Pakistan ‘seriously’ considering resuming trade with India: Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar

London: The new government of Pakistan is indicating resumption of trade with India. Pakistan Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has expressed his government’s desire to start trade with India. In 2019, India abrogated Articles 370 and 35A that gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir. Since then, Pakistan had stopped trade with India. During a press conference in London, the External Affairs Minister spoke on trade resumption with India. Foreign Minister Dar is here to participate in the Atomic Energy Summit. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar says that Pakistan is eager to do business with India. His statement indicates a major change in diplomatic policy and attitude towards neighboring India. Responding to a question on Pakistan-India relations, Dar said, “We will look at trade matters with India seriously.” Dar’s statement is part of the five-year roadmap of the new government, which focuses on opening economic corridors of trade and business with neighboring countries, including India, and paving the way for economic recovery for Pakistan. He further said, “It was the wrong decisions of the Imran Khan-led government that pushed Pakistan to the brink of economic collapse. The government of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in the last 16 months took difficult decisions to save the country from financial recession. He said, “Our government has taken five steps to bring Pakistan on the path of economic progress and reduce the economic difficulties of the common man. Will implement the year’s roadmap.” The Government of Pakistan is focusing on the major issues of the country. India is ready to open all possibilities of engagement with important neighboring countries. Dar’s statement comes at a time when India is heading towards elections and relations with Pakistan will certainly be one of the focus of the election campaign for all political contenders. Pakistan is sending policy-based proposals to revive relations between the two countries. India has been clear on its approach towards Islamabad. India has been saying that it wants Pakistan to take action against extremist terrorist elements who have played a role in carrying out terrorist attacks in India.