India, Pakistan traders meet to resolve business issues

Indian and Pakistan traders held a joint meeting to discuss and resolve their business-related disputes after a gap of 14 months, near Zero Point in Jammu and Kashmir.

Traders from Rawalkot in Pakistan and Poonch were joined by the president of the chamber of commerce Jammu and Kashmir and Deputy General of Trade and Travel in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir.

The district police organised the meet to facilitate a conversation and discussion between the traders.

"Traders here were claiming that our barter system was not doing well. Likewise, traders from Pakistan were also claiming the same. To sort that out, our district commissioner took this initiative. I am hopeful that the differences and the balance of the barter system of the traders will be solved," said Senior Superintendent of Police of Poonch, Shamsher Hussain.

The meet was organised after complaints starting pouring in about barter system defaulters. The heads of trade bodies of both regions also listened to the demands of the participants.

"The only problem we are facing is that there are a lot of defaulters on both sides. That is why traders are having issues. We request the government to act against the defaulters and take steps to boost trade," said Ajaz Ahmed, a Pakistan trader.

Traders are demanding more frequent meetings and an instant solution to their problems.

"This meeting should be held every month so that the issues of the traders and there balance problems are solved as soon as possible. Prolonging these issues leads to problems and traders even start avoiding each other," said Wahi.

Wahi also said they are hoping for friendly trade and travel ties with India after Narendra Modi becomes prime minister.