FO Spokesperson Under Fire as Data Reveals Pakistan’s Continued Imports from India Since 2019

A recent statement by the Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson claiming that Pakistan’s trade with India has been stalled since 2019 has sparked controversy. The spokesperson reiterated that there has been no resumption of bilateral talks or normalization of relations between the two nations over the past five years.

However, official trade data reveals a contrasting reality. Pakistan has imported products worth $1.62 billion from India during this period, raising questions about the accuracy of the FO’s claims. The highest volume of imports occurred in the fiscal year 2019-20, totaling $38 million. Subsequent years saw continued imports, with $32.7 million in 2020-21, $35.2 million in 2021-22, $27.8 million in 2022-23, and $27.6 million in the recent fiscal year.

The Ministry of Trade has clarified that these imports primarily include raw materials essential for manufacturing life-saving medicines. This ongoing trade underscores the pragmatic approach taken by the government to secure vital resources, despite the diplomatic tensions.

The FO’s statement has drawn criticism, with observers pointing out the disconnect between official rhetoric and ground realities. As the debate over Pakistan-India relations continues, this revelation highlights the complexities and nuances of bilateral trade, even in strained diplomatic environments.