Transport accord with Iran: ratification conditional on reciprocal basis

Pakistan is unlikely to ratify an agreement with Iran on international transport of passengers and goods by road until Iran reciprocates, sources in Communication Ministry told Business Recorder.
They said that the main objective of the agreement, from Pakistan's perspective, is to gain access to Uzbekistan, via Iran and Turkmenistan, thereby providing access to Uzbekistan to Gwadar port as transshipment point for its trade cargo.
They said that the issue had been placed before the Cabinet in its last meeting to seek permission to ratify the agreement. The Cabinet was told that international road transport agreement had been signed between Iran and Pakistan in June 2008 to facilitate transit of passengers and goods by road between and through both countries.
When the issue came under discussion in the Cabinet, it was suggested that movement of goods and passengers by rail may also be included in the scope of the agreement. The suggestion was noted for inclusion in the protocol to be drafted in due course. It was also emphasised that Iran must reciprocate and allow vehicles from Pakistan through its territory.
Sources said that Communication Ministry noted with concern the lack of reciprocity on Iran's part, and urged that it be resolved jointly by Ministries of Commerce and Communications during the meeting of Joint Ministerial Commission (JEC). The agreement envisages free traffic in transit to the carriers of contracting parties through multi-modal transport system in accordance with their existing national laws and regulations.
By signing this agreement, traffic from Pakistan and Turkey would be able to ply through Iran, while Iran will also have access to China, via Pakistan. Besides boosting economic opportunities, access to other Central Asian Republics and Europe, through Iran and Turkey, would be an added advantage to Pakistan.
Sources said that Pakistan and Iran had agreed to start a regular passenger bus service between Quetta and Mashed, via Dalbandin and Zahidan.
They said that Islamabad and Tehran had finalised the agreement after several meetings of JEC, and vowed to take all necessary measures to facilitate road transportation between the two countries, with the view to boosting bilateral trade and strengthening the economies of the two countries.
Both sides had also agreed to issue six-month multiple entry visas to bus drivers, with Pakistan proposing to extend the visa of businessmen from 30 to 60 days.