Border tensions disrupt Pakistan-Iran trade talks in Chabahar

QUETTA: The 11th meeting of the joint border trade committee between Pakistan and Iran, scheduled in Chabahar, faced an unexpected cancellation due to tensions arising from Iran’s alleged incursion into the Panjgur region of Balochistan, Pakistan.

The Pakistan-Iran trade talks, which commenced on Tuesday, was abruptly halted following the incident.

Iraj Hassanpour, the Head of Industry, Mine, and Trade department of Iran’s Sistan and Balochistan Province, was leading the Iranian delegation, while Abdul Qadir Memon, Chief of Balochistan’s Customs office, headed the Pakistani delegation. Unfortunately, the incursion prompted the Pakistani delegation to depart from Chabahar.

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Deputy Commissioner Gwadar Aurangzeb Badini and trade delegations from Quetta and Gwadar Chambers, along with other officials, were present at the disrupted meeting.

The planned discussions involved the signing of memorandums, proposals, and consultations aimed at fostering bilateral trade relations.

The primary objective of the meeting was to enhance trade exchanges, expedite movement, and streamline customs procedures between Pakistan and Iran.

This setback is notable as both nations had been working towards increasing their annual trade value to an ambitious $5 billion.

Despite the unfortunate disruption, it is anticipated that diplomatic efforts will be employed to address the border tensions and pave the way for the resumption of constructive trade talks between Iran and Pakistan in the near future.

Iran’s incursion into Pakistan had killed two children and injured three girls on the Pakistani side.

Islamabad has decided to suspend all high-level visits that were ongoing or were planned between Pakistan and Iran in the coming days.