Indian, Pakistan to open new trade point at Wagah

Lahore, Jun 28: Indian and Pakistani officials on Monday worked out modalities for opening a new check point at the Wagah land border crossing for trade and commercial activities.

The meeting between officials of the two countries was held in connection with an agreement for opening a separate trade route at Wagah to facilitate businessmen.

The Pakistani delegation was led by Joint Interior Secretary Shabbir Ahmed while the Indian team was led by his counterpart K K Mittal.

A Federal Investigation Agency official told PTI that officials of both sides would meet again in New Delhi by the end of next month.

He said the officials had two long sessions of discussions and finalised modalities for the new check point.

"An agreement in this regard is expected in the July meeting," said the official who did not want to be named.

The new check point is being opened because trade at the Wagah border crossing is affected by the parade held by both sides every day.

Once the new check point is opened, the existing point at Wagah will be used only for "ceremonial parades and entry and exit of official delegates", sources said.

Officials of the Pakistan Rangers, FIA, National Logistics Cell and customs were part of the Pakistani delegation that participated in the talks.

Following the rapid growth of trade via Wagah, the Indian government has built a new Integrated Check Post (ICP) at a cost of over Rs100 crore on its side of the border.

PTI