Bugti, Iranian Governor Agree to Boost Bilateral Trade to $10 Billion, Strengthen Border Security

CM Balochistan orders release of detained govt employees following Grand Alliance request

Staff Report

ISLAMABAD: Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti and Governor Mansoor Bajar of Iran’s Sistan Province agreed to enhance bilateral trade to $10 billion, expand border markets, and strengthen cooperation on border security during a high-level meeting in Islamabad.

The two sides discussed Pakistan-Iran relations, cross-border trade, investment opportunities, border market development, and regional security, with a focus on promoting economic cooperation between the neighbouring countries.

Chief Minister Bugti expressed condolences to Governor Bajar over the loss of senior Iranian leadership, reaffirming Pakistan’s solidarity with the people of Iran. Governor Bajar thanked the Balochistan government and people for their support and said his visit aimed to further strengthen trade and economic ties.

Governor Bajar noted that bilateral trade currently stands at around $3 billion and expressed confidence that it could increase to $10 billion through sustained cooperation. He said expanding border trade would also contribute to improved security and regional stability.

Bugti assured the Iranian delegation that the Balochistan government would take all possible measures to promote barter trade and facilitate cross-border commerce. He agreed that stronger economic engagement would help foster lasting peace and stability in the border region.

The chief minister announced that the three existing border markets along the Pakistan-Iran frontier would be upgraded to improve their efficiency. He added that more border markets would be established to create employment opportunities and promote economic activity in border districts.

Separately, Chief Minister Bugti ordered the release of all government employees detained during an earlier protest after receiving a request from Grand Alliance leaders. Acting on his directives, the Quetta district administration released around 50 detained employees.

Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti and Governor Mansoor Bajar of Iran’s Sistan Province agreed to enhance bilateral trade to $10 billion, expand border markets, and strengthen cooperation on border security during a high-level meeting in Islamabad.

The two sides discussed Pakistan-Iran relations, cross-border trade, investment opportunities, border market development, and regional security, with a focus on promoting economic cooperation between the neighbouring countries.

Chief Minister Bugti expressed condolences to Governor Bajar over the loss of senior Iranian leadership, reaffirming Pakistan’s solidarity with the people of Iran. Governor Bajar thanked the Balochistan government and people for their support and said his visit aimed to further strengthen trade and economic ties.

Governor Bajar noted that bilateral trade currently stands at around $3 billion and expressed confidence that it could increase to $10 billion through sustained cooperation. He said expanding border trade would also contribute to improved security and regional stability.

Bugti assured the Iranian delegation that the Balochistan government would take all possible measures to promote barter trade and facilitate cross-border commerce. He agreed that stronger economic engagement would help foster lasting peace and stability in the border region.

The chief minister announced that the three existing border markets along the Pakistan-Iran frontier would be upgraded to improve their efficiency. He added that more border markets would be established to create employment opportunities and promote economic activity in border districts.

Separately, Chief Minister Bugti ordered the release of all government employees detained during an earlier protest after receiving a request from Grand Alliance leaders. Acting on his directives, the Quetta district administration released around 50 detained employees.