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Pakistan deplores Indian decision to suspend cross-LoC trade

Pakistan deplores Indian decision to suspend cross-LoC trade
April 21, 2019
ISLAMABAD (92 News) – Pakistan deplored the unilateral Indian decision to suspend cross-LoC trade and rejected all the allegations regarding its misuse. According to Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson, the Indian action is based on groundless accusations that this mechanism is being used for smuggling, narcotics, fake currency and terrorism. He has also said that this litany is all too familiar and in line with India's frequent attempts to portray legitimate activities of the people in Occupied Jammu and Kashmir as linked to so-called terrorism. The FO 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,” he mentioned. Dr Faisal 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 FO spokesperson further said that for its part, Pakistan will continue to work for facilitation and enhanced economic interaction among the Kashmiri people, who remain the victims of the situation arising from unresolved nature of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. Dr Mohammad Faisal urged India to refrain from taking unilateral measures and resolve differences through constructive engagement with a view to transitioning from conflict to cooperation. On the other hand, Pakistan has denounced explosions at churches and hotels in Sri Lanka that claimed more than 100 lives on the occasion of Easter Sunday.

Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson Dr Mohammad Faisal condemned the terrorist attack in his Twitter post, and said the people and government of Pakistan stand by Sri Lanka at this moment of tragedy.

“Pakistan condemns explosions and terrorist attacks in Sri Lanka at Churches & Hotels, that have led to numerous casualties and immense loss. People and Government of Pakistan stand by people and Government of Sri Lanka at this moment of tragedy and against terror @MFA_SriLanka,” FO spokesperson tweeted.