Despite tension, Pak may give MFN status to India

While Pakistan suspended the cross-LoC bus service between Chakan-Da-Bagh (in Poonch, Jammu region) and Rawalakote (PoK) for the time being, business was as usual at the Uri checkpost. HT reports.

While Pakistan suspended the cross-LoC bus service between Chakan-Da-Bagh (in Poonch, Jammu region) and Rawalakote (PoK) for the time being, business was as usual at the Uri checkpost.

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Pakistan also assured New Delhi that it will grant Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status to it this month, saying disruptions in the trade on Wednesday was due to local factors.

Commerce secretary S R Rao said there is "every likelihood" that Pakistan will make an announcement "by that time". Rao's comments were in response to a question when the neighbouring country is expected to accord the much-awaited MFN status to India.

"There would be no cross-LoC bus service on Monday. No time-frame was conveyed to us for re-starting the cross-LoC trade and bus service," Abdul Hamid Sheikh, trade facilitation officer, Poonch, said.

Sheikh said since "firing is going on in the LoC, no travel can be carried out till further orders are made." Officials in Delhi said bus services were suspended citing security issues.

Pakistan has also clarified its army had refused to open the gates for cross-LoC trade in Chakan-Da-Bagh Wednesday.