Pakistan and Iran have agreed to establish a joint committee aimed at removing logistical bottlenecks and facilitating smoother cross-border trade between the two neighboring countries.
The understanding was reached during a meeting between Iran’s Minister for Roads and Urban Development, Ms. Farzaneh Sadegh, and Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Communications, Abdul Aleem Khan, held in Islamabad on Saturday.
According to an official press release, the joint committee — comprising officials from both countries — has been tasked with submitting its final report within a week, focusing particularly on resolving issues faced by Iranian commercial trucks entering Pakistan.
Abdul Aleem Khan assured the visiting Iranian minister that all necessary measures would be taken to ensure the prompt clearance of Iranian trade vehicles. He issued immediate directives to the National Logistics Cell (NLC), Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), and other relevant authorities to expedite coordination.
He emphasized that Pakistan is fully committed to advancing regional trade and connectivity, offering Iran access to conduct trade through Pakistan’s transit routes toward China and other countries. The minister expressed satisfaction over the renewed cooperation between the two “brotherly Islamic nations,” calling it a positive step for broader regional development.
Following the bilateral talks, the Iranian delegation also met with Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi and Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan. During the meeting, a detailed review of Pakistan-Iran trade and transport links was carried out.
Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi proposed accelerating the implementation of the Pakistan-Iran agreement signed in September and announced that a review of the Islamabad–Tehran–Istanbul Train Project will take place in December this year.
Meanwhile, Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan reiterated Pakistan’s strong interest in expanding bilateral trade with Iran to USD 10 billion.
In response, Minister Farzaneh Sadegh thanked Abdul Aleem Khan for organizing the meeting on short notice and conveyed Iran’s desire to deepen cooperation in maritime affairs, particularly through Chabahar and Gwadar Ports. She noted that the President of Iran attaches great importance to strengthening ties with Pakistan, describing the ongoing Regional Transport Ministers’ Conference in Islamabad as an encouraging initiative that will yield mutual benefits.
Separately, United Nations Special Envoy for Road Safety Jean-Henri Todd also met with Federal Minister Abdul Aleem Khan to discuss Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to improve road safety and secure travel.
The communications minister briefed the UN envoy on several new initiatives, including speed limit enforcement on motorways and highways, rapid medical response mechanisms, and the introduction of air ambulance services for accident victims. Mr. Todd lauded Pakistan’s progress in road safety reforms and assured the UN’s full cooperation and support.
The meeting was attended by Director General Rescue 1122 Dr. Rizwan Naseer and Inspector General of Motorways Police.
