Islamabad: In a landmark move to bolster economic ties with Iran, Pakistan has decided to keep two border crossing points open round the clock, enhancing trade and economic opportunities between the two nations. Pakistani Ambassador to Iran, Muhammad Mudassir Tipu, announced the development on Twitter, heralding it as a “big step forward to promote business between Pakistan and Iran.”
The Taftan and Gabd border crossings will now operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, facilitating a continuous flow of goods and services. This initiative aims to transform the Pakistan-Iran border from a “border of peace” to a “border of prosperity.”
The announcement follows Iranian President Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi’s recent visit to Pakistan, where both countries agreed to cooperate in the energy sector, including electricity trade and the long-discussed Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project. A joint statement issued after the visit emphasized the importance of a long-term economic partnership and a collaborative regional economic and connectivity model.
The two nations aim to elevate bilateral trade to $10 billion over the next five years through joint economic projects, the establishment of border markets, and new border openings. The decision to maintain 24/7 border operations is expected to facilitate barter trade mechanisms, expedite the finalization of a free trade agreement, and enhance connectivity between the two countries.
As members of the Belt and Road Initiative and the Economic Cooperation Organisation, Pakistan and Iran are committed to increasing cooperation in connectivity, infrastructure development, and the energy sector.