ISLAMABAD, March 17 (Xinhua) -- Forty-four percent of Pakistanis believe that trade relations with India should be allowed, according to a survey conducted by Gallup & Gilani Pakistan.
The survey, based on a nationally representative sample of adult men and women across the country, asked respondents, "Some people believe that trade with India should be allowed, while others oppose this idea. What is your opinion on this matter?"
In response, 44 percent said trade should be allowed, 28 percent opposed it, while 26 percent said they did not know, and 2 percent did not respond, the Gallup & Gilani Pakistan said on its official website on Monday.
Formal trade relations between the two countries were halted in August 2019 after Pakistan suspended ties following India's revocation of special status of India-held Kashmir, and trade volumes have since declined sharply.
Despite the official restrictions, limited trade continues through indirect channels, with goods being exchanged via third countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Pakistan's commerce ministry sources told Xinhua.
There have been occasional calls from business communities and trade experts to restore economic ties, citing potential benefits for both nations, but no concrete steps have been taken at the official level so far. ■
