Border committee: Iran agrees to probe cross border shelling

QUETTA:

A border-committee meeting of Iran and Pakistan agreed on investigating the mortar shelling by Iranian forces, handing over of the criminals from both the sides and finding solution of travel issues.

Colonel Najab represented Iran and DC Chaghi Khude Nazar Bareech represented Pakistan at the meeting held at the border town of Taftan. Civil and military authorities of both the countries were present in the meeting.

The Pakistani delegation lodged their protest over the issue of mortar shelling. The Iranian delegation assured that the matter would be thoroughly probed.

The authorities also deliberated upon the criminals taking refuge in the border towns of both the countries.

They also agreed to increase the timing of trade point, called zero point, at the border by two more hours which would remain open from 10 am to 4 pm. The Iranian delegation also assured that Pakistani traders would be provided facilities and security at the borders.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 15^th, 2016.