ISLAMABAD: In an attempt to keep up the momentum for friendly relations, the federal cabinet of Pakistan allowed yesterday the import of electricity from India despite internal opposition.
The cabinet gave approval to the signing of an MoU (memorandum of understanding) between Pakistan and India for trade of electricity, an official statement said.
The water and power ministry had initiated negotiations with India in this regard, it said, adding that the World Bank had undertaken to finance feasibility study of the project.
Informed sources said the cabinet meeting had discussed the issue for almost an hour and most of the ministers opposed the proposal, particularly its timing, and said it would have a negative symbolic impact at a time when India was taking steps to deprive Pakistan of its water by building dams on rivers assigned to this country.
Moreover, they said, it would be taken in bad taste by the nation and influential quarters as the Indian army chief had recently confessed to having killed Pakistani troops on the Line of Control and threatened to do the same in case of future violations of the LoC.
It was argued that allowing the bilateral electricity deal soon after relaxation on trade relations would provide the opposition parties an opportunity to gain public support.
Last Saturday, the two countries had agreed to keep the Wagah border opened for 24 hours for trade and remove non-tariff barriers.
INTERNEWS
