The Pakistan Economy Watch (PEW) on Thursday said MNF status to India should benefit both countries. It said "it should not damage Pakistan's industrial sector to boost Indian economy and influence." All stakeholders including network of 50 chambers and 128 associations affiliated with the FPCCI should be involved before including more items in the positive list to save domestic industry, it said.
Pakistan has taken a positive step by granting MFN status to India and now she should not remain highest uncertain destination for Pakistani exporters and importers, said Dr Murtaza Mughal, President PEW. Failure of India to reciprocate properly will keep region world's poorest performer in terms of intra-regional trade, he said.
Dr Murtaza Mughal said that those who see trade liberalisation as a suicidal move are worried of New Delhi's history of broken promises like plebiscite in Kashmir and water-sharing treaty which is damaging the whole country. India should stop supporting insurgency in Baluchistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Fata, resolve issues of Siachen and Sir Creek, and stop and using other countries against Pakistan at international forums, he demanded.
He further said that India should stop using Afghan soil against Pakistan, lift all barriers, review period of visa validity, scope of travel and reporting arrival which are obstacles in realising true trade potential. Indian co-operation should not remain confined to statements only as Pakistan is offering relatively more liberal policy, he said. He said that Indian share in Afghan and Central Asian markets can get a boost with Pakistan's co-operation. Islamabad can help India achieve mark of 500 billion dollar of exports by 2015.