Pakistan-Iran border was a border of peace & friendship: Imran Khan
Says we are focused on engaging our 09 Million overseas Pakistanis for the economic turnaround
Pakistan, Iran agree to set up markets on Pak-Iran borders & increase the number of border terminals
ISLAMABAD ( Web News )
Minister for Interior of Iran, Dr. Ahmad Vahidi, called on Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday. The Prime Minister expressed satisfaction over positive momentum in brotherly relations between the two countries and highlighted the vast potential that exists for enhanced collaboration in diverse fields.
Prime Minister Imran Khan particularly emphasized the importance of close bilateral collaboration to boost trade and regional connectivity. The Prime Minister also stressed early completion and operationalization of the border sustenance markets, for economic uplift of the people living on both sides of the border. Underscoring that the Pakistan-Iran border was a border of peace and friendship, the Prime Minister underlined the importance of joint cooperation to address security issues. The Prime Minister thanked Iranian Government and the Supreme Leader for steadfast support for the just resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. The Prime Minister also expressed satisfaction over convergence of views regarding a peaceful and stable Afghanistan and underscored the importance of close coordination between the two countries.
Prime Minister Imran Khan also stressed the need for urgent actions by the international community to prevent humanitarian crisis and economic meltdown in Afghanistan and measures to enhance practical engagement, strengthen stability, and counter terrorism. The Prime Minister reiterated his invitation to President Raisi to visit Pakistan at an early date. Interior Minister Dr. Ahmad Vahidi conveyed cordial greetings of Iranian leadership to the Prime Minister and reaffirmed Iran’s desire to strengthen bilateral relations in all aspects.
“We are focused on engaging our 09 Million overseas Pakistanis for the economic turnaround,” said Prime Minister Imran Khan while chairing a meeting on Overseas Enclave Islamabad, a proposed world class housing project by CDA. “Overseas Pakistanis are our valuable asset. We are trying to make maximum use of their expertise and contribution for employment generation and wealth creation in the country,” he added.
Earlier the Prime Minister was apprised that CDA is planning to develop a cluster of around 6000 hugh-end living apartments at a prime location in Islamabad. This high-end living community of around 35,000 people would have access to all world class menities. The project would offer a fully sustainable, highly secured and a most attractive bid for all overseas investors.
Prime Minister Imran Khan directed the authorities concerned to ensure high quality construction, fast-track completion and competitive pricing of these proposed housing apartments in order to make them attractive for investment by overseas Pakistanis.
The meeting was attended by SAPM on Overseas Syed Tariq Mehmood ul Hasan, Chairman Naya Pakistan Housing & Development Authority (NAPHDA) Lt Gen Anwar Ali Haider (Retd), Chairman CDA Amir Ali Ahmed and other senior officers concerned. CEO Ravi Urban Development Aurhority (RUDA) Imran Amin joined the meeting via video link.
Earlier Pakistan and Iran have agreed to form Joint working groups to strengthen bilateral relations.
The understanding was reached in a joint declaration issued after the meeting of a nine member visiting Iranian delegation led by Interior Minister Dr. Ahmad Vahidi with Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed in Islamabad on Monday.
The two sides agreed to set up markets on Pak-Iran borders and increase the number of border terminals. The two sides also exchanged views on completing fencing work on Pak-Iran border at the earliest.
It was agreed that the territory of Pakistan and Iran should not be used for terrorist activities against each other.
The meeting also discussed regional Security situation, looming humanitarian catastrophe in Afghanistan and other important issues. It also discussed prisoner exchanges and facilitating zaaireen.
Ways to prevent illegal human immigration and drug trafficking were also discussed during the meeting.
On the occasion, the Iranian Interior Minister strongly condemned recent terrorist attacks in Pakistan and said his country considers terrorist attack on Pakistan as an attack on Iran.
The Iranian Interior Minister said Pakistan and Iran have long lasting historic ties.
On his part, Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed thanked Iran for supporting Pakistan’s position on Indian Illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
He said the recent increase in terrorist incidents is regrettable and joint cooperation is needed to end it. Sheikh Rashid Ahmed said the international community should help the Afghan people as severe scarcity of resources could lead to a humanitarian crisis in that country.
He said Pakistan would continue to play its positive role for lasting peace in the region and welfare of Afghan people.