LARKANA:
In the past, Iran expressed an interest in developing bilateral ties with Pakistan and offered an investment of nearly $25 million in Sindh’s agriculture and other sectors. Last year, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah met Iran’s Counsel General Hassan Nourian in Karachi wherein they reviewed the economic and agriculture sectors and the Consul General offered Sindh government tractors, combine harvesters, and other agricultural machinery.
In the wake of climate change and ensuing agricultural problems, such bilateral agreements are crucial to boost the local agriculture sector. Within the last few years, the agriculture yield has reduced significantly due to water shortages, changes in weather, poor seed quality, and management issues. Iran offered Pakistan cold storage and hybrid seeds at lower prices compared to other countries. Given the challenges faced by farmers in Sindh due to water constraints, the introduction of new agricultural technologies and less water-intensive seeds could be beneficial. Pakistan has spent on research and development to develop seeds that are better suited to the country’s environment. It can also request technical support from Tehran to restructure the agriculture industry.
We must strengthen our bilateral relations with regional countries, particularly in the areas of trade and security. In terms of security, the two countries can work on alleviating the threats emerging from terrorist networks. Pakistan has always had friendly relations with Iran; however, many believe that the relationship’s full potential has never been realised because of a range of external reasons. Nonetheless, there are several areas where the two countries can collaborate, and Pakistan must take advantage of such exchanges to bolster growth and development.
