Pakistan, Iran agree to enhance joint border supervision

The two nations also discussed proposal for rail-link between Gwadar and Iranian port city of Chahbahar


Mohammad Zafar January 31, 2016
PHOTO: AFP

Pakistan and Iran have decided that terrorists will not be allowed to use the soil of either country to launch cross-border terror attacks.

In a meeting between Balochistan Chief Secretary Saifullah Chatta and Deputy Governor of Iran’s Sistan-Balochistan province, Ali Asghar Shikari on Saturday, the two countries agreed to enhance joint border supervision through latest vigilance equipment to check cross border activities.

Drug, human trafficking: Pakistan, Iran agree on enhanced border control

The agreement comes after a three-day meeting of Pakistan-Iran Joint Border Commission in Quetta. Chattah and Shekari signed five Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) in connection with border activities.

The Pak-Iran Joint Border Commission also agreed to establish five border markets, including Gabd Gwadar, Taftan, Panjgur, Washuk and Mand.

Further, the two nations also discussed proposal for rail-link between Pakistani port city of Gwadar and Iranian port city of Chahbahar.

“The proposed rail-link between Gwadar and Chahbahar would provide Pakistan access up to Europe,” Deputy Governor of Sistan-Balochistan Ali Asghar Mir Shekari said.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Secretary Balochistan said that the friendship between Pakistan and Iran was durable and diverse and both value the interests of each other highly.

Last week, the Pakistan-Iran Joint Border Commission underlined the need for securing their porous border in an attempt to effectively check trafficking in drugs, weapons and illegal immigrants that triggers cross-border incursions and hence tensions between the two countries.

Post-sanctions: Pakistan expects positive response from Iran

The understanding was reached at the 19th session of the commission in Quetta on Wednesday. Deputy Governor of the Iranian province of Sistan-Baluchestan Ali Asghar Mirshekari headed his country’s delegation and Balochistan Chief Secretary Saifullah Chattha led the Pakistani side at the talks.

Mirshekari said his country appreciated Pakistan’s efforts against terrorism and both the countries have to play their role to restore peace in the region.

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