Four border points with Iran reopen today

QUETTA/ BALOCHISTAN/ PAKISTAN:

In view of the Covid-19 situation getting ‘normal’ in the country, the federal government has decided to open its border with neighbouring Iran from Sunday (July 5) for trade

The four border entry points in Balochistan would remain opened throughout the week.

Sources said the interior ministry had notified to the Frontier Corps (South) Turbat inspector general and the director general of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Islamabad said that Gubd, Mand, Katagur and Chagai border crossings would be opened from July 5.

The letter added a meeting of the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) on Thursday had decided that “border with Iran at Gubd, Mand, Katagur and Chagai will remain opened seven days a week, from July 5, 2020, only for trade (imports and exports) and unlimited number of trucks will be allowed”.

All Covid-19-related standard operating procedures (SOPs) and protocols would be implemented, according to the interior ministry notification.

Pakistan had shut the border on Feb 24, suspending trade activities and barred citizens from traveling to Iran which as the epicentre of the coronavirus outbreak in Middle East at that time. Bilateral trade activities resumed later but thrice a week only.

Last month, the authorities said that Taftan – the main border crossing between the two countries "will remain open 7 days a week for trade only.