QUETTA: The seventh meeting of the Pak-Iran border committee, held in the Iranian border town of Mir-Javeh on Saturday, has decided to jointly combat terrorist groups, outlaws and drug smugglers on both sides of the border and extend mutual assistance and cooperation.

It was also decided to take steps to stop Iranian oil smuggling.

The Pakistani delegation was led by Additional Secretary Home for Balochistan Abdul Salam Khan Achakzai, while the Iranian delegation was led by the director general secretary of Iranian province Sistan Baluchestan. Other relevant officials also participated in the meeting.

During the meeting, which lasted for several hours, various issues were discussed, including stopping smuggling, border crossings, power supply to Taftan areas and installing a fence along the Pak-Iran border. Detailed briefings on these matters were presented by both Pakistani and Iranian authorities concerned.

Both sides agree to stop smuggling, illegal border crossings; power supply to Taftan, border fence also discussed

Regarding border crossings, both sides expressed concern over border violations and pledged to take strict measures to prevent such occurrences.

Officials said that after a lengthy discussion on the issue of border violations and illegal border crossing, the meeting decided that nobody would be allowed to cross the border without completing all legal formalities. “All legal requirements would be strictly implemented for border crossing from both sides,” the meeting decided.

According to the officials, Pakistani and Iranian authorities, while reviewing the border issue, decided to fully erect a fence along the Pak-Iran border. The Iranian government had already constructed high walls at its border with Pakistan in different areas, while Pakistan was also installing fences along the border to prevent illegal crossings into other areas. “The entire border will be fenced.”

Regarding power supply to border towns, Iranian officials agreed to supply electricity to additional border towns, with a commitment to provide electricity to four border villages in Taftan. Iran also agreed to facilitate Pakistani pilgrims in obtaining Iranian visas for pilgrimage.

Both sides agreed to exchange data on prisoners and assist in the repatriation of deceased individuals. The official said it was also decided to take measures to stop oil smuggling and to enhance the functionality of border markets in the border areas of Pakistan and Iran.

Published in Dawn, October 8th, 2023