Pak-Iran border reopens

QUETTA - Pak-Iran border was reopened for local trade on Monday after a four-month-long closure after successful negotiations, held last week, between the authorities of two countries.
Iran had closed the crossings for all kinds of trade activities and suspended the permits system for the local people living on both sides of the border for visiting their relatives for limited period of time. The step was taken in wake of the suicide attack on a gathering of tribal elders in Iranian border city of Pishin in Seestan-Baluchistan on October 18 last year that resulted in death of over 40 persons and injuring more than a hundred. Among the dead were the eight senior officials including deputy Commander of Iranian border security force.
The move affected thousands of families badly who earn their bread and butter through trade on the local level. There were persistent demands from the local tribes, urging the Iranian authorities to revive trade at different border points, thus ameliorating the economic condition of thousands of poverty-stricken people in both countries.
Last week, the Iranian government conveyed its consent to Paksitani authorities to reopen the border for local trade and restoration of permits for travelling for people. The officials of both countries, including administration of border districts, held a meeting at the border town of Taftan on Pakistani side, which resulted in the positive development from Monday (March 1).
Meanwhile, the decision has caused jubilation among the local people particularly on Pakistani side, as thousands of families are dependent upon cheap flour, vegetable, chicken, fruits, petrol and petroleum products from Iran.