ISLAMABAD (special crosspondent) – Pakistan and Iran have agreed to fully activate the Pakistan-Iran Joint Transport Committee and implement coordinated measures to promptly resolve transport and logistics challenges, with the aim of significantly boosting bilateral trade and enhancing regional connectivity. This understanding was reached during a high-level meeting on Thursday in Pakistan between Iran

’s Minister of Roads, Urban Development and Transport, Farzaneh Sadegh, and a Pakistani delegation headed by Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan.

Joint Transport Committee Activation

The discussions primarily centred on regional connectivity, the promotion of trade, and the expansion of bilateral cooperation between the two neighboring nations. The Pakistani contingent included Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi, Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan, and Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Junaid Anwar Chaudhry. During the meeting, Abdul Aleem Khan conveyed his profound satisfaction with the restoration of peace across the region, commending the steadfastness and resolve of the Iranian populace. He underscored the critical importance of strengthening road and rail links between Pakistan and Iran, highlighting that robust land connections are indispensable for broadening trade prospects between the two countries. Both delegations engaged in comprehensive deliberations on a variety of proposals designed to ameliorate bilateral logistics and formally agreed to fully energize the Pakistan-Iran Joint Transport Committee.

Addressing Border Logistics and Regional Stability

Abdul Aleem Khan assured the Iranian delegation that all transport-related issues surfacing between Pakistan and Iran would receive priority attention and resolution. Iranian Minister Farzaneh Sadegh conveyed her earnest gratitude for Pakistan’s constructive and positive role in helping to de-escalate regional tensions and paving the way for a peace agreement. She emphasized that Iran deeply appreciates the support and collaboration offered by its Pakistani counterparts. Furthermore, Minister Sadegh brought forth specific concerns pertaining to the clearance procedures for trucks and containers at the shared border. Senior officials from both sides were present at the meeting, where the two countries committed to undertaking joint initiatives to swiftly address and resolve all pending issues along the Pakistan-Iran border. This collaboration aligns with broader efforts to foster stability, such as the expansion of security and counter-terrorism ties, following previous agreements.