QUETTA: Pakistan and Iran have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to improve border security and stop oil, drugs and arms snuggling and human trafficking.

The MoU was signed after a meeting of the joint border commission held in Zahidan, the provincial capital of Iranian province Sistan-Baluchestan.

The three-day meeting concluded on Thursday in which several agreements to streng­then security in the border areas and to prevent illegal movements were signed.

Balochistan Chief Secre­tary Dr Akhtar Nazeer headed the Pakistani delegation, while Deputy Gover­nor for Security of Sistan-Balu­chestan Mohammad Hadi Marshi led the Iranian side.

Both sides expressed determination to prevent smuggling of drugs and oil and stop human trafficking and take strict security measures to halt movement of terrorists across the border.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed the issue of border violations. Pakis­tan recorded its protest against consecutive border violations by Iran’s revolution guards.

Iranian officials sought safe recovery of Iranian border guards abducted from the Mir Jawah area of Pak-Iran border territory.

The two sides agreed to establish Pak-Iran econo­mic committees in Panjgur, Chagai, Turbat and Gwadar to enhance bilateral trade and discussed a proposal to set up a free-tax market.

They unanimously de­cid­ed to establish a committee to stamp out terrorism from bordering towns and discussed border security management affairs.

Talking to reporters after the meeting, Deputy Gover­nor for Security of Sistan Baluchistan Hadi Marshi said the abduction of Iranian border guards remained the main topic during the three-day session.

“We have shared all intelligence details gathered by Iranian officials that remaining four border guards were taken to Pakistani territory and the Pakistani officials have assured of full action for their safe recovery,” he added.

Published in Dawn, December 14th, 2018