Muhammad Mudassir Tipu, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Iran, on Tuesday acknowledged continued trade facilitation by Iran, noting that border crossings remain operational and joint efforts are underway to minimise disruptions and ease congestion.
“I am extremely grateful to the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran for extending full facilitation to Pakistan’s trade to Iran- as well as transit trade through Iran- during challenging times,” said the envoy in a post on X.
Mudassir shared that the land borders between Pakistan and Iran are working optimally, and green channels at various border points are functional, supporting the swift movement of commodities on both sides.
“Pakistan is also extending the best possible cooperation to Tehran to ensure that our trade remains unaffected by ongoing developments.
“The issues of congestion are also being addressed through mutual efforts,” he added.
Mudassir shared that the embassy remains in touch with both the official and the private stakeholders in Pakistan and Iran for immediate trade facilitation.
Earlier, ship-tracking data shows a Pakistan-bound oil tanker passing through the Strait of Hormuz over the weekend, indicating that some countries can negotiate safe passage for their vessels despite the US-Israeli war on Iran.
Since the war began more than two weeks ago, Iran has attacked several ships in the Gulf, in effect closing the strait, a conduit for a fifth of the world’s crude oil and liquefied natural gas, and driving up global energy prices.
However, the Kpler data provider MarineTraffic said the Karachi, operated by Pakistan National Shipping Corporation, was “the first non-Iranian cargo to transit the chokepoint while broadcasting its AIS signal, suggesting that select shipments may be receiving negotiated safe passage” in a post on X.
Pakistan relies heavily on imported crude and refined fuels from Gulf producers, most of which come through the Strait of Hormuz.
It has good ties with Iran while also maintaining close relations with Washington and Saudi Arabia, with which it has a mutual defence pact, leaving Islamabad walking a diplomatic tightrope as tensions escalate.
Comments
Comments are closed for this article.