Pakistan and Iran have agreed to keep their shared border operational around the clock to boost trade. The decision came 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 in Islamabad on Wednesday.
Both sides committed to improving border facilities, strengthening logistics infrastructure and harmonising customs procedures. They also decided to expand cooperation in the mining sector, with special focus on processing and value addition of precious stones.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif told the visiting team that Pakistan highly values its close and brotherly ties with Iran. He said Islamabad would continue sincere diplomatic efforts to promote peace and stability in the region. The premier recalled his recent productive discussion with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on lasting regional peace and the further enhancement of bilateral relations, especially in trade.
He expressed confidence that sustained joint efforts would help both countries reach the bilateral trade target of $10 billion set by their leadership. Expanding trade in food, agricultural commodities and related products, he noted, would bring significant economic benefits to people on both sides of the border.
The prime minister also conveyed his best wishes to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian.
Iranian Minister Seyyed Mohammad Atabak thanked the Government of Pakistan for the warm welcome and hospitality. He praised Pakistan’s leadership and people for their diplomatic efforts toward regional peace and for showing solidarity with Iran. The minister reaffirmed Tehran’s desire to expand economic and commercial relations further and noted that technical-level talks on a Pakistan-Iran Free Trade Agreement are already under way.
The meeting was attended by several Pakistani ministers and senior officials, underscoring the importance both sides attach to practical steps that can increase cross-border commerce and mutual prosperity.
