ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s envoy to Iran, Ambassador Muhammad Mudassir Tipu, mentioned on Saturday enhanced trade and immigration facilities on the border crossing point between the two countries to facilitate increased movement of entrepreneurs and pilgrims, expressing optimism that their bilateral ties were on a positive trajectory.

Last month, the Pakistani diplomat announced that the two countries had decided to operate the Taftan-Gabd border between them 24/7 to improve the bilateral flow of goods and expand economic opportunities.

Pakistani people, including Zaireen or pilgrims and traders, frequently travel overland between the two countries, with religious devotees mostly visiting holy sites like Mashhad and Qom.

The movement of people and goods contributes to the cultural, economic and social ties between the neighboring states.

“Absolutely delighted to share that to facilitate Zaireen, business [community] & promote bilateral trade immigration facilities at Taftan-Gabd border terminals have been substantially beefed up,” the Pakistani envoy announced in a social media post. “Now 4-6,000 passengers can cross both points everyday. [Pakistan-Iran] ties to see promising future.”

https://x.com/AmbMudassir/status/1806987097867161837 

Pakistan and Iran have intensified efforts to expand bilateral trade through initiatives like establishing border markets and implementing barter trade mechanisms.

These developments aim to facilitate smoother economic activities and are part of broader attempts to increase bilateral trade to $10 billion over the next five years.

Pakistan and Iran have also been working to develop closer political ties, the late Iranian President Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi visiting Pakistan earlier this year in April.