Despite strained relations, Pakistan-India trade continues

A Senate session chaired by Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani reviewed Pakistan’s bilateral trade statistics with SAARC countries for 2023–24. Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan presented a detailed written reply outlining the trade data and ongoing initiatives to strengthen regional trade ties. 

Trade with India

Despite strained relations, Pakistan’s trade with India continued moderately, and the country imported goods worth $278 million from India during 2023-24, while exports to India remained negligible at $0.02 million.

The minister highlighted that India revoked Pakistan’s most-favoured nation status in 2019, imposed a 200% import duty, and suspended trade after abrogating Article 370. Currently, trade with India is limited to pharmaceutical products since 2019.

Trade with Afghanistan

Pakistan’s exports to Afghanistan amounted to $2.18 billion, while imports were valued at $917.2 million. Afghanistan has been permitted to export 18 items in Pakistani currency, which is expected to facilitate smoother trade operations.