Following suspension of Samjhauta Express the Indian neighbor Pakistan has put on halt the Thar Express too. The two trains provide service between both the nations.
Indian Spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, Raveesh Kumar, said the action is unilateral and India has urged Pakistan to reconsider the decision.
Pakistan’s decision came after India’s decision on Monday to strip Article 370 from its Constitution that provides special status to Jammu and Kashmir.
Bi-weekly Samjhauta Express train serves carrying passengers of both sides of the border between Lahore and Delhi while Thar Express between Khokrapar in Pakistan and Munabao in Barmer, India.
Pakistan’s railways minister Sheikh Rashid said, “We have decided to shut down the Thar Express as well… As long as I am railways minister, no train will operate between Pakistan and India.”
He announced Thursday discontinuation of Samjhauta Express that started in 1976. A day later he halted Thar Express.
Meanwhile, Pakistan has banned screening of Indian movies in the country. Briefing to media Prime Minister Imran Khan said a befitting response will be there and not war if India imposes.
Raveesh Kumar said, “Our sense is that whatever is being done by Pakistan is to present an alarming picture of bilateral relationship.”
He added stripping of Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir is India’s internal matter and Pakistan had no business interfering, but to accept the reality.
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