In a bid to streamline and strengthen the cross-Line of Control trade between the two sides of divided Kashmir, trade authorities from Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistan-administered Kashmir held a meeting at Zero Point in Kaman Post area on Tuesday.
The meeting—chaired by deputy commissioner BaramullaDr Nasir Naqash along with sub-divisional magistrate Uri and director general, trade and travel authority of Pakistan administered Kashmir—decided to remove bottlenecks which hamper the smooth trade and hold quarterly meetings to address common issues.
SDM Uri Baseer-ul-Haque, who is also in-charge of cross LoC trade at Trade Facilitation Centre Salamabad, said besides sharing intelligence on alleged narco smuggling, officials of both sides deliberated upon scanning of vehicles associated with the trade.
“It was discussed that for better and transparent screening of vehicles, the scanning will be carried out in presence of concerned drivers,” he said.
According to reports, the director general, trade and travel, PaK, Tahir Hameed Malik, asked for return of drivers of PaK who are under detention on charges of recovery of alleged narcotics during the trade.
Malik told his counterpart that a fast-track mechanism should be adopted so that detained drivers can get justice within a stipulated time, the reports said.
The officials also deliberated upon exchange visit program of officials from both sides as well as the concerned traders.
The trade between the divided parts of Kashmir was seen as a major confidence building measure between India and Pakistan. It was started on October 21, 2008.