Pakistan opens Iran border for trade, despite Coronavirus threat

• As per officials, trade activities resumed at the Pak-Iran border after 14 days with trailers entering and departing from the country.
• The Pak-Afghan border remains close amid Coronavirus scare.

Trade activities resumed at the Pakistan-Iran border, as the land border was opened on Saturday after 14 days amid Coronavirus concerns in the region.

Trucks carrying goods from both sides have been allowed to cross respective borders after the Pak-Iran gate was opened. As per officials, trade activities resumed at the Taftan border after 14 days with trailers entering and departing from the country.

The border closure suspended trade activities with long rows of vehicles stranded on both sides of the border.

Iran on Friday announced 17 more deaths from the novel Coronavirus, raising the total number of people killed to 124, as the overall number of cases soared. To date six cases of Coronavirus have been detected in Pakistan, however, no casualty due to Coronavirus has been reported in the country.

Meanwhile, it was learned that screening of the driver is being conducted, whereas the vehicles entering the country from Iran are being sprayed to combat Coronavirus. Meanwhile, the Pak-Afghan border remained close, the border was sealed due to the spread of the virus in the neighboring country.

Among the list of measures implemented to prevent the epidemic, Pakistan’s national carrier PIA suspended its flights to China, the epicenter of the Coronavirus till March 31. Last month, the national flag carrier had announced the suspension of flights till March 15; however, the date was extended as the virus spread to more countries.

Furthermore, schools have been closed in the country and strict screening of passengers is being conducted at airports and border crossings to contain the epidemic.