Pakistani Traders : ‘unhappy with Indian govt’ but ‘happy with Indian people’

Pakistan has sent the biggest contingent of exhibitors in trade fair but they are not too happy with the facilities provided by Indian Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO), Indian government and most importantly with less trade this time. “We were not treated fairly by customs, our stock got customs clearance only after three days of fair start. Humse bilkul Pakistan wala saluk kiya gaya [we were treated like pakistan]” says Tahir Mahmood, 37 year old Onyx stone antiques seller from Karachi.

Tahir Mahmood is a spynx antiques seller from Karachi, Pakistan

He further adds “The business is down this time, only small items are getting sold, costlier items are not in demand. I don`t think I will be able to earn even my expenses and may be when the fair ends we have to pack our stock and take it back to Pakistan ”

Shahid Khan, from Karachi, is owner of Al-Haaj Bundoo Khan. Selling kebabs, paranthas, halwa and Chicken tikas is his family business running to his present fourth generation. He says “I faced alot of difficulties this time, ITPO didn`t gave us good facilities. We were made to run for Trade Licenses and Police NOC. I was able to put my stall only after six days of fair opening. They [Indian government & ITPO] should understand that we are their guests and make sure that we don`t face any difficulties”.

Despite of all these hard experiences, all exhibitors from across the border acknowledge the love and affection they are getting from Indian people.  Most of them are living in Jama masjid area in old Delhi believes that they are their own country, they are not facing any difficulties in terms of food, clothes, culture and people. Some of them have relatives in India and some of them have to move to Pakistan during the bloody partition of India – Pakistan in 1947.

Mohammed Javed, a traditional footwear seller from Lahore,whose family moved to Pakistan from Patiala, India due to Indo-Pak partition in 1947

“I feel like I am in my home, I am in Lahore.  I love India, my grandfather was born in Patiala but he had to move to Pakistan during partition. So India is always close to my heart” says  38 year old Mohammed Javaid from Lahore who sells traditional Pakistani footwear.

Shahid Khan`s family also had to move to Pakistan during partition, his family used to stay in Meerut. But he still have some relatives in India. His cousin brother, Mohammed Arif from Meerut is helping him in his Kebab stall here in trade fair. “I have many relatives in India. I go to meet them if they live in delhi and if they are from outside then they come and meet me” He says.

Pakistani exhibitors think fairs like these definitely provides a very big platform to improve Indo-Pak relations. Shahid Khan says “Trade is the best way of bringing both countries closer. We come here for love of Indian people not just for trade. People are same in both sides, we should learn to keep the animosity only to the government level.”

The 29 year old, Shafiq Ahmad , Kashmiri shawl seller from Swat, Pakistan says “Indian people love Pakistan in same way the Pakistani people love India. I wish more and more people are allowed to cross borders, this will be good for both the countries. ”

Shahid khan and Mohammed Javaid have some regrets that they won`t be able to allowed to their ancestoral homes in Meerut and Patiala respectively. “If i am allowed to go to Patiala and visit my grandfather’s haweli in shera-walan gate (in patiala), I will go right now ” says Mohammed Javaid.