Comments on: Opening up Afghanistan’s trade routes

By: Sanjeev Miglani

Sanjeev Miglani — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 07:09:42 +0000

A very limited amount of Afghan goods is allowed to go through Wagah into India, but what the Americans and Afghans are pushing for is a substantial step-up in such a movement of goods.

By: rex minor

rex minor — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 20:24:20 +0000

It would be far better for Afghanistan to export air freight its pomegranates,grapes and mellons directly to the European markets,instead of shipping it to India. The Pakistan Govt. should assist Afghanistan in this venture. India is already exporting its pomegranates and grapes to Europe. We in Europe do not need a middle man between the exporter and the importer.

By: bulletfish

bulletfish — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 13:04:23 +0000

Pakistani businessmen are also opposed to granting such rights to India, believing Indian goods will flood the Afghan market and eat into their share, the News said.

Huh? Pakistan had control over Afghanistan during the 1990s with their support for the Taliban regime in Kabul. Did Pakistani busnessmen make any money during this time.

If India is the best market for Afghan goods, then the Afghan people can (and will) sell them to India. If Pakistan can offer a better price let then make a bid.

By: bulletfish

bulletfish — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 12:59:15 +0000

I thought Afghan produce was allowed to pass through Pakistan to Indian, but Pakistan will not allow Indian goods to pass through to Afghanistan.

By: Mohammed Anjum

Mohammed Anjum — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 00:09:09 +0000

Pakistan’s concerns are real. Even if we allow trucks to go through Pakistan to India, I wonder how many of them will be allowed through at their check points. There will always be a fear of bombs placed inside the fruit bags.

If China begins to increase its activities inside Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Burma I am sure Indians will be as concerned as we Pakistanis are about India’s encirclement.

By: Mekeritrig

Mekeritrig — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 17:37:30 +0000

As long as Pakistan remains stuck in a zero sum mindset, where any advantage to India to seen as a setback to Pakistan, there will not be agreement between the two countries on Afghanistan.