ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): Pakistan and Iran have agreed to expand border trade by improving facilities, keeping border crossings open 24 hours, strengthening logistics, and harmonizing customs procedures, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said in a statement on Wednesday.
The agreement was reached during a meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and a six-member Iranian delegation led by Iran’s Minister of Industry, Mines and Trade, Seyyed Mohammad Atabak, in Islamabad today.
During the meeting, the two sides agreed to enhance cooperation in the mining sector, particularly in the processing and value addition of precious stones.
In his remarks, Prime Minister Shehbaz reaffirmed that Pakistan attaches great importance to its relations with Iran. He reiterated that Pakistan will continue its sincere efforts for peace in the region.
وزیراعظم شہباز شریف سے ایران کے وزیر صنعت، کان کنی و تجارت سید محمد اتابک کی سربراہی میں 6 رکنی وفد کی ملاقات
وزیراعظم کا کہنا تھا کہ پاکستان اپنے بہترین ہمسایہ برادر ملک اسلامی جمہوریہ ایران کے ساتھ تعلقات کو انتہائی قدر کی نگاہ سے دیکھتا ہے۔ خطے میں پائیدار امن کے قیام اور… pic.twitter.com/IrHdSBLzn4
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) August 5, 2026
Referring to his recent discussion with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, the Prime Minister said, “They exchanged views on promoting lasting peace in the region and further strengthening Pakistan-Iran bilateral relations, particularly in the field of trade.”
He expressed confidence that sustained efforts would help achieve the bilateral trade target of $10 billion set by the leadership of both countries.
He added that enhanced trade, especially in food and agricultural commodities and products, would benefit both nations.
Speaking on the occasion, the Iranian Minister thanked Pakistan for the warm welcome and gracious hospitality.
He commended the Pakistani leadership and people for their sincere diplomatic efforts to promote regional peace and for expressing solidarity with Iran. Seyyed Atabak said Iran is keen to further expand economic and trade relations with Pakistan.
He added that technical-level negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement between the two countries are currently underway.
