'Tensed Indo-Pakistan relations impact business interests'

JALANDHAR: Pakistani businessmen attending an Indo-Pak business exhibition here have expressed their concern over the tensed relations between the two countries, saying it impacts the business and people's welfare.

At the concluding session of the exhibition today they argued that business interests are affected the most, as getting Indian visa becomes an arduous task in tense scenario.

"Large number of Pakistani businessmen had applied for Indian visa for this exhibition. Definitely, it is because of tensed relations between the two countries that only few applicants were issued (the visa)," said Shahadat, a Karachi businessman.

"This affects the business interests of both the people. There should be no firing. People of both the countries have friendly relations at the border. We have come here and we don't feel we are in a foreign country. It feels like my home," Shahadat added.

Another businessman Mohd Junaid said, "Last year during the exhibition we did not face any problems with the visa. This time few people have got it and for lesser duration."

A female trader from Lahore accused political leadership for the skewed relations.

"Government on both sides play politics in the name of cross-border firing and terrorism. This is a conspiracy to divide the people on both sides. People and businessmen pay a heavy price due to this," she said.