International Desk

In a veiled reference to the booming economy of Bangladesh, Pakistan Prime Minister Shebaz Sharif has recalled how “East Pakistan,” which was “once considered” a burden, on the country, has made tremendous strides in industrial growth.

“I was quite young when... we were told that it’s a burden on our shoulders...Today you all know where that ‘burden’ has reached (in terms of economic growth). And we feel ashamed when we look at their growth and compare it with that of ours,” he said at an interactive session with Pakistan business leaders in Karachi on Wednesday.

During the session, the businessmen urged Shebaz to initiate talks with India to resume commerce which would greatly benefit the economy of cash-strapped Pakistan.

The prime minister sat down with the business community to find ways to uplift the economy through exports but his resolve was met with apprehensions from industry leaders who said it was “almost impossible” to do business under the current circumstances, particularly with high energy costs and inconsistent government policies, reports the Dawn.

They also asked the prime minister to initiate the trade talks with India, the report added.

“I suggest you do a few more handshakes. One of them is regarding trade with India, which would greatly benefit our economy. Secondly, you should also (patch up) with a resident of Adiala Jail (a reference to jailed PTI leader Imran Khan). Try to fix things at that level as well and I believe that you can do it.”

India-Pakistan relations nosedived after India abrogated Article 370 of the constitution, revoking the special status of Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcating the state into two union territories on 5 August 2019. Pakistan also cut off direct trade ties with India.

India has repeatedly told Pakistan that Jammu and Kashmir “was, is and shall forever” remain an integral part of the country.

Shehbaz, who had arrived in the port city on his maiden visit after assuming charge last month, said the meeting was an attempt to listen to the “minds of business, absorb what they say and put it into action” for a comprehensive economic growth roadmap.