New Delhi has not informed Islamabad about its decision to withdraw Pakistan’s status as Most Favoured Nation (MFN), Prime Minister’s Advisor on Commerce, Abdul Razzak Dawood, said on Sunday.
The Indian government had reportedly announced the withdrawal of the MFN status for Pakistan, on Friday in the wake of a terror attack on Indian forces in Pulwama in Indian held Kashmir, and hiked customs duty on goods originating from Pakistan.
Pakistan was granted the MFN status in 1995, under which India was obliged to treat Pakistan in a non-discriminatory manner in matters of tariffs on imports.
Dawood said, “We are looking into the withdrawal of MFN status by India. We can speak to India about this issue.” He further added that Pakistan could raise this issue at different forums including the World Trade Forum as both countries were members of the trade body.
The terror attack on Thursday claimed at least 49 lives of Indian paramilitary soldiers in Srinagar-Jammu Highway in Pulwama district. when an improvised explosive device tore through a convoy of military vehicles, 20 kilometres from the main city of Srinagar.
Published in Daily Times, February 18th 2019.
