It is v imp for us to know bout the stakehlders so that we can actually understand the argument

and come to a conclusion worth implementing rather than just talking out loud.Stakeholders –
Businesses and industries, Consumers, Economists and trade experts, Diplomatic and
international relations experts and most importantly workers on both sides of the border .

Imagine a family torn apart by disagreements, yet forced to live under the same roof. This,
unfortunately, is the reality of India and Pakistan, two nations bound by history and geography,
yet often divided by conflict. Today, we stand at a crossroads, debating whether to break all ties
with our neighbor, a decision that would lead to shutting the door on potential solutions and
condemning ourselves to a future of economic hardships. Resuming trade and discussing
economic cooperation does not mean that India and Pakistan have to give up on their core
negotiating issues. All it means is that those issues can be taken up separately while trade can
continue.

We stand, not at roads of war, but of wasted potential.cutting trade ties with Pakistan
wouldn't just be throwing away a handshake, it's throwing away a ladder to shared
prosperity. Let's not turn the pages of history with anger, but with the ink of economic
cooperation. Trade is the pen that can rewrite the narrative of India and Pakistan.

Trade between the two countries was virtually suspended in 2019, following the Pulwama
terrorist attack and the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Bill, creating hardships for
thousands of families on both sides The recent change of government in Pakistan provides
yet another opening for resuming a dialogue between the two countries.

Consider this: Indian onions flood the markets of Karachi, stabilizing prices and providing
affordable food for Pakistani families. Meanwhile, Pakistani cement arrives on Indian
construction sites, fueling infrastructure development and job creation. This was the reality of
trade before 2019.

Severing these ties creates problems on both sides. Indian onion farmers face plummeting
prices and potential losses due to lack of demand. Pakistani consumers and businesses struggle
with inflated cement prices due to limited supply.

Trade is not a favor; it's an engine of economic growth. Reopening these trade routes allows for
the mutually beneficial exchange of essential goods, supporting farmers, businesses, and
consumers on both sides of the border.

Cutting off trade wouldn't just hurt these individuals; it would cripple our economies. Millions
of jobs on both sides of the border depend on bilateral trade, and isolating Pakistan could push
them further towards economic desperation, potentially fueling instability in the region.Let’s
focus on the issues -
1. Job Crisis:

 India: While showing signs of recovery, India struggles with high unemployment,
especially among youth. Policymakers are concerned about further job creation with
projected economic slowdown.
 Pakistan:It is in a BOP crisis, Heading back to the IMF for financial support, Pakistan
faces a challenging economic landscape. The current situation discourages people from
entering the workforce, further hindering job creation.

2. Inflationary Pressures:

 Both nations: Elevated inflation is a major concern, causing hardship for millions of
citizens. The situation is further worsened by the global impact of the Ukraine war on
supply chains.

3. Missed Opportunities:

 Trade stabilization: Pre-2019 trade allowed both countries to stabilize domestic market
prices through commodity exchange, like Pakistani dates and Indian onions. This helped
citizens access essential goods at affordable prices.
 Seasonal advantage: Different harvesting times in India and Pakistan offer opportunities
for mutually beneficial trade of agricultural products to address seasonal shortages. This
could have helped regulate prices for critical products like cotton in Pakistan and
potatoes in India.

Imagine the potential: studies show that India and Pakistan could unlock a trade potential of
$37 billion, creating new jobs, lowering inflation through strategic commodity exchange, and
ultimately leading to a stronger, more integrated South Asia.

let's explore alternative paths. . Remember, a peaceful and prosperous neighborhood benefits
everyone.

We can continue to address our core concerns with Pakistan through open dialogue, while
simultaneously pursuing economic cooperation through trade. This approach, often referred to
as "compartmentalization," can be very succsfully launchedcommodity exchange, and
ultimately leading to a stronger, more integrated South Asia.

Let us not choose isolation and economic stagnation. Let us choose dialogue, cooperation, and
a future where the prosperity of our nations is intertwined, paving the way for a more peaceful
and secure region for all.