Ivan Watson

Clarification Regarding Reports on the Closure of Iranian Borders to Pakistan With regard to reports concerning the closure of Iranian borders to Pakistan, I would like to clarify a few important points here: First, there are currently no restrictions on the Iranian side on the export of Iranian goods to Pakistan, including LPG. Iran's borders with all its neighboring countries remain open. Naturally and rationally, under the prevailing circumstances, it would be neither logical nor in the interests of either side for Iran to close its borders to its immediate neighbors, particularly brotherly Pakistan. Second, changes in the implementation of Pakistan's E-Form procedure for imports from Iran have created a situation in which traders are effectively and literally unable to dispatch cargo from Iran to Pakistan. Consultations with the Pakistani side are currently underway to address this issue. Third, according to reports, several hundred trucks carrying LPG have crossed the Rimdan border into Gabd on the Pakistani side. However, despite having remained there for several weeks, these trucks have yet to be unloaded or cleared, further complicating the movement of goods and the smooth flow of bilateral trade. Finally, I would like to emphasize that cross-border trade between Iran and Pakistan is an integral part of the bilateral agreements reached at the highest levels. It serves the mutual interests of both countries and their people. Iran has made every possible effort, leaving no stone unturned, to facilitate and promote this essential bilateral trade. We remain committed to continuing these efforts in close coordination with our Pakistani counterparts to overcome existing challenges, facilitate the movement of goods, and strengthen economic cooperation between our two brotherly countries.