Pak-Iran panel to resolve border issues

Two neighbouring countries agree to expedite logistics, trade cooperation

ISLAMABAD:

Pakistan and Iran have agreed to establish a joint committee comprising officials from both countries to address issues related to border trade.

The committee will present its final report within a week, with a particular focus on resolving logistical hurdles faced by Iranian commercial trucks entering Pakistan.

The understanding was reached during a meeting between Iran's Minister for Roads and Urban Development Farzaneh Sadegh and Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan, in Islamabad.

Following the discussion, the Iranian minister also held meetings with Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi and Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan, where a detailed review of Pakistan–Iran trade and connectivity was undertaken.

Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan assured the visiting dignitary that all necessary measures would be taken to ensure the prompt clearance of Iranian trade trucks. He issued on-the-spot instructions to the NLC, FBR and other relevant authorities in this regard.

Federal Minister Abdul Aleem Khan emphasised that Pakistan was committed to facilitating regional trade and connectivity, offering Iran access to conduct trade through Pakistan's transit routes to China and other countries.

He added that it was encouraging to see Pakistan and Iran – 'brotherly Islamic nations' –reviving close cooperation after some time, which, he said, will have a positive impact on regional development.

During the joint meeting, Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi proposed accelerating the implementation of the agreement signed with Iran in September, announcing that a review of the Islamabad–Tehran–Istanbul Train Project will be undertaken in December this year.

Meanwhile, Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan expressed Pakistan's keen interest in enhancing the bilateral trade volume with Iran up to $10 billion.

In response, Iranian Minister Farzaneh Sadegh thanked Federal Minister Abdul Aleem Khan for organising the meeting at short notice, expressing Iran's desire to expand cooperation in maritime affairs through Chabahar and Gwadar ports.

She conveyed that the president of Iran attaches great importance to improving relations with Pakistan, adding that the regional transport ministers' conference held in Islamabad was a highly encouraging development that will yield mutual benefits for all participating countries.

Meanwhile, United Nations Special Envoy for Road Safety Jean-Henri Todd also called on Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan to discuss various aspects of road safety and secure travel.