Pakistan and Iran agree to strengthen road and rail connectivity

Pakistan and Iran have agreed to strengthen road and rail connectivity and revive the Pakistan-Iran Joint Transport Committee to address long-standing issues related to transport and borders between the two countries, according to an official statement released on Thursday.

The understanding was reached during a meeting between Iran’s Minister of Highways and Urban Development Farzaneh Sadegh and Minister of Communications Aleem Khan, who is leading efforts to expand transport links and trade cooperation with neighboring countries.

Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi, Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan and Maritime Affairs Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhry were also part of the Pakistani delegation.

During the meeting, the Communications Minister expressed satisfaction over the restoration of peace in the region and said stronger road and rail links between Pakistan and Iran would create new trade opportunities and further deepen bilateral relations.

The Iranian minister also raised issues related to the clearance of trucks and containers moving between the two countries. Officials from both sides agreed to implement joint measures to address outstanding issues on the Pakistan-Iran border and facilitate smoother movement of goods and transport vehicles.

“The two sides discussed a series of proposals aimed at improving transport connectivity and agreed to work to resolve outstanding issues affecting cross-border transport,” the statement read.

Sadegh thanked Pakistan for its role in promoting peace and supporting efforts that led to a ceasefire and peace agreement in the region. “We value the support and cooperation provided by our Pakistani brothers,” he said.

Read: Pakistan will continue its efforts for lasting regional peace, Naqvi assures Momeni

A day earlier, Iran’s Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni, in a meeting with his Pakistani counterpart Mohsin Naqvi, also agreed to enhance cooperation in several areas, including security, counterterrorism, cybersecurity and immigration.

Earlier in the week, Iranian President Pezeshkian arrived in Islamabad along with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Eskandar Momeni. During the visit, the Iranian delegation held talks with President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defense Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir.