THE establishment of a joint working group between Pakistan and Iran, which came during the one-day visit of Iranian Interior Minister Dr Ahmad Vahidi, to deal with border-related issues is a step in the right direction to foil the nefarious designs of those elements that want to create a wedge in the brotherly relations of the two fraternal countries.
A joint declaration issued after talks between the Iranian and Pakistani Interior Ministers, the two sides vowed not to allow terrorist activities against each other.
Working together indeed is the way forward to check the activities of terrorists, separatists, drug traffickers, human smugglers and other criminals.
The establishment of joint working group has now provided them the platform to do the needful to improve security on the border including through intelligence sharing in order to realize the long cherished dream of enhanced connectivity and improved trade and economic activities in the region.
Such is the strong relationship between Pakistan and Iran that they have not allowed the terrorists or criminal activities on the border damage their relations, yet they could act as a barrier to promote cooperation in diverse fields.
In recent times, there have been enhanced terrorist acts in Balochistan province.
There are certain international actors including our arch enemy India that do not want peace in strategically located Balochistan province because exploitation of its vast and rich natural resources as well as improved connectivity with it can change the economic landscape of whole of Pakistan.
We believe that with better coordination with the Iranian side, we can thwart the sordid designs of the enemy to a great deal.
Both China and Iran have also recently launched a long-term economic cooperation program worth several billions of dollars.
The economic dividends can be multiplied by connecting Gwadar and Chabahar ports.
Making Pakistan-Iran border a genuine border of peace will be a big step forward to unleash the economic potential of the region.
The plan of operationalizing border markets should also be implemented by removing all the obstacles to encourage bilateral cooperation and legal cross border trade.
