Expanding Iran-Pakistan Border Trade Key to Enhancing Security and Economic Growth: Ghalibaf
Tehran, The Gulf Observer: Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has emphasized that expanding border trade and economic cooperation with Pakistan would strengthen security and drive economic growth in both countries.
Speaking to reporters upon his return from a three-day official visit to Pakistan on Friday, Ghalibaf stated, “If border markets are developed and trade with Pakistan flourishes, a major part of the insecurity and border challenges between the two countries will be definitely resolved because when borders become hubs of legal and large-scale economic activity, smuggling and insecurity are minimized.”
Ghalibaf’s visit, which began on Wednesday at the invitation of Pakistan’s National Assembly Speaker Sardar Sadiq, included high-level meetings with key Pakistani officials such as Acting President and Senate Chairman Yusuf Raza Gilani, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir.
Highlighting one of the central aims of the visit, Ghalibaf said it was to convey appreciation to the people and leadership of Pakistan for their “valuable positions during the 12-day war against the Zionist regime (of Israel).” He noted that wherever the Iranian delegation interacted with the public, they expressed satisfaction with Iran’s “strong and decisive response to the Zionist regime’s aggression.”
The parliament speaker added that political, economic, and security issues were extensively discussed during the meetings. He also participated in joint economic sessions involving Iranian and Pakistani traders and chambers of commerce in Islamabad, describing the discussions as “very useful and constructive.”
Ghalibaf further stated that the visit followed up on the implementation of 12 cooperation documents signed during President Masoud Pezeshkian’s recent visit to Pakistan. “Good progress has been made in this regard, especially in areas such as free trade and barter, which were discussed in detail,” he noted.
