Pak commerce minister calls off India visit

Rezaul H Laskar

Pakistan Commerce Minister Makhdoom Amin Fahim has called off a scheduled visit to India to attend a business meet later this month, against the backdrop of tensions between the two countries over violations along the Line of Control.

Fahim told the media that he had decided against travelling to India as the business meet would clash with a forthcoming meeting between a government team and protesting cleric Tahir-ul-Qadri, that he was required to attend.

However, sources said Fahim's decision was linked to the tension in India-Pakistan ties. Fahim and Commerce Secretary Munir Qureshi were scheduled to visit India between January 27-29 to participate in a Partnership Summit in Agra.

In recent weeks, differences have emerged between Fahim and Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar over the delay in giving Most Favoured Nation status to India. Media reports have said Khar held Fahim responsible for Pakistan missing the December 31 deadline.

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