Pakistan and Iran have reached an agreement to facilitate 24-hour border operations aimed at boosting cross-border trade. The two countries plan to enhance border infrastructure, strengthen logistics networks, and harmonize customs procedures to streamline trade activities.
This decision was made during a meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and a six-member Iranian delegation led by Minister of Industry, Mines and Trade Seyyed Muhammad Atabak on Wednesday. The meeting included key Pakistani officials such as Ministers Rana Tanveer Hussain, Jam Kamal Khan, Ali Pervaiz Malik, Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani, Special Assistants Syed Tariq Fatemi, Haroon Akhtar, Talha Burki, and other senior government representatives.
In addition to trade facilitation, both nations agreed to expand cooperation in the mining sector, focusing on processing and adding value to precious stones. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s strong and brotherly ties with Iran, emphasizing ongoing diplomatic efforts to promote regional peace and stability.
He highlighted a recent productive discussion with Iranian President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian on establishing lasting peace and enhancing bilateral relations, especially in trade. The prime minister expressed optimism that continuous collaboration would help achieve the ambitious bilateral trade target of $10 billion, set by the leadership of both countries. He also pointed out that increasing trade in food, agricultural commodities, and related products would yield significant economic benefits for Pakistan and Iran.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended his best wishes to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei and President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian. Meanwhile, Iranian Minister Seyyed Mohammad Atabak expressed gratitude for the warm reception and hospitality from the Pakistani government and people. He commended Pakistan’s leadership for its sincere diplomatic efforts toward regional peace and solidarity with Iran.
The Iranian minister reaffirmed Tehran’s commitment to expanding economic and commercial ties with Pakistan. He also noted that technical negotiations on the Pakistan-Iran Free Trade Agreement (FTA) are currently in progress, signaling further integration of their trade relations.
