ISLAMABAD: The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) said on Monday it is ready to work for peace and trade in the region but not at the cost of Indian hegemony.

The industry is ready to sever ties with India amid growing tension following the Uri attack, FPCCI Vice President Riaz Khattak said in a statement.

“We are concerned about the situation and believe that a conflict will be disastrous for both countries,” he said. Pakistan needs to take a stand against India, he added.

However, war is not a solution to the Indo-Pak crisis, as it will destroy the Indian economy besides isolating the country globally, he said.

Mr Khattak said diplomatic isolation and international pressure should be used to highlight Indian brutalities in Kashmir. He said the FPCCI stands beside Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and the armed forces for safeguarding Pakistan’s interests. He said Indian and Pakistani businessmen must work together to find areas of mutual interest.

“The governments of both countries need to take a step back and businesses must take the initiative. This is the only way to increase trade and investment and deepen relationships within the South Asian economies. But it can only happen when the Indian government stops levelling allegations against Pakistan and initiates dialogue on disputed issues,” he said.

Mr Khattak said the peace process between the two nations, which began at the Ufa meeting, was derailed because Pakistan wanted the inclusion of Kashmiri leaders.

Published in Dawn, September 27th, 2016