Union Minister announces withdrawal of MNF status for Pakistan, vows to isolate Pak from international community

New Delhi: India has withdrawn the Most Favoured Nation (MNF) status accorded to Pakistan post the brutal attacks in Pulwama, J&K. 

Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley announced this development post-Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) held at Lok Kalyan Marg today. He said a detailed assessment of the attack was done and several details were discussed that cannot be revealed. He declared that the Indian government will ensure isolation of Pakistan by the international community.

"The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) will initiate all possible diplomatic steps that have to be taken to ensure complete isolation of Pakistan, of which incontrovertible evidence is available, for having a direct hand in this gruesome incident," Jaitley said.

Pakistan was granted MFN status in 1986. Most Favoured Nation status is typically given to an international trade partner to ensure non-discriminatory trade between all partner countries of the WTO. A country that gives MFN status to another agrees to provide concessions, privileges, and immunity in trade agreements according to the first clause in the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT).