Transit facility to India to hit national, economic interests

Lahore: The Pakistan Economy Watch (PEW) on Saturday said India should not be given transit facility to transport its wheat to Afghan market as it is against our national interests.

Indian wish, if realised, could have devastating impact on agriculture, agro-based industry and society of the country, said Dr. Murtaza Mughal, PEW.

Government should not allow India a transit facility for wheat export to Afghanistan as Pakistan will lose Afghan market due to price difference which is result of Indian hidden subsidies offered to exporters, he said.

Moreover, he said, sub-standard Indian wheat carry bugs which poses a major threat to our wheat crop and public health.

Dr. Murtaza Mughal said that Indian wheat would also be smuggled into Pakistan hitting entire pricing mechanism and raising healthcare issues in one of the most underdeveloped province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Pakistan has been tackle entire Afghan demand easily since long therefore Indian wheat is not needed there. If made available in Afghan market, Indian wheat will reduce demand for Pakistani staple resulting in excess stocks at home, he said, adding that Pakistani exporters would face heavy losses as they would never get their outstanding amount from Afghan partners.

Dr. Murtaza Mughal said that such a devastating decision will also result in closure of many flour mills resulting in massive unemployment and reduced tax collection.

Indian request is not based on commercial consideration rather New Delhi would use it for political purpose which Islamabad cannot afford. Majority of Pakistan’s population depends of agriculture therefore their interests should be kept supreme by the Government, said Dr. Mughal.