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Punjab open to diesel pipeline for Pakistan

Chandigarh: A few days after Pakistan allowed import of diesel from India, Punjab Government on Friday said that the State is open to setting up a pipeline from Bathinda for supply of the fuel to the neighbouring country.

“An oil refinery is being set up in Bathinda. Punjab is prepared to connect the refinery with Pakistan through a pipeline for supply of diesel,” Punjab Chief Secretary Ramesh Inder Singh told Pakistani reporters here.

He also said opening the land route will enable the two neighbours to become economically stronger.

“By opening the land route, Pakistan will have access up till Kanyakumari in deep south and India will benefit by reaching out to the Gulf nations,” Mr. Singh said.

Pointing out that Punjab is prepared for trade in different commodities with Pakistan, he said, “The Punjab Government has appointed a nodal officer for facilitating trade between Pakistan and Punjab and to carry forward the process of trading.”

Besides, tea and dry fruits, cement is also being traded between the two countries as India has allowed imports of this building material from Pakistan.

“Cement is cheaper by around Rs. 45 per bag in Pakistan compared to its prices in India,” he added.

Speaking on the occasion, Confederation of Indian Industry chief R.M. Khanna urged the Pakistani journalists to use all influence, resources and the art of presentation to tell the authorities and industry in Pakistan to stop carrying the baggage of the past and be a partner with Indian industry for the development and growth of industry in Pakistan.

“We are an industrial force to reckon with globally in the field of manufacturing engineering products, information technology and the services sector,” he said.

While the rest of the world takes advantage of what is available in India, our next door neighbour wishes to stay aloof, he said, adding that Pakistan imports India made goods from third countries at exorbitant prices.

Stressing on the importance of strong business network, he said, “To my mind the best and lasting way for good diplomatic relations is to have good business relations among countries. Today we can see that relationships among the largest and the mightiest nations is based on good business relations.” PTI

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