QUETTA: The Pak-Iran joint border commission on Wednesday agreed to take effective measures to curb terrorism as it poses a serious threat to law and order and stability on both sides of the border.

Balochistan Home Minister Mir Ziaullah Langove led the Pakistani delegation, while Mohammad Hadi Marshi, Deputy Governor General of Sistan-Baluchestan province, headed the 20-member Iranian delegation at the 23rd meeting of the commission.

Speaking at the opening session of the three-day meeting, Mr Langove said that people of both countries enjoyed deep and friendly relations.

He said the two countries should adopt effective measures to stop illegal border crossing and human and drug smuggling.

“There is a need to eliminate terrorist elements who are a serious threat to law and order and stability on both sides of the border,” he added.

Facilities for traders, common people living near border promised

The home minister said Pakistan was ready for providing maximum facilities to people related to businesses and common residents in the border areas.

Mr Langove stressed the need for starting the air travel service between Quetta and Zahedan, the capital of Sistan-Baluchestan.

Mr Marshi said that people of Iran and Pakistan enjoyed cordial relations which would grow stronger with the passage of time.

He appreciated the positive contribution of Pakistan to promoting bilateral trade. The Iranian government was also utilising all resources to boost economic ties with Pakistan, he added.

“Iran believes in adopting a joint strategy for resolving issues in the region,” Mr Marshi said.

Balochistan’s Additional Home Secretary Haider Ali Shikoh, Deputy Inspector General of Frontier Corps South Brigadier Rehan Aqil, Customs Collector Raza Dashti, Deputy Inspector General of Police Abdul Razzaq Cheema and other government officers also attended the meeting.

Published in Dawn, January 2nd, 2020