Almost 50% Pakistanis want increase in trade ties with India

ISLAMABAD: Almost half of Pakistanis are in favour of increasing trade ties with India to normalise relations after the ceasefire. However, 35 percent Pakistanis oppose this proposal and demand all outstanding issues should be resolved first.

This was revealed by a Gallup Pakistan survey, in which several hundred people selected from across the country participated. The survey was conducted between May 12 and 18 this month.

On the question of what steps should be taken to normalise relations with India, 48pc of Pakistanis supported increasing cooperation in the field of sports. Thirty-five percent opposed it.

Forty-four percent Pakistanis said cooperation in the field of education should be increased, while 36pc rejected this proposal. Forty percent voted for increasing cultural relations, while 35pc openly opposed this proposal.

To the question, “If you were in 1947, would you have been in favour of separation from India”, 86pc said they would have voted in favour of separation from India. Three percent said they would have opposed it. Seven percent said they could not say anything on it, while 4pc did not give any opinion.