Pakistan condemns Indian decision of suspending cross-LoC trade

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Sunday lamented the unilateral Indian decision to suspend cross-Line of Control (LoC) trade.

According to Foreign Office Spokesperson, Dr Faisal condemned the Indian decision of suspending cross LoC trade without consultation.

“The Indian action is based on groundless accusations that this mechanism is being used for smuggling, narcotics, fake currency and terrorism.”

The spokesperson noted that cross-LoC trade has been one of the functional Confidence-Building Measures between the two countries, which came about after arduous diplomatic efforts.

The unilateral suspension of this Kashmir-related CBM indicates that India is seeking to reverse even the modest gains made by the two countries in the diplomatic domain. Its suspension without consulting Pakistan is deeply regrettable.

Read more: Trade activities resume at LoC from Muzaffarabad to Srinagar

The spokesperson highlighted that suspension of cross-LoC trade adds to the economic hardship of the divided Kashmiris and further squeezes the segment of people who could modestly benefit from this facility.

He said in our view, there are better ways of dealing with issues relating to implementation than resorting to unilateral suspension of important CBMs.

The spokesperson urged India to refrain from taking unilateral measures and resolve differences through constructive engagement with a view to transitioning from conflict to cooperation.