Pakistan and Iran have reached an agreement to keep their shared border open around the clock, aiming to facilitate trade and strengthen economic cooperation between the two neighboring countries. This decision was made during a high-level meeting in Islamabad on Wednesday.
The discussions took place between Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and a six-member Iranian delegation led by Iran’s Minister of Industry, Mine and Trade, Syed Mohammad Atabak. Both sides agreed to improve customs coordination and logistics to streamline cross-border trade activities.
In addition to enhancing border operations, the two countries committed to increasing collaboration in the mining sector, focusing on the processing and value addition of precious stones. This move is expected to boost economic ties and create new opportunities for both nations.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized Pakistan’s strong relationship with Iran, describing it as a brotherly neighbor. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s dedication to regional peace and the expansion of bilateral trade and economic cooperation. The prime minister expressed optimism about achieving the ambitious $10 billion bilateral trade target set by the leadership of both countries through continued efforts.
Highlighting key sectors, the prime minister noted that expanding trade in food, agricultural commodities, and related products would bring mutual benefits to the populations of Pakistan and Iran. He also extended messages of goodwill to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Syed Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei and President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian.
Iranian Minister Mohammad Atabak expressed gratitude for Pakistan’s hospitality and acknowledged Islamabad’s diplomatic initiatives aimed at fostering regional peace. He confirmed that Tehran is keen to deepen economic and trade relations, with technical-level discussions on a Free Trade Agreement currently in progress.
The meeting was attended by federal ministers and senior officials from relevant institutions, underscoring the importance both countries place on enhancing their economic partnership. This development marks a significant step toward closer bilateral cooperation and improved trade connectivity.
