PoK traders tour to J

Jammu, Mar 16: The much-awaited trade delegation from Pakistan-Occupied-Kashmir (POK) has postponed the debut visit to Jammu and Kashmir, as they have not been given clearance by Islamabad, an industry leader said here today.

''We are very much surprised to learn that POK delegates have not been given clearance by the Pakistan government to visit the state,'' Jammu chamber of commerce and industry (CCI) President Ram Sahai told UNI.

However, no new date has been announced as of now, he added.

The move, Mr Sahai said, was ''very disappointing'' as the Pakistan government on one hand talked about improving relations and on the other hand created hurdles.'' The traders and manufacturers of Jammu and Kashmir are very upset with the cancellation of POK delegation's visit, CCI leader informed.

The 28-member-delegation of traders from Pakistan was scheduled to arrive Srinagar on March 13 and all the arrangement had been made for the visit by the Jammu and Kashmir government, he said.

''The state government gave a very warm response when we informed about POK trade delegation's visit. They were just waiting for a formal letter from Prime Minister of Pakistan, which has not come yet,'' Meanwhile, chamber of industry leader from Kashmir, Mr Shakil Kalandri told UNI over phone, ''We have made all arrangements to welcome POK delgation and are hopeful that they would soon get clearance from Pakistan government.''

UNI