The news of India deciding, in principle to allow FDI from Pakistan, to me, is like a bolt from the blue. This can be seen as gesture of goodwill and one among many initiatives to deepen the friendship between two nations which share almost a common history. But to me it’s a solemn issue, and I feel skeptic about this friendly move to strengthen sore relations between the two nations.
In case we allow this move on FDI to shape in, I think three points need to be kept in mind, leaving aside the good trade. The first point to begin with will be the security of our country. We have to minutely observe that there should not be any compromises on national security. Second point, would be a rigorous cross-check of every Pakistani company interested in trade before giving clearance to it. A complete back ground check like who are the directors of the company, have they ever been involved in any anti-India activities, who funds this company etc, as these companies can in turn be funding agencies for various India-dwelling terrorist outfits. RBI and the State Bank of Pakistan are thinking of opening bank branches in each others’ countries. This can be a source of false currency circulation in the country. The third and the most crucial point will be punishments and sever prosecutions on indulging in any anti-India activity.
Though, viewing these developments from the aspect of relations between the two countries, as an ideal common Indian, I, too, give this crucial step my nod, and hope our Ministry of Commerce and Industry with Ministry of Home affairs will formulate safer policy for FDI from Pakistan.