Iran urged to increase security in border areas

CS Nazir says over 70,000 citizens, security personnel have been martyred in recent years in terrorist attacks

QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Secretary Akhtar Nazir has highlighted the need for Iran to increase security in the border areas, saying both the countries can curb terrorist activities by taking joint steps.

“Pakistan and Iran enjoy cordial relations, and joint economic and security interests of both the countries are top priorities,” said the chief secretary while addressing the first meeting of the three-day session of the Pakistan-Iran Joint Border Commission in Zahedan, the provincial capital Sistan-Baluchestan, Iran.

The Pakistani delegation was led by the chief secretary, while Sistan-Baluchestan Deputy Governor General for Security, Political and Social Affairs Muhammad Hadi led the Iranian side.



The session is being held to discuss various issues, including border security situation, trade, legal crossing, smuggling and adopting joint efforts for checking illegal activities in the border region.

Addressing the meeting, the chief secretary termed strengthening trade, economic and bilateral relations with Iran “very important”.
Nazir strongly condemned the recent terrorist attack in Chabahar, saying the government of Pakistan and its people stood with the Iranian government and its people against terrorism.

“Pakistan itself remained a victim of terrorism and has rendered great sacrifices while fighting terrorists,” said Nazir. “Over 70,000 citizens and security personnel have been martyred in recent years in the terrorist attacks.”

Nazir said the Pakistan Army and other law enforcement agencies had taken serious steps against terrorist organisations and their facilitators in the country and eliminated terrorist groups in the country, especially in Balochistan.



He said the Pakistani government was making efforts to increase tourism and trade between the two countries and the Pakistan Railways was running six to eight goods trains monthly between Quetta and Zahedan, which could be increased according to the need.
He also suggested linking Gwadar Port with Iranian Chabahar through sea route.

The head of Iranian delegation Hadi also spoke at the meeting.
He said, “No one can separate the people of Balochistan and Sistan-Baluchestan from each other as both the countries have very close ties and common interests.”

He said important decisions regarding joint border security, trade and increasing economic cooperation between both the countries would be taken during the three-day session.