October 23, 2008	Thursday	Shawwal 23, 1429

MIRPUR (Azad Kashmir), Oct 22: A second route for trade activities across the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir was opened on Wednesday. The first one had been opened on Tuesday.

Three trucks carrying various goods were flagged off by

Azad Kashmir President Raja Zulqarnain Khan at the Taitrinote trade terminal to mark the opening of the Rawalakot-Poonch route.

Speaking to a big gathering after inaugurating the terminal, the president praised the decision made by Pakistan and India to open trade between occupied Kashmir and AJK, describing it as a historic one that could lead to the resolution of the Kashmir dispute.

Raja Zulqarnain said cross-LoC trade would not only benefit Kashmiris but would also strengthen the ongoing peace process between Pakistan and India.

H.H. Tyabji, the adviser to the governor of occupied Kashmir, saw off three trucks carrying fruits and vegetables from Beopar Mandal, in the occupied district of Poonch.

The crossing point on the LoC witnessed unusual activity, with traders and officials from occupied Poonch and Rawalakot in the AJK hugging each other and exchanging pleasantries.

“We need to expand the list of items to be traded to make it more meaningful for Jammu. The present list has items like fruits and handicraft, all from Kashmir valley,” Mr Tyabji told reporters.

He affirmed that the list would be reviewed periodically, keeping in view the needs of the people.

—APP