Wednesday, August 10 2005 19:32 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Granting of Most Favoured Nation status by Pakistan to India will serve as an indicator of its intentions to improve bilateral ties and regional cooperation with India, the Lok Sabha was informed today (Aug 10, 2005).

Replying to written questions, Minister of State for External Affairs E Ahamed said Pakistan has so far not granted MFN status to India despite its obligations, including the WTO, and has cited extraneous political and other reasons for this.

He said the MFN issue has been raised repeatedly with Islamabad and the Centre has drawn Pakistan's attention to its obligation to grant the same to India.

"...This step would serve as an indicator of Pakistan's intention to improve bilateral and regional economic cooperation and to have normal trade and economic relations with India," Ahamed said.