Blame it on recent tension between Indian and Pakistan over the beheading of Indian soldiers, Pakistan’s internal political turmoil or the inclement weather, the volume of trade between the two countries at Wagah border has dipped in the past one week.
From 301 trucks carrying goods passing from Indian side to Pakistan a few days ago, the number had come down to 92 on Friday and so was the case with vehicles coming from Pakistan.
Going by their past experience, businessmen were of the view that trade would come to a halt only in case of a war. A few traders, who were sceptical about the situation, were closely monitoring the developments. So, they were not signing fresh deals with their Pakistani counterparts.
General Secretary of Customs Clearing Agents Association Dilip Singh said, “It is mainly due to rain that the volume of trade has dropped, but at the same time the importers and exporters are wary of escalating tension between the two nations and Pakistan’s volatile political situation.”
“Next few days will tell the future course of trade through Attari,” said Singh. Federation of Karyana and Dry Fruit Commercial Association President Anil Mehra said, “There are several apprehensions in the minds of traders after recent turn of events at the border.”
A senior customs official, declining to be named, said trade had come down only due to weather and some technical issues. “Pakistan side of integrated check post (ICP) doesn’t have any infrastructure to handle the goods and are relying on the old infrastructure. We have also observed that when prices of fresh vegetables are down in Pakistan market, their importers don’t take delivery of goods and wait till prices escalate which result in long queue of trucks on Indian side,” said Indian customs sources.
