The federal cabinet has rejected a proposal to allow the import of sugar and cotton from India. The decision is more political than economic as the country is facing increasing domestic needs and rising prices of the essential commodities.
The decision by the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) chaired by newly-appointed Finance Minister Hammad Azhar had raised eyebrows as the government has suspended ties with India nearly 19 months ago. The government had stopped trade after New Delhi revoked the autonomous status of occupied Kashmir in August 2019 and imposed a debilitating blockade. Subsequently, Pakistan imposed a raft of decisions and downgraded diplomatic relations.
There have been reports of a thaw in frosty relations between the two countries. Modi and Imran Khan had exchanged letters desiring to have ‘cordial relations’. There was also speculation that the foreign ministers of both countries would meet at the Dushanbe conference. Although the media did not see the breakthrough meeting as expected, both sides also avoided trading barbs at each other.
The government had in the past repeatedly stated that any re-engagement with India could only take place if India restored the special status of Kashmir. There has been no such indication and Indian atrocities continue unabated. Thus, the government has taken a principled stance before hurrying to reviving trade ties with India.
There was an indication the government was no longer linking the normalization process with India to restoring the status of Kashmir. This was considered part of a broader engagement process after the ceasefire agreement and mediation efforts by friendly countries. Both countries were pushed to resume dialogue but there was sceptcism whether the process would go ahead given the animosity between the two countries.
The questions remains whether Pakistan should re-engage with India without the restoration of Kashmir’s status or should it takes decisions on the interest of the people rather than on political basis. Of more importance is that there should be a conducive environment that delivers results. Both sides should realise that hostilities will not take the region forward or ensure peace and stability in the region.
It is also essential that all outstanding issues including Kashmir dispute should be resolved. India has to improve the human rights situation in Kashmir in order to create an enabling environment for talks. The government may have rejected importing sugar and cotton but it should stop the re-engagement process as it is the only way to ensure durable between the two countries.
