ISLAMABAD: In what appears to be the last round before a final decision to grant ‘non-discriminatory market access’ to India, the ministry of commerce will kick-start consultations with relevant stakeholders on Thursday.

A series of meetings are scheduled with the business leaders who enjoy protection from India, a well-placed source told Dawn on Wednesday.

Those invited for the first meeting include big-wigs of industry, like former commerce minister Razak Dawood and Senator Ilays Bilour.

There is a perception that open trade with India may hurt auto, drug and agriculture producers.

The second consultative meeting is scheduled for Friday with representatives of agriculture and auto sectors.

Basmati Growers Association President Ch Hamid Malhi told Dawn that it was difficult to give input on the issue in a haste, and was upset with the speed.

“We were assured that trade on Wagha border will not be expanded until India agrees on a level-playing field,” Ch. Hamid said.

Mr Malhi felt that for agriculture produce and products, land route should not be opened.

He argued in favour of a separate bilateral agriculture trade agreement involving stakeholders after an impartial independent study.

On Feb 29, 2012, the then government opened doors for India by raising the number of tradable items to 5600 from 1946.

Pakistan Pharmaceutical Association Chairman Nasir Javed Chaudhry told Dawn that his association would oppose government move of abolishing of the negative list.

Allowing medicines import from India would devastate local manufacturers, he said, adding industries in the two countries are operating in an entirely different environment.