Heated debate expected in Pak NA over transit trade deal allowing concessions for India

Islamabad, May 10 (ANI): The issue of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between Pakistan and Afghanistan on transit trade is likely to generate a hot debate in the Pakistan National Assembly's (NA) next session, beginning from Monday, because of the fact that the accord would allow India a passage for trade with Afghanistan through the Wagah border.

According to the Dawn, a Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) leader, Marvi Memon has filed an adjournment motion in the house seeking a discussion on an issue, which she termed as of 'urgent public importance'.

"On the one hand the government claims that parliament was supreme, but on the other it was taking decisions on important issues without taking parliament into confidence. The MoU would ultimately allow India to use Wagah-Khyber route for trade with Afghanistan," Memon said.

She also criticized the Gilani government of succumbing under Indian pressure to sign the deal with Afghanistan.

"The present government did not resist the pressure exerted by the Indian lobby through the US administration," Memon added.

Memon said her party and also the nation wants an open discussion, in the National Assembly, on whether the MoU is in Pakistan's interest or otherwise. (ANI)