CHAGAI: Iranian authorities informed Pakistani officials on Thursday that the mutual trade gate between the two countries at Taftan had been closed following instructions by their higher authorities.

During a meeting held at Raahdari Gate in Taftan, Mirjaveh Marzban Grade-02 Qasim Peri and Taftan Assistant Commissioner Asmatullah Achakzai discussed the border affairs, particularly the issue related to prolonged closure of the trade gate.

Talking to Dawn after the meeting, Mr Achakzai said the Iranian authorities had been apprised of the hardships being faced by the local residents because of the suspension of tax-free border trade at Taftan.

“The Iranian Marzban suggested us to raise the issue through diplomatic channels,” Mr Achakzai said, adding that painting of border pillars between the two countries was also discussed in the meeting. He said it was decided that this would be done in the first week of January.

Published in Dawn, December 25th, 2020