India, Pak finalise modalities of LoC trade

Mirpur (Pakistan), Sept 29 : Modalities of trade between India and Pakistan to begin trade through Srinagar-Muzaffarabad and Poonch-Rawalakot routes have reportedly been finalized, official sources said.

The trade is scheduled to commence on October 21 on Srinagar-Muzaffarabad and on October 28 on the Poonch-Rawalakot route.

PoK Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Zulfiqar Abbasi, who will head a 21-member trade delegation to Kashmir from October 9, said that trucks would be allowed to go to the designated points on both sides of the LoC.

Besides, a system of computerised single entry 'truck entry permits', would be issued in triplicate by the respective trade facilitation officers, the Daily Times quoted him as saying.

According to the paper, the permits will contain a picture of the driver, his name, address, license number and details of the vehicle. They will also specify that there is no contraband or dangerous material in the vehicle or in the consignment.

The drivers of these trucks will wear bright yellow and pink jackets with 'Driver Chakothi-Salamabad and Driver Rawalakot-Chakandabagh' respectively inscribed on back. The trucks will travel on both the routes between 9am and 4pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Trucks with a capacity between 1 to 1.5 tonnes will ply the routes, and the trade facilitation officer will seal their cargo. The seal will contain the certification -- "Goods in the consignment are as per the agreed list and the vehicle does not contain any contraband or dangerous material," and it will be signed by the respective trade facilitation officer of the Salamabad-Chakothi and Rawalakot-Chakandabagh.

The items to be traded from Kashmir to Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) through the two road routes include carpets, rugs, wall hangings, shawls and stoles, mattresses, embroidered items including crewel, furniture including walnut furniture, wooden handicrafts, fresh fruits and vegetables, dry fruits including walnuts, saffron, aromatic plants, fruit-bearing plants, coriander, imli (tamarind), black mushrooms, Kashmiri spices, Rajmah (kidney beans curry), honey, paper-mache products, rubberised coir, foam mattresses, cushions, pillows, quilts and medicinal herbs.

Similarly, the items to be traded from PoK to Kashmir include rice, prayer mats and rosaries, precious stones, namdas, Peshawari leather chappals, medicinal herbs, raw maize and maize products, fresh fruits and vegetables, dry fruits including walnuts, honey, imli, black mushroom, furniture including walnut furniture, wooden handicrafts, carpets and rugs, wall hangings, embroidered items, foam mattresses, cushions, pillows, quilts, shawls and stoles.

ANI