QUETTA, Nov 23: Sistan Governor Hussain Amini said on Tuesday that Iran would enhance electricity supply to border areas of Pakistan from 30MW to 50MW.
Talking to newsmen at a lunch hosted by Chief Minister Jam Mohammad Yousuf in his honour, he said the additional power would be supplied to Gwadar.
He said the development of Gwadar port would benefit the entire region. He said his government would extend cooperation in all fields to strengthen ties between the two countries.
He said the two countries would hold trade exhibitions in Zahidan and Sibi next year. He said it had been decided that the air service between Quetta and Zahidan would be resumed.
He said the agreement signed on Monday between his province and Balochistan would promote trade between the two countries and strengthen their cooperation in education and research.
In reply to a question, Mr Amini said both Iran and Pakistan would not allow any one to use their territories against the interests of each other. Balochistan Governor Owais Ahmed Ghani told newsmen that cooperation between both the provinces would enhance bilateral trade. Later, Mr Amini and his delegation left for Zahidan.
PACTS SIGNED: Balochistan and Iran's Sistan-Balochistan province signed an agreement here on Monday under which they were declared twin provinces and they agreed to cooperate to curb human, drug and weapons smuggling.
Governor Owais Ahmed Ghani and Sistan-Balochistan Governor-General Hussain Amini signed the agreement at governor's house. Mr Ghani said on the occasion that the agreement would facilitate the growth of trade and cooperation in different fields, especially between the twin provinces.
He said that during his meeting with Mr Amini and his delegation on Sunday, they had reviewed in detail the prospects of cooperation in trade, business, agriculture, livestock, minerals, handicrafts, tourism and other sectors.
He stressed the need for greater unity, understanding and brotherhood among Muslim nations to face the crisis and challenges confronting them. Mr Amini said the provinces had decided to adopt strict measures to effectively combat human, drugs and weapons trafficking on the borders.
He said the provinces had agreed not to allow their lands to be used by criminals from across the border as shelter. He said the governments of both the provinces would hand over to each other the criminals who crossed the border.
Speaking at a joint press conference, he said the petroleum ministers of both the sides should discuss the issue of smuggling of oil. He said steps should be taken for legal supply of petroleum to discourage smuggling.
The governor-general was confidant that interaction between the chambers of commerce the provinces would promote trade and business between them. He said Iran fulfilled 70 per cent of its rice requirement from Pakistan.
Replying to a question, Mr Amini said Iran was making concerted efforts to curb drug trafficking but the Western countries were not cooperating in this regard. He said the Iranian government had torched 200 tons of drugs seized in the country, of which 60 tons were seized in Sistan-Balochistan.
Responding to a question, Mr Ghani said he would soon lead a delegation to Zahidan. Mr Amini arrived here on Sunday on a three-day visit.
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