ISLAMABAD: Seeking to give fresh impetus to economic ties, Pakistan and Iran on Wednesday agreed to expand border trade and take measures to keep crossing points open round the clock, as the two neighbours moved to remove hurdles in cross-border commerce.
The understanding was reached during a meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and a six-member Iranian delegation led by Iran’s Minister of Industry, Mine and Trade Seyed Mohammad Atabak, with both sides focusing on removing hurdles to cross-border commerce and strengthening economic cooperation.
The two countries agreed to enhance facilities at border points, improve logistics arrangements and strengthen coordination between customs authorities to make trade flows smoother and more efficient.
They also decided to broaden cooperation in the mining sector, particularly in the processing and value addition of precious stones, an area seen as having significant potential for economic collaboration.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Sharif expressed the hope that continued efforts to deepen trade and commercial links would help Pakistan and Iran achieve the USD 10 billion bilateral trade target set by their leaderships.
“Pakistan highly values its relations with the Iran as a neighbouring and brotherly country,” the prime minister said, reaffirming Islamabad’s commitment to working for peace and stability in the region.
He recalled his recent discussions with Iranian President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian, saying the talks focused on establishing lasting peace and further strengthening relations between the two countries, particularly through expanded trade and economic engagement.
Sharif said greater cooperation in areas such as food items, agricultural commodities and related products would benefit both countries and help unlock new opportunities for businesses on both sides of the border.
The Iranian delegation welcomed Pakistan’s efforts to strengthen bilateral ties, with Atabak thanking Islamabad for the warm reception and hospitality extended to the visiting team.
He appreciated Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts for regional peace and acknowledged the solidarity expressed by the country’s leadership and people with Iran.
Atabak said Tehran was keen to further expand economic and trade relations with Islamabad, adding that technical-level negotiations on the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Pakistan and Iran were continuing.
The prime minister also conveyed his best wishes and regards to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyed Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei and President Pezeshkian.
The meeting was attended by Minister for National Food Security Rana Tanveer, Commerce Minister Jam Kamal, Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik and senior officials from both countries.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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