Aug 08, 2019 (LBO) – Pakistan on Wednesday expelled India’s high commissioner and suspended bilateral trade as a response of India’s move to end special status for Jammu and Kashmir and split it into two union territories.
Indian officials, however, says that Islamabad’s decision to suspend trade with its neighbor will hit Pakistan not India.
In the first quarter of FY20, India’s exports to Pakistan were 452.5 million US dollars and imports were 7.13 million dollars. In FY19, total exports to Pakistan were 2.06 billion dollars, while imports were 495 million dollars.
Press Information Department of Pakistan said in a statement that their National Security Committee chaired by Prime Minister Imran Khan has decided to take following actions.
- Downgrading of diplomatic relations with India.
- Suspension of bilateral trade with India.
- Review of bilateral arrangements.
- Matter to be taken to the United Nations, including the Security Council.
- Independence Day this 14 August to be observed in solidarity with brave Kashmiris and their just struggle for their right of self-determination. 15 August will be observed as Black Day.
The meeting was attended by Foreign Minister, Defence Minister, Interior Minister, Minister for Education, Minister for Human Rights, Minister for KA&GB, Law Minister, Adviser Finance, CJCSC, COAS, CAS, CNS, SAPM on Information, DG-ISI, DG-ISPR, Secretary Foreign Affairs and other senior officers.