Pakistan, Iran agree to advance trade, education and border cooperation

Pakistan and Iran have agreed to accelerate pending projects and explore new measures to strengthen cooperation in education, trade, regional connectivity and border management, the Pakistani Embassy in Tehran said.

Pakistan’s Ambassador to Iran, Imran Ahmad Siddiqui, held a series of meetings with Iranian officials and business representatives during a visit to Zahedan, the capital of Iran’s Sistan and Baluchestan province.

At the invitation of the provincial authorities, the ambassador visited the University of Sistan and Baluchestan, where he was briefed on its academic programmes. Discussions focused on expanding cooperation between the Iranian university and Pakistani higher education institutions.

The two sides also reviewed progress on existing memoranda of understanding between universities in both countries and discussed the possible introduction of Pakistan Studies courses in relevant academic programmes.

Later, Siddiqui met Sistan and Baluchestan Governor General Mansoor Bijar. The meeting focused on measures to increase trade, economic cooperation and connectivity between Pakistan and the Iranian province.

Both sides agreed that pending projects should be completed at the earliest and that new proposals should be developed to facilitate trade through the Mirjaveh-Taftan border crossing.

Bijar confirmed that representatives of Sistan and Baluchestan province would participate in the upcoming meeting of the Joint Trade Committee.

The two officials also expressed concern over recent regional developments. The governor general appreciated Pakistan’s mediation efforts between Iran and the United States and thanked Islamabad for its role.

During his visit, the Pakistani ambassador inspected the Mirjaveh-Taftan border crossing and reviewed its operations with Iranian officials. The discussions emphasised resolving administrative issues and ensuring the smooth and uninterrupted movement of vehicles.

Siddiqui also visited the Pakistani side of the border, where officials briefed him on existing border arrangements. Authorities from both countries reaffirmed their commitment to improving coordination and facilitating easier cross-border transport.

In the evening, the ambassador visited the Zahedan Chamber of Commerce and met representatives of the local business community.

The meeting discussed ways to promote and facilitate trade between Pakistan and Sistan and Baluchestan province. Both sides agreed to increase direct contacts between business organisations to expand bilateral commercial activity.

The embassy said the visit provided an opportunity to review ongoing projects, discuss matters of mutual interest and identify new avenues for expanding educational, trade and connectivity cooperation between Pakistan and Iran.