Pak trade delegation asks for simplified travel procedures

Srinagar, Oct 16 : A Pakistani trade delegation on Wednesday demanded simplified travel procedures to ensure enhanced trade with Jammu and Kashmir. Zulfikar Abasi, president of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industries, who is heading a 19-member delegation from Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK), told reporters in Srinagar, "The present procedure of travel documents and clearance is long and tedious. If business has to prosper then the process will have to be simplified."

"We also demanded that traders be issued cards by the chamber of commerce, which will be valid for two years and allow multiple entry to cross border whenever their trade requires," Abasi added.

He further said, "At present the bus service is operational for two days in a month and if we subservient the trade with the bus service then it will not able to prosper."

Last month a joint working group comprising senior government officials from both the countries held talks on starting border trade in Jammu and Kashmir.

The joint panel said they were happy to open the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad highway for trade, but did not spell out details.

ANI