Pakistan, Iran term border attacks a conspiracy to undermine relations‏

Published January 11, 2015
Balochistan Chief Minister Dr Abdul Malik Baloch along with Governor of Sistan Balochistan Ali Osat Hashmi while addressing a press conference in Quetta. –INP Photo
Balochistan Chief Minister Dr Abdul Malik Baloch along with Governor of Sistan Balochistan Ali Osat Hashmi while addressing a press conference in Quetta. –INP Photo

QUETTA: Pakistan and Iran on Sunday termed recent incidents along their porous border as a conspiracy to undermine relations between the two neighbors.

Iranian Governor of Sistan-Balochistan, Aqai Ali Osat Hashmi arrived in Quetta on a two-day visit and met Pakistani officials to discuss border issues, trade, narcotics smuggling and other issues.

The Iranian governor of Sistan-Balochistan called on Chief Minister Balochistan Dr. Abdul Malik Baloch and addressed a press conference after their meeting on Sunday.

"We will not allow anyone to use our soil for terror acts," Chief Minister Dr. Malik Baloch assured the visiting Iranian governor.

He said that Pakistan was committed to eradicate extremism and terrorism from its soil.

The Iranian governor's visit has come almost a week after Iranian border force fired rockets inside Pakistani territory that injured a minor girl in Mand Bilu area of Turbat.

Read also: 7 injured as Iranian border guards fire rockets in Balochistan's Kech

Governor Hashmi stated that some elements wanted to harm relations between the two countries and recently have carried out terrorist attacks as well.

"Long borders cannot keep us away from each other," the Iranian governor told a crowded press conference in Quetta.

The Chief Minister Dr. Malik Baloch thus expressed the desire for early completion of multi-billion dollar Pakistan-Iran gas pipeline project.

"We want immediate completion of the gas pipeline between the two countries," he said.

The Iranian governor also met members of the trader’s community and addressed a reception hosted by Chamber of Commerce and Industries Quetta.

He assured traders that all out efforts would be made to encourage Pakistan traders and their grievances would be addressed on a priority basis.

Dr. Malik Baloch while addressing the press conference demanded that besides Taftan, trade points should be established at Gwadar, Panjgoor, Turbat and other areas to boost trade between the two countries.

"We are ready to boost trade with Iran," Dr. Baloch said.

However, the Iranian governor stated that the volume of trade would be increased with Pakistan in near future and for this purpose he was in Quetta to meet Pakistani officials and the traders community.

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