Karachi (December 26, 2024): The former Chairman of the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP), Rafiq Suleman, has described India’s attempt to declare Basmati rice as its product in the European Court as a bluff and a conspiracy against Pakistan.
Rafiq Suleman stated that India has filed a petition in the European Court to declare Basmati rice as its product and revoke Pakistan’s claim to it. This petition had previously been rejected by the European Union, which had recognized Basmati rice as a product with Pakistan’s identity. However, in a bid to undermine Pakistan, India has once again challenged the EU’s decision in the European Court to claim ownership of Basmati rice, exposing India’s conspiracy to the world.
Rafiq Suleman further said that the European Union had made it clear that India’s attempt to gain such access would harm its international relations with Islamabad, which are already strained.
He emphasized that Basmati rice holds a unique position among Pakistan’s rice varieties and is widely used for Biryani and Pulao, dishes that have become famous worldwide because of Basmati.
He also pointed out that Basmati rice is grown in both Pakistan and India, and its export to Europe comes from both countries. However, India has been making continuous efforts for a long time to attach Basmati rice to its trademark. This effort has already failed once before.
Rafiq Suleman added that if India continues with this action, it will not only lead to global disrepute but could also reduce the import of Basmati rice from India in the European Union.
