Pak envoy summoned over suspension of trans-LOC trade, bus service

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin on Wednesday said that the Acting High Commissioner of Pakistan was summoned in connection with the recent stoppage of trans-LOC trade and bus services.

Akbaruddin assured that the Ministry of External Affairs officials are working towards resolving the matter through diplomatic channels.

"We find it surprising that for the sake of persons indulging in drug trafficking, Pakistan had chosen to hold hostage trans-LOC trade and travel, which brings immense humanitarian benefits to the people of Jammu and Kashmir," he said.

The Pakistan envoy was summoned in connection with the suspension of the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad and the Rawalakot-Poonch bus services by Pak authorities.

Pakistan suspended trade and bus services and detained 28 truck drivers from Jammu and Kashmir who had crossed command post with their vehicles last week.

Earlier, India had detained Pakistani driver for his alleged involvement in smuggling of narcotics.

According to reports, Pakistan authorities indicated that they would not allow the Srinagar-Muzzaffarabad and Poonch-Rawalakote bus services to run till the impounded truck and arrested driver were released.