The goods from Pakistan have been embraced in the occupied valley with the same warmth evoked once by the promises of Pakistani rock salt and Sabz Roomal (green cloth). Shopkeepers here are looking forward to great business if the cross-LoC trade becomes a reality.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the import of several Pakistani items has been a routine affair now for a couple of years. Garments, like bridal suits, and foodstuff are adding to the glory of the markets. And the demand for such items is on rise.
"Customers regularly ask for the Pakistani food items. We do a good business of their products," said Farooq Ahmad, a retailer at the busy Maharaja Bazaar, in the heart of Srinagar city.
Tariq Ahmad, who works in a general store at the Maharaja Bazaar, said the demand for Pakistani spices was very huge. Among the Pakistan companies, whose goods could be spotted at the Srinagar stores, included Hilal and National Company, which mostly deal with food items.
The other food items, including basmati rice, jams, sauces and pickles too are available in abundance here. Garments from Pakistan, the country is known for its cotton products, mostly Karachi and Multani suits are catching up fast here.
As the marriage season has already picked up in the Valley, the Pakistani bridal suits, according to local traders, are the most sought.
These suits are designed with Kanta work, Kachhi work, Zari work, mix mirror work, etc. Their rates generally vary from Rs 1,000 to 3,000, depending upon the work and the fabric, and they come up with matching dupattas, with same work on them that attracts the customers, a trader at Goni Khan market told media men.
"We prefer wearing Pakistani suits," said Benish, a college student.
"They are stylish." An owner of a ladies garments' showroom at the posh Residency Road, said the Pakistani suits are transported into the Valley from far-off places like Delhi, Mumbai and Amritsar.
"If the Srinagar-Muzaffarad road opens for trade," he said, "we could easily get them from Lahore or Rawalpindi at cheaper rates."