Pak-Iran border Mand Pishin crossing point inaugurated
Defense Production Minister Zubeda Jalal and Iranian Urban Development Minister Mohammad Islami at the opening cere-mony of new border crossing point in Kech. PHOTO: EXPRESS
Federal Minister for Defense Production Zubaida Jalal and Iranian Minister for Roads and Urban Development Mohammad Islami inaugurated the Pak-Iran Border Mand Pishin crossing point in Balochistan’s Kech district along the border area of Makran division on Wednesday.
On the occasion, Minister Jalal termed it as a historic day in the 70-year history of Pakistan and especially for the people of Balochistan under the leadership of Prime Minister Imran Khan.
"Relations between the neighboring countries are gaining historic momentum and the opening of two crossing points in less than six months is an important milestone,” she said. “The Pak-Iran Passion Border crossing point will provide employment and trade benefits to the residents of the region.”
This is the third border crossing point of Iran. In December 2020, the defence production minister also inaugurated Gabd Ramdan connected to Gwadar district.
It will not only improve bilateral trade but also promote bilateral relations and tourism between the two brotherly neighboring countries.
After the establishment of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor, economic and social development projects in Makran division are being implemented rapidly by the state government under the expansion plans of JIDA.
Efforts are also underway to set up industrial zones in Ketch and Panjgur districts.
Ataullah Jogezai, managing director of Gwadar Industrial Estate Development Authority, said that government land has been acquired for an industrial zone on 1,000 acres in Turbat at a cost of Rs100 million.
"The incumbent federal and provincial governments are taking steps under an effective strategy to create industrial development and employment opportunities in Makran division," he said. “There will be better investment opportunities for investors in other industrial zones of Makran division besides Gwadar which will help in boosting the economy of the country and raising the living standards of the people in the border districts of Balochistan.”
Commander Southern Command Lt Gen Sarfraz Ali, Finance Minister Mir Zahoor Buledi and Minister for Industries and Crafts Haji Tor Utmankhel were also present on the occasion.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 22nd, 2021.