LAHORE: Truck drivers and labours on Indian side are observing strike and they have suspended trade between two neighboring countries though Wagah border.
Sources told Customs Today that Indian drivers and labourers have refused to carry any kind of goods to export to Pakistan. They are demanding increase in their wages as which are less than Pakistani drivers. On Thursday, hundreds of trucks were stopped in Indian and Pakistan sides and long queues were observed.
The truck drivers also observed protest against the Indian government and transport authorities and they demanded to increase their wages. Due to protest, Pak-India trade remained suspended on Thursday.
On other hand trade activities between Pakistan and India have slowed down in October as compared to October 2016 because of various reasons.
Import of Indian tomatoes has already slowed down since August because of ban by authorities. Import of Indian fruits, especially Indian bananas is a major import this time in category of edibles and fruits.
According to officials of the Land Freight Unit Wagah, imports by Pakistan have fallen up to 20 percent due to start of the new season. Tomato and other vegetables has big share in Pakistani imports from India which has fallen because of ban.
On the other hand issue that was raised by Customs Today after detection of fungus and fatal chemicals in garlic and ginger import fell down speedily and reached to almost zero.
Tomatoes import was up to 60 trucks per day but now it has reached to 5 trucks average per day.
Import of other vegetables has also reduced in current month. Sources told that cotton is still largest import from India due to bad crop in Pakistan.
While on the other hand exports of Pakistani items has increased because of increased demand of Pakistan gypsum, cement and dry dates in Indian market.
