LONDON: Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said that Pakistan is considering its trade relations with India.

Speaking to the media in London following his participation in the Nuclear Energy Summit in Brussels, Dar, a former finance minister of Pakistan, noted that trade with India via Dubai and Singapore has proven to be costly.

Trade relations with India had been halted since India’s contentious decision to revoke the special autonomous status of Occupied Jammu and Kashmir in August 2019.

Dar mentioned that Pakistan’s business community is keen on reinstating direct trade with India. He stated, “We will make a decision after consulting all stakeholders.” Furthermore, he outlined the government’s plan to implement a five-year roadmap to steer Pakistan towards economic progress and alleviate the economic hardships faced by the general public.

Dar credited the 16-month government of Shehbaz Sharif for preventing an economic collapse in Pakistan after the adverse policies of the previous government had wreaked havoc on the economy.

He highlighted Pakistan’s longstanding vision for nuclear energy since the 1960s and emphasized the world’s acknowledgment of nuclear and hydro energy as safe and effective solutions for addressing climate change.

Regarding Pakistan’s representation at the recent nuclear energy summit in Brussels, Dar advocated for robust financial support from international financial institutions and multilateral organizations.

Responding to queries about Congressional hearings in the United States concerning Pakistan, Dar urged Pakistanis to set aside political differences when abroad and unite.

Addressing questions about elections, Dar affirmed that Pakistan has comprehensive constitutional and legal provisions for elections.

He stressed the importance of accepting the mandate granted to different parties by the people.