Islamabad: Business people in Pakistan have urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to start talks with India to boost trade. He made this request in a dialogue session with Sharif. Traders said that after the commencement of trade, Pakistan’s economy, which is suffering from cash crunch, will benefit greatly. Many big questions were raised during the one-hour meeting at Sindh CM House on Wednesday. Karachi’s business community appreciated the Prime Minister’s determination to deal with economic issues but also advised him to focus on bringing political stability for the betterment of the economy.
People expressed problems
The Prime Minister held a meeting with the business community to explore ways to boost the economy through exports, Dawn newspaper reported. However, his resolve faced apprehensions from industry people. Industry insiders said it is “almost impossible” to do business in the current circumstances, especially with rising energy costs and inconsistent government policies.
‘More steps have to be taken’
During talks with PM Shehbaz Sharif, business people appreciated the recent steps of the government, but also demanded more steps. Arif Habib, head of capital markets giant Arif Habib Group, said, “Since taking charge, you have made some agreements which have yielded good results and progress on the IMF deal is one of them.” Also asked the Prime Minister to initiate trade talks with India. “I suggest you make some more compromises,” he said. One of them is regarding trade with India, which will greatly benefit our economy. Secondly, you should also (shake hands) with the resident of Adiala jail (Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leader Imran Khan). Try to fix things even at that level and I am sure you can do it.
Did not give direct answers to questions
Prime Minister Sharif avoided giving direct answers to questions on political stability in the meeting, but claimed that he had taken cognizance of their proposals for economic growth and assured them that he would soon invite businessmen from across the country to Islamabad and Will continue to hold talks with them “until all issues are resolved”.
Pakistan ended trade relations
Bilateral relations between the two countries broke down after India abrogated Article 370 of the Constitution on August 5, 2019, revoked the special status of Jammu and Kashmir and divided the state into two union territories. India’s decision drew a strong reaction from Pakistan which downgraded diplomatic ties and expelled the Indian envoy. Pakistan also ended direct trade relations with India. India has repeatedly told Pakistan that Jammu and Kashmir “was, is and will always be an integral part of the country.”
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