Islamabad, Tehran agree on round-the-clock border operations

Pakistan and Iran have agreed to expand cross-border trade by keeping border crossings operational 24 hours a day, as both countries seek to strengthen economic cooperation and remove barriers to bilateral commerce.

 

The understanding was reached during a meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and an Iranian delegation led by Industry, Mine and Trade Minister Seyed Mohammad Atabak. Both sides agreed to improve border infrastructure, enhance logistics, and strengthen customs coordination to facilitate smoother trade flows.

 

The two countries also agreed to deepen cooperation in the mining sector, particularly in the processing and value addition of precious stones, while reaffirming their commitment to achieving the USD 10 billion bilateral trade target.

 

Prime Minister Shehbaz emphasized that expanding trade in agricultural and food products could unlock new economic opportunities for both countries. He also reiterated Pakistan's commitment to regional peace and stronger ties with Iran.

 

The Iranian delegation welcomed efforts to enhance bilateral relations, noting that technical-level negotiations on a Pakistan-Iran Free Trade Agreement (FTA) are continuing as both sides work to expand trade and investment cooperation.