Across Asia: Pakistan

Trade link opened

Trucks loaded with apples, onions and nuts crossed the frontier yesterday in divided Kashmir for the first time in decades as nuclear-armed India and Pakistan opened a trade link aimed at easing tension.

The decision, taken only last month, to allow limited trade across the front line in Kashmir symbolizes attempts to solve a bitter dispute over the Himalayan region by creating "soft borders" allowing the free movement of goods and people.