In this episode of “Unraveled with Marvi Sirmed,” security analyst Ejaz Haider provides a deep dive into the intricacies of trade relations between Pakistan and India. Haider speaks of implications of India's asymmetric warfare tactics, which he argues impact Pakistan, including destabilization of Balochistan. He also critiques the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) for what he perceives as a politically biased stance against Pakistan.
The discussion also focuses on the evolving power dynamics in the trade negotiations between the two countries. Haider says that Pakistan's current economic and political instability, coupled with reports from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) indicating that the country’s exportable items are mostly perishable and low-value, make the timing less than ideal for pursuing closer trade ties with India. He tells the host that trade alone is unlikely to resolve the deep-seated issues between the two countries, using World War I as a historical example to illustrate that economic exchanges do not necessarily lead to peace.
The guest also insists that an attempt to normalize Indo-Pak relations must go beyond trade and address diplomatic and political dimensions, and not just reach empty economic agreements.
For more insights tune in to watch the full episode.