Pakistan makes a U-turn over import from India

Islamabad : After facing a political backlash, Pakistan's government has made a U-turn over its plan to allow imports of sugar, cotton and wheat from India. Earlier, the Pakistani government's economic coordination committee had allowed imports to better the situation of inflation in the nation. But, the politicians criticized the move amid sour relations with India.

Pakistan Finance Minister Hammad Azhar, however, clarified that the decision to resume trade with India has been taken in "the interest of the people". 

But on Thursday Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed addressed a press conference and said that the decision has been "deferred" until India restores Kashmir's special status.

In 2019, Pakistan had cut off both trade and diplomatic ties with India, when the latter bifurcated Jammy and Kashmir as a Union Territory.

Pakistan is dealing with a major economic crisis, especially after facing the third wave of coronavirus. With imports of sugar resuming from India, they could have reduced the prices by at least 20 per cent ahead of the forthcoming fasting month of Ramadan, when consumption soars.

Meanwhile, India has maintained its stand on talks with Pakistan only after they take a substantial action against terrorism.