QUETTA: Iranian Consul General in Quetta Agha Mohammad Rafee said on Saturday that illegal trade between Pakistan and Iran was increasing in the absence of banking facilities at the border of the two countries.

Speaking at an Eid reception hosted by the Quetta Chamber of Commerce and Industry (QCCI), he said the agreements signed between Pakistan and Iran in this regard had not been implemented so far. He stressed need for effective banking facilities at the border, saying that illegal trade from the Taftan border could not be prevented until such facilities there.

National Assembly Deputy Speaker Qasim Khan Suri, QCCI president Wali Mohammad, Quetta Chamber of Small Traders and Small Industry president Jumma Badezai and other members were present on the occasion.

Mr Rafee said Pakistani and Iranian officials had formed a joint Pak-Iran chamber of commerce. He said the agreement signed for increasing trade between the two countries in different sectors should be implemented and steps should be taken to remove hurdles in the way of increasing bilateral trade.

He said relations between Iran and Pakistan were improving after election of Imran Khan as prime minister, but still there were some economic and trade issues which needed to be addressed in order to increase Pak-Iran trade volume up to $5 billion.

He said increase in taxes and duty on Iranian items by the Pakistan government had caused increase in illegal trade between the two countries.

Stressing the need for increasing trade between Pakistan and India, he said two more crossing points could be opened at the Taftan border. He pledged support of his country for repairing of the Pak-Iran railway line.

Mr Rafee urged Mr Suri to make all necessary arrangements for the upcoming visit of Iranian parliamentarians to Quetta.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Suri said that the Pakistan government had started taking serious steps for preventing illegal trade between the two countries and stopping movement of terrorists at their border. He said a quick response force was being set up for the Pak-Iran border.

He said Pakistan was facing a serious financial crisis. But, he added, Prime Minister Imran Khan after coming into power had taken some very effective measures for the national economy which would yield positive results soon.

Published in Dawn, June 9th, 2019