Kicking off the debate about LoC trade

CPDR played a vital role in the triggering the debate around the cross LoC trade and travel through holding policy dialogue and bringing out publication. In February-March 2011, a book based on the discussion papers titled “Jammu and Kashmir: Trade across the Line of Control” was launched in Islamabad and Muzaffarabad. Available at: Click Here

The publication is based on discussion papers written by a group of traders, journalists and academics from both sides of Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir. The study is considered as a first publication with gross root accounts of peacebuilding and economic benefits of cross-LoC trade.

On 10 February 2011, a public event was organised at the University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir in Muzaffarabad to introduce discussion papers on the cross LoC trade. The event was presided by the Sardar Attique Ahmed Khan, the Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Speaking at the event he welcomed the publication and its contribution to promoting trade across the Line of Control. He emphasised that intra Kashmir trade is beneficial for the economic development of Jammu and Kashmir across the LoC. Such trade gives life to the notion that the LoC can be a line of commerce rather than a line of conflict.

He underlined the need to open up more trade routes, stating that all routes should be opened and trucks and busses from Muzaffarabad and Rawalakot should directly travel to Srinagar and Jammu and vice versa.

In order to expand the economic benefits Sardar Attique suggested that the introduction of banking facilities would boost the existing barter trade. He said deepening the processes of the past two years can create an economic highway of affluence for people on both sides of the LoC and help bridge regional distrust. He encouraged civil society to play a dynamic role in promoting creative solutions and generating new ideas to overcome current problems. He welcomed the holding of the presentation of the publication at the University of AJK and encouraged students and teachers to do further research and hold more discussions to promote more understanding of initiatives such as cross LoC trade in younger generations and society more widely.
To read more about the event click at: Click Here

On behalf of the University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, which hosted the presentation, Acting Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Ghulam Ghous and Professor Dr Raja Nasim Akhtar, Dean of the Faculty of Arts, welcomed the publication and encouraged further initiatives of this nature. Mr. Zulfiqar Abbasi, President J&K Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Kashan Masood, President of the LoC Trade Council from Rawalakot, Mr. Jonathan Cohen, Director of Programmes from Conciliation Resources in London, Mr. Tahir Aziz, Projects Manager from Conciliation Resources and Mr. Ershad Mahmud, an analyst who contributed to the discussion papers had spoken on the occasion besides a long question answer session.