Any review on trade downgrading linked with revision of Indian decisions on Kashmir: Qureshi

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Thursday said that any review of its decision of downgrading trade with India was linked with a similar rethinking by the neighborig country on its unilateral decisions on Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IOJ&K).

“They are asking us for review. Are they ready to review their steps (on IOJ&K)?  If a review is to be made, then why it should be unilateral? This should also be the bilateral in spirit of the Shimla Agreement,” Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said addressing a press conference here.

He said as Pakistan had decided to take the matter of Indian provocative announcements on IoJ&K, he would visit China for holding consultation with  Chinese leadership.

“If we have to move to UNSC, the most important consultation would be required with China,” the foreign minister said, adding he was already in constant contact  with Chinese ambassador on the matter.

He said Pakistan had decided to suspend Samjhuta Express in reactions to  Indian decisions on IOJ&K in violation of the international laws as well as the Shimla Agreement.

He clarified that Pakistan’s decision of downgrading trade with India would  have no impact on Afghan trade that would continue because the country  wanted cordial ties with Afghanistan.

He said following the spirit behind Kartarpur Corridor, Pakistan was ready  to welcome the Sikh pilgrims from India as the move was not part of any  design.

However, he questioned the Indian government whether they had  joined the initiative under any pressure from Sikh community and if they  wanted to carry it forward or give up.