent cheaper than Pakistan available one in the market
- Tomatos, Potatos, Vegitables, Tea, Cooking Oil and such other related items
- Industrial goods
- Information Technology ( for the first time Indian IT has stepped forwarded )
after getting the status, It is permitted to export ( Bikes , Scooters , Cars ) Made In India, which is still underway because this trade will effect Pakistani Market all thou very much in favor of people, because It won’t expensive as local assembled are. but I think after Import Tax it will be same as Local assembled bikes and cars. Here In Pakistan , Honda , Toyota which we export too ( Sri Lanka , India , Nepal , Bangladesh already ) and Pak Suzuki, Local brand is Adam, since Dewan Farooque left pakistan else we had ( Hyundai and KIA ) Made in Pakistan. Some say Pakistan shouldn’t have given the MFN status to India, but to bring relation on a term gaining by exporting and importing the things Pakistani Market requires will restore things to normal. It is not the first time , trade been happening since long time but now they are expending it. I think it’s a benefit for both countries, where pharmacy is expensive here in Pakistan and I would be cheap importing from India, that will resolve the issue that consumer will get a choice of cheapest one as well. In my view, It was required where as most of the majority is not in favor of Indian Items and Trade.
Eventually India wants road link via Pakistan to Afghanistan yet Pakistan has not agreed on it, because I think first Pakistan make good relations with Afghanistan before letting India to trade via Pakistan, Problem is this Transit thing is insecure here, and chances of smuggling increase. No doubt, both countries needed something from each other , as before partition, almost 95% of Trade was happening just in sub continent which later became India and Pakistan not only 5% of it happens, now days ahead we will see does it increase from 5% to 10% or 20%. Pakistan offers one of finest cotton, sports good , leather goods , Rice and Wheat beside other things. If this relation continued i can see both nations will not point guns on each other but gain from the trade, which will keep the threat of any conflict away, as far the Kashmir is concern , blame game is never-ending story that is why unless UN should take serious steps to resolve it, now that Pakistan has AZAD Kashmir ( Free Kashmir ) with its own Prime minister and President and Flag. On the other side Jammu and Kashmir still disputed and army tortures and violence is daily routine.
India is gaining 70 times more than Pakistan but right at time I think Pakistan needs it, some or the way these both countries stop smuggling and make every through proper channel. India the world’s biggest Democracy is booming, where as Pakistan is suffering debts and crisis. well I hope this new policy with india will become a good sign for both countries and the peace in this region, you know when something happens and one of them stops, so it is like it could for so long or with in few months it will end. As being an ordinary citizen of pakistan, I welcome Indian’s for the things the are offering for our country and in returns Pakistan is doing the same but Indian Market is too big for Pakistan to handle. Only the right policy will effectively work under the circumstances where no improvement on the matter of the Kashmir , India is storing water and making dams for power generations, the river which goes to Pakistan nearly around 18 dams are being constructed on indian side on the river, which a threat to Pakistan. when ever india wants it can store water and when ever they want they can cancel all the deals and keep this thing in your mind, Pakistan’s worst flood can uprise from indian even after WAITER .
They have moved forward but still the signs of 65 /71 / 2002 we fought 3 Wars . I guessed we learnt our strength till weakness, Let’s see how it continues in future, I hope well, In a way Pakistan should have given way before, as India gave this status to Pakistan in 90’s, it would be good for our industrialists , farmers , exporters to come up with more to offer and bring Pakistan Export at least 50 percent of import from there.
By Faree 4th,November,2001
Related articles
- Pakistan to Boost Trade Ties with India (foxnews.com)
- Pakistan Grants Trade Concessions to India, Boosting Peace (businessweek.com)
- Pakistan gives rival India ‘most favoured’ trade status (ctv.ca)
