KARACHI:
This is with reference to your editorial of October 14 titled “Welcome opening on the Wagah” in which you have welcomed Pakistan’s decision in principle to grant Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status to India. This has come after India took back its objections to the European Union granting trade concessions to Pakistan. India and Afghanistan have recently signed a strategic agreement. Under this, the Indians will train Afghan military, security and police officials. We do want good relations with our neighbour but this has to be based on equal footing.
Under the circumstances giving MFN status to India while allowing transit trade and other concessions, could jeopardise our national security. Furthermore, lifting barriers on Indian goods will create problems for our industry and cause workers in the sectors affected to lose their jobs.
Lt-Col (r) Mukhtar Ahmed Butt
Published in The Express Tribune, October 15th, 2011.
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