QUETTA: Iran on Thursday was urged to take serious measures to stop smuggling of oil into Pakistan.

Speaking at a meeting of the Pak-Iran Joint Border Commission, Balochistan Chief Secretary retired Capt Fazeel Asghar said that the smuggled Iranian oil had been affecting Pakistan’s economy.

He said the Balochistan government and security forces had been taking action to stop oil smuggling and seized 348 million litres of Iranian diesel and petrol during last year.

Mr Asghar said Iranian oil was also smuggled through different routes to other parts of Pakistan.

“Illegal supply of Iranian oil to Pakistan is also causing serious incidents in Balochistan. The Makran commissioner was martyred recently and hundreds of other people had lost their lives in such incidents,” he said.

The way adopted for illegal supply of oil is like a “walking bomb”, he added.

The chief secretary informed the Iranian officials that the federal and provincial governments had taken steps for providing foolproof security and facilities to the people who intended to visit sacred shrines in Iran. “A railway line project is also under consideration for the pilgrims,” he said.

He said fencing of the border was necessary to stop illegal trade and smuggling and movement of terrorists.

Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Governor of Iranian province Sistan-Baluchestan Mohammad Hadi Marshi appreciated the proposals and suggestions of the Balochistan government and assured that Iran would extend all help and cooperation in this regard.

“The problems of both the countries are similar and Iran will take steps for resolving them,” Mr Marshi said.

Published in Dawn, January 3rd, 2020