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Pakistan’s Foreign Office has reaffirmed its stance on trade relations with India, stating that no plans are in place to resume bilateral commerce. This decision stems from the ongoing situation in Kashmir, which remains unchanged since the 2019 events that initially led to the suspension of trade.
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Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch emphasized the current state of affairs during a weekly media briefing, saying, “The situation remains intact, and at this point there are no bilateral talks between the two countries with respect to bilateral trade between Pakistan and India.”
This statement comes despite recent indications from the PML-N government, particularly Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, suggesting a willingness to reassess trade ties. The PML-N, historically known for advocating economic benefits of normalized trade with India, now faces the challenge of balancing economic interests with longstanding political disputes.
The Foreign Office also highlighted recent incidents in Indian-occupied Kashmir, including the killing of four Kashmiri youths by Indian forces in the Doda district. Baloch called for international intervention, urging the global community to hold India accountable for human rights violations in the region.
In other developments, Pakistan welcomed the Gaza ceasefire talks in Doha but maintained its non-involvement in the negotiations or any mediation efforts in the Middle East. The talks, aimed at addressing the devastating ten-month conflict that has claimed over 40,000 lives, were suspended without reaching an agreement.
As tensions in the region remain high, Pakistan continues to advocate for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza, a position it has held since October 2023.
