Terror warning revokes ‘India Exhibition’ in Pakistan

An India trade exhibition programmed to be held in Lahore from February 26-28 in Pakistan has been annulled after the Indian High Commission in Islamabad warned of ‘High security threat perceptions’.

Organised by the Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), event titled, ‘India Exhibition’ was supposed to be held at the Lahore Expo Centre in which roughly 100 Indian companies were to participate. The dignitaries from India were also scheduled to hold a conversation with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif over a call on 27th February, after wrapping up the meet. The cancellation has led to a huge monetary loss.

Companies from diverse segments were to participate but the gem and jewellery sector possibly had the highest representation with minimum 50 stalls. Many prominent Indian retailers were to participate and had been preparing for the show since past few months; hence this abrupt last moment cancellation has led to a huge loss. Also, they were expecting good sales in this market, but now resulting in a potential sales loss. Owing to the security threat, FICCI felt it appropriate to reschedule the event at the moment but yet no new date has been finalized.

The delegation from India was planned to arrive at Amritsar on February 24 and walk across the Wagah border the subsequent day to enter Pakistan and register at the Pakistan Rangers Post ahead of proceeding to the Pakistan Immigration and Customs office, as per the agenda. They were planned to arrive at Lahore on February 25 afternoon and check into Hotel Pearl Continental, followed by a seminar on India-Pakistan Economic Relations by the Chamber of Commerce and Industries of South Asian Association for Regional Corporation (SAARC).