(EDITORIAL) Problems … have arisen out of the partition of India. To settle them in a manner satisfying to both Dominions a number of expert committees was set up. Most … have since submitted their reports. … Some of the most important issues that will confront both Dominions hot on the heels of the hand-over of power are controls, trade, posts and telegraphs, railways, domicile and currency. It seems that with regard to import and export control, which plays a vital part in a country’s economic life, there will be no change of policy for six months.

It is gratifying to note that with regard to trade there will be free passage as between the two Dominions which have agreed to prohibit monopolist and discriminatory practices. This should give the quietus to the irresponsible talks often indulged in by irresponsible people that Pakistan might be brought under a kind of economic blockade by Hindustan by way of a political vendetta.

The above arrangement emphasises the economic inter-dependence of the two Dominions. The most pleasing feature … is that both of them abhor monopolist and discriminatory practices. This will doubtless make for the healthy development of commerce and industry of both these States. As regards Posts and Telegraphs the two Dominions shall use the same stamps till September, after which Pakistan will print her own stamps.

Published in Dawn, August 2nd, 2022