TURBAT/GWADAR: Kech Deputy Commissioner Yasir Iqbal Dashti has announced the decision to reopen the Jalagi border crossing along the Pakistan-Iran border to restore trade and livelihood opportunities for the local population.
Addressing a media briefing at his office in Turbat, the deputy commissioner said the decision came after positive progress in talks with Iranian authorities. He said the reopening of the border would provide much-needed economic relief to the people of Kech, facing severe financial difficulties due to the prolonged closure of border trade routes.
Mr Dashti said uncertainty over border trade had persisted for the last 16-17 months. He explained that after the separation of the Tump district, Kech was left without an operational border point for trade, as only the Surab crossing point had remained functional.
The deputy commissioner said he held several meetings with the Inspector General Frontier Corps to discuss restoration of border facilities for Kech residents, following which contact was established with the Iranian authorities.
“The Iranian side has agreed to immediately open the Jalagi border for the people of Kech,” he said, adding that a few technical matters were still pending and expected to be resolved within days.
Until Jalagi becomes functional, Mr Dashti said, the FC had agreed to provide temporary trade facilities for Kech residents at the Jirak border.
Meanwhile, the Gwadar Port Authority has issued new informational guidelines for transit trade with Iran, outlining transportation of goods from Gwadar Port to Iran via the Gabd-Rimdan border crossing under customs supervision and in compliance with all legal requirements.
The report said the distance from Gwadar Port to the Gabd border was around 87 kilometres, making it the shortest land route for cargo transport to Iran.
Published in Dawn, June 29th, 2026