Atif Ikram Sheikh, President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry strongly rebutted a statement attributed to his interview by an Urdu Daily that trade with India be started by putting aside Kashmir and other political issues. He said resolution of Kashmir dispute was key to promote trade with India as without settlement of this longstanding issue, it was not possible to promote bilateral trade between the two countries. 

 

He said there was no doubt that Pakistan and India have immense potential to promote bilateral trade, but for this to happen, it was essential to settle all issues between the two neighbors including Kashmir issue. 

 

Atif Ikram Sheikh said India being bigger neighbor should show magnanimity and come forward to seek a settlement of Kashmir dispute that should be acceptable to all stakeholder parties. 

 

He also showed great concerns over the activities of Hindu extremist Shiv Sena for storming the BCCI Headquarters to stop the cricket talks between Pakistan and India. He said such trends were disappointing and should be curbed as tense relations between the close neighbors would not benefit their people in manner.