From Our Correspondent:
TURBAT – A high-level meeting regarding the operationalisation of the Pak-Iran Joint Border Market in Radeeg, Mand, a border region in Kech district, was recently held. The initiative is being spearheaded by the Balochistan Department of Industries and Commerce, with the aim of boosting legal trade and cross-border cooperation between Pakistan and Iran.
The meeting saw participation from senior Iranian officials, provincial ministers, and top administrative officers from the Makran Division and Kech District. Among those in attendance were Balochistan Minister for Planning and Development Mir Zahoor Ahmed Buledi, Advisor on Sports and Youth Affairs Madam Meena Majeed, Parliamentary Secretary for Energy Mir Asghar Rind, Parliamentary Secretary for Fisheries Haji Barkat Rind, Secretary Industries Muhammad Khalid Sarparah, Commissioner Makran Division Qadir Bakhsh Pirkani, Deputy Commissioner Kech Bashir Ahmed Baloch, and Deputy Director Industries Makran Division Fahad Raheem, along with other relevant officials.
The key focus of the meeting was to finalize a roadmap for formally launching the joint border market. It was mutually agreed that the market will initially open for three days a week — Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday — and depending on performance and demand, it will be extended to five days a week after one month.
Discussions also revolved around promoting bilateral trade, generating employment opportunities for local communities, and uplifting the border region’s economy through sustainable commercial activity.
Speaking on the occasion, Advisor Meena Majeed termed the initiative a “historic breakthrough” that would not only improve Pakistan-Iran trade relations but also usher in a new era of economic empowerment for people living in border areas. She emphasized that this joint market will encourage regulated and legal trade between the two countries and act as a strong deterrent against smuggling and illegal practices.
It is worth noting that the project is a major step under the supervision of the Balochistan Department of Industries and Commerce, aiming to establish a structured and beneficial trade system at the Pakistan-Iran border.
