Border security: Iran wants Pakistan to be safe from terrorism, says Sistan governor

Pakistan and Iran to form joint committee which would ensure implementation of bilateral projects

QUETTA: Pakistan and Iran said on Sunday that the two countries must tackle miscreants in their border areas, as the later sought recovery of bodies of its slain soldiers and lamented lack of action by the former country. Both sides, however, reaffirmed commitment for expanding bilateral trade ties.

This was declared during a joint press conference by the Balochistan Chief Minister Abdul Malik Baloch and the Governor of Sistan-Baluchistan province of Iran, Aaqai Ali Osat Hashemi in Quetta.

Hashemi, who was on a two day visit to Balochistan, said that this was the fourth visit of an Iranian delegation to Pakistan in the past year.

“The fourth visit of Iranian delegation during the last ten months is evident that Iran gives importance to Pakistan and is keenly interested to strengthen the friendship between two countries.”

During his trip, a number of issues were discussed, foremost in it was border security.

“History is evident that Iran and Pakistan do not have any law order issue in their bordering areas. There are some miscreants between them who are trying to disturb Pakistan and Iran ties.”

Asked about recent border violations by Iranian border guards and cross border firing which as resulted in the loss of Pakistani lives, the Iranian Governor said that every country has a policy regarding their border security.

“Our security check posts were attacked on several occasions and many border guards were killed while many had been kidnapped.”

He added that Iranian authorities had approached their Pakistani counterparts on many occasions about the issue as well. “We had informed [Pakistan] earlier and this time again about the incidents. Officials had discussed with the Pakistan officials that governments have to act to protect Pakistan from terrorism.”

He added that the ‘miscreants’ were armed with sophisticated weapons. “We have also made efforts to get back the bodies of martyred Iranian soldiers.”

Hashemi said a committee or group should be formed, consisting officials from Iran and Pakistan, who would ensure that bilateral projects are implemented smoothly.

Malik said that committees will reconvene on January 27 and 28 to discuss the border security and other issues.

Electricity export, trade ties

Apart from security, the two countries expressed their desire to increase trade ties. In this regard, a number of projects were outlined and discussed during the Iranian Governor’s visit

Hashemi said that Iran wants to help build the infrastructure of Balochistan. The governor added the Iranian Balochistan is also going through a change in terms of development.

“We will help build a better infrastructure in Pakistani Balochistan and Iran is also willing to provide help in energy and technical sectors.”

Hashmei said that a committee or group comprising officials from Iran and Pakistan should be constituted to ensure the smooth implementation of projects recently inked between the two countries.

“We have friendly border relations with Pakistan and more importantly we have a heart-to-heart relationship. That is why, we do not think, this border will separate us.

“The two countries should work to improve economic conditions of the people living along the Pakistan and Iranian border. They will play a key role to end the smuggling and untoward incidents in bordering areas.”

Iran has also agreed to make a market place between the two countries which would help to boost trade and investment.

Meanwhile, Baloch wanted Iran to increase trading points along the border.

“We have proposed three more legal trade points like the one we have on the Taftan border. These three trade points should be in Panjgur, Turbat and Gwadar.”

Further, he said that Balochistan government has sought 1000 MW electricity for the province from Iran and an additional 100o MW for Gwadar.

“It is being hoped that all the projects would be implemented letter and spirit,” Baloch added.

“We will welcome Iranian investment in minerals, fisheries, and industries.”

Further, he said it was the wish of the Balochistan government to increase the exchange of visits at university level, and between businessmen and government official.

“Iranian universities should sign a memo with Balochistan University and recommend chairs at their universities for Balochistan and we would the same. It will help to strengthen the relationship and understanding between the people,” the chief minister said.

The Iranian delegation was on a two day visit to Balochistan during which Iranian officials met with the provincial chief minister, commander Southern Command, provincial home secretary and businessmen from Chamber of Commerce Balochistan.