Pakistan and Iran Strengthen Cross-Border Trade and Connectivity Under New Cooperation Framework

Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to enhancing cross-border trade and regional connectivity with Iran, focusing on removing logistical barriers and improving the movement of goods through coordinated efforts with the National Logistics Cell (NLC). During a meeting in Islamabad with the Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moghadam, the minister expressed confidence that bilateral trade between Pakistan and Iran could reach ten billion rupees, emphasizing that both sides are working closely to streamline the entry and exit processes for trade trucks at border crossings.

He highlighted that the Ministry of Communications, in collaboration with the NLC, will implement facilitation measures to ensure efficiency and smooth logistics at key border points. A follow-up meeting between the Secretary of Communications and officials of the Iranian Embassy is also being arranged to accelerate progress on joint trade facilitation projects. Abdul Aleem Khan acknowledged that bureaucratic delays often hinder trade operations but stressed that consistent follow-up and strong coordination can help resolve such challenges.

Reaffirming the shared vision of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the minister said both nations are determined to expand trade, connectivity, and infrastructure links to strengthen regional integration. He added that relations between Pakistan and Iran have deepened considerably over the past six months, reflecting mutual goodwill and cooperation.

Ambassador Reza Amiri Moghadam appreciated Pakistan’s efforts to organize the Regional Transport Ministers Conference (RTMC), which gathered transport ministers and experts from various countries to discuss regional logistics and infrastructure cooperation. He said the participation of Iran’s Minister for Transport and Urban Development, Ms. Farzaneh Sadegh, added significant value to the conference and paved the way for stronger bilateral and regional collaboration.

The Iranian envoy praised Abdul Aleem Khan’s leadership in promoting regional connectivity and revealed that Iran plans to import meat from Pakistan while exploring the purchase of around 200,000 tonnes of maize as part of expanded trade opportunities. He added that Pakistan-Iran relations are currently at their highest point in four decades, with multiple high-level visits and follow-up meetings planned to advance shared economic and strategic objectives.

The meeting concluded with appreciation for the hospitality extended during the RTMC event. Iran’s Commercial Counsellor to Pakistan, Mohsin Shahbazi, also attended the meeting, underscoring the growing momentum in Pakistan-Iran trade and transport cooperation.