Pakistan, Iran move to boost border trade, connectivity

In a bid to deepen economic cooperation and uplift marginalised border communities, Commerce Minister Jam Kamal has proposed a series of high-level bilateral visits to strengthen cross-border trade and infrastructure ties with Iran. The minister floated the proposal during a meeting with Iranian Ambassador Reza Amiri-Moghaddam on Saturday, during which both sides discussed measures to expand trade, improve connectivity, and build on existing cooperation mechanisms. According to an official statement, Mr Kamal suggested arranging high-level exchanges — including visits by Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti and the Governor of Zahedan — to advance regional engagement. He also recommended that Pakistani ministers responsible for maritime affairs, railways, and communications visit Tehran to explore sectoral collaboration with their Iranian counterparts.