PESHAWAR: Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi on Friday held a meeting with consul general of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Peshawar, Ali Banafsheh Khah, at the Governor House to discuss matters of mutual interest and ways to enhance bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and Iran.

The two sides discussed the proposal for launching direct flights between Peshawar and Mashhad, describing improved air connectivity as an important step towards strengthening people-to-people contacts, trade and tourism.

They also exchanged views on expanding cooperation in the agriculture sector and reviewed progress regarding the proposed sister-city status between Peshawar and the Birjand.

Speaking on the occasion, Governor Faisal Karim Kundi said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was Pakistan’s only province offering vast opportunities in oil and gas, affordable electricity, minerals, precious gemstones, tourism and religious tourism under one umbrella.

He said the province possessed immense investment potential and expressed the hope that investors from Pakistan and Iran would benefit from each other’s experience by exploring joint ventures in different sectors.

The Iranian consul general reaffirmed his country’s interest in promoting cooperation with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in areas of mutual benefit including trade, investment and agriculture, the meeting was told.

Published in Dawn, August 15th, 2026