Consulate General of the Islamic Republic of Iran-Quetta 28-April-2023

Iranian Consul General Hasan Darwishwand met with Balochistan Governor Malik Abdul Wali Kakar

The completion of border markets and energy projects can strengthen the economy of both countries, the direct flights operation can facilitate to businessmen community. Consul General

The Consul General of the Islamic Republic of Iran at Quetta, Mr. Hasan Darvishwand call on the Governor of Balochistan, Mr. Malik Abdul Wali Kakar at Governor House Quetta.

In this meeting, the Consul General emphasized on importance of the establishment of border markets for improving the law and order situation and strengthening the livelihood of the people living in the border areas of both the countries. He further said that initially establishment of 4 Border Markets projects at Rimdan-Gabd, Pishin-Mand, Kohak-Panjgur and Taftan-Mijaveh are in progress where some of which have been completed. A total of 6 border markets are under consideration on the Pak-Iran border. He said that starting direct flights between Quetta and Zahedan can provide great facilities to all passengers including businessmen. Apart from this, the construction and repair of the dilapidated railway line and road between Quetta and Taftan can also play an important role in promoting trade and facilitating the movement of passengers.

The Consul General lauded Iran's project to supply 100 MW of additional electricity to Gwadar and said that another project of 500 MW of electricity is also included in Iran's proposed plans for Pakistan. The Consul General emphasized on increasing the trade volume to 5 billion dollars and said that the capabilities and opportunities of both the countries are very high as compare to the annual trade target of 5 billion dollars. With the completion of energy projects, especially the Pak-Iran gas pipeline, we can also achieve the annual trade target of 20 billion dollars each year.

In the meeting, Governor Balochistan said that, Iran and Pakistan both the neighboring countries are enjoying long-standing religious, friendly and brotherly relations. Emphasizing the promotion of mutual trade between the two countries, he said that there are certain difficulties and obstacles by removing which we can reach the annual trade volume of 10 billion dollars. He stressed on provision of more facilities to the people living on both sides of the border and said that incidents of unrest can also be reduced with the strength and prosperity of the border people's livelihood.

Consul General Hasan Darvishvand also presented an invitation letter to the Governor Balochistan Mr. Malik Abdul Wali Kakar to visit Sistan and Balochistan on behalf of Governor Sistan and Balochistan.

Finally, gifts were also exchanged between the Consul General and the Governor of Balochistan.