MUZAFFRABAD- India and Pakistan have now suspended trade across the border in the disputed territory of Kashmir after Indian authorities detained a truck driver accused of drug trafficking, Pakistani officials said today.

Kashmir has been divided between India and Pakistan since the two countries won independence from Britain in 1947. Barter trade across the de facto border began in 2008 as part of peace efforts but it is frequently disrupted over disputes.

“We were informed by the Indian authorities on Friday evening that they have stopped 22 Pakistani trucks which crossed the Line of Control earlier that day,” Basharat Iqbal, trade facilitation officer told.

Imtiaz Wayen, director-general of AJK’s trade and travel authority, said India was not entitled to stop Pakistani drivers on grounds of smuggling.

“According to our agreement, they are bound to hand over that item and the relevant truck driver to us for further action,” he said.

“We have informed the officials of the ministry of foreign affairs about this matter and have asked them to take up this issue,” he concluded.