Pakistan - Iran News / Discussion

Pakistan, Iran fast-track border SEZ​


Both sides renew $10b trade target as US sanctions expected to ease

Our Correspondent
June 19, 2026

tribune


ISLAMABAD/KARACHI: Pakistan and Iran have agreed to accelerate implementation of the Rimdan-Gabd border Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and deepen economic cooperation as both countries renewed efforts to raise bilateral trade to $10 billion, following a peace deal between Iran and the United States (US).

The US is expected to remove sanctions against Tehran, which will open a large market in Iran for Pakistan. During the conflict, Pakistan gave Iran access to ports including Gwadar by opening six land routes – a new route Pakistan found during the war. Earlier, Pakistani traders had used the Afghan route to reach Central Asian states and Russia, but Afghanistan closed this route due to tensions with Pakistan.

According to officials, Iran had been conducting informal trade worth $45 billion through Dubai port. But during the war, the UAE sided by Israel, making Pakistan the best option for Iran to shift that trade, which would become legal after the US removes sanctions.

Federal Minister for Investment Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh held a comprehensive meeting with Iranian Ambassador Reza Amiri Moghadam to strengthen bilateral economic cooperation and address issues related to trade, investment and regional connectivity.

Discussions focused on enhancing economic relations under the MoU signed between Pakistan's Board of Investment and Iran's Supreme Council of Free Trade, Industrial and Special Economic Zones for the establishment of joint free or special economic zones along their shared border.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to achieving the bilateral trade target of $10 billion. It was noted that the SEZ initiative, particularly around the Rimdan-Gabd border region, along with previously agreed border markets, would play a pivotal role in improving livelihoods and boosting cross-border commerce.

Detailed discussions were held on operationalisation of the SEZ. The Iranian side emphasised the need for a joint visit to finalise and notify the boundaries. While Iran has completed demarcation on its side, Pakistan's side requires coordination. It was agreed that a joint technical visit would be undertaken, followed by the development of terms of reference.

Sheikh highlighted the strategic importance of the location, noting its proximity to key maritime routes and major ports, making it a viable hub for trade and investment. He observed that the area offers comparatively better security conditions than other border points.
 
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Pakistan successfully brokered peace between the US and Iran. Can it now reap the dividend?​


Earlier this week, the US and Iran finally reached an agreement to stop the war. Pakistan, which played a central role in said agreement has been acknowledged and praised by the international community. But is this where it ends for the country? Or can the Shehbaz-led government convert the diplomatic visibility and influence into that rare opening that actually guarantees dividends?

Before we answer that question, however, it is important to acknowledge that the agreement, brokered after weeks of intense diplomacy between the United States and Iran, is not a peace treaty.

It is an interim framework that has merely paused a dangerous confrontation and created a 60-day negotiating window during which the most difficult questions, including sanctions relief, nuclear restrictions, and regional security arrangements, will have to be addressed.

The fragility of the arrangement was evident even before its conclusion, with disagreements linked to Lebanon threatening to derail the process at a late stage, and Qatar eventually stepping in to facilitate implementation mechanisms and financial assurances.
 
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FM Dar announces safe repatriation of 8 Iranian fishermen rescued off Pakistan coast​

Appreciates the trust reposed by Iran and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in handling the matter for their nationals

APP
June 22, 2026

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Monday announced the successful repatriation of eight Iranian fishermen who had been rescued at sea after their boat ran aground.

In a post on his official X, FM Dar said the eight Iranian fishermen, who were rescued by the British vessel MMA Valour, departed from Karachi for Iran on Monday morning following the completion of all necessary arrangements.

He said the foreign ministry and other concerned authorities worked closely with Iranian and British officials to facilitate the fishermen’s safe transit and early return to their homeland.

“Glad to share that the eight Iranian fishermen rescued at sea by the British vessel MMA Valour after their boat ran aground have been successfully repatriated and departed from Karachi for Iran this morning,” Dar wrote.

The deputy prime minister said the coordinated efforts reflected Pakistan’s commitment to humanitarian cooperation and regional goodwill.

He also expressed appreciation for the confidence placed in Pakistan by the Iranian government in handling the matter and thanked all stakeholders for their cooperation in ensuring the safe return of the fishermen.

“We appreciate the trust reposed in Pakistan by Iran and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in handling the matter for their nationals, and the cooperation of all stakeholders in making their safe return possible,” he added.
 
airhead said:
This whole narrative being built that a pro Zionist Iran will somehow be a threat to Pakistan is bogus. For 40 years Iran was under a highly pro Zionist shah and guess what we had a great relationship with that Iran ..we were strategic partners under Cento. Hamid mir et al have been pushing this narrative . I don’t think regime change in Iran will have any impact in Pakistan if you look at history
Click to expand...
Dangerous narrative. Israel is now an ally of Hindustan on multiple levels, not least for military technology.

At the time of the Iranian Shah, India was (a) a Soviet influenced nation and (b) vocally pro-Palestinian, and as such, Israel never formed meaningful strategic relations with India back then.
 
Master Chief said:
Dangerous narrative. Israel is now an ally of Hindustan on multiple levels, not least for military technology.

At the time of the Iranian Shah, India was (a) a Soviet influenced nation and (b) vocally pro-Palestinian, and as such, Israel never formed meaningful strategic relations with India back then.
Click to expand...

There is no guarantee Iranian regime mullahs will change behavior vis vis Pakistan. Hopefully they no longer have to accept India influence once they can sell oil on free market and no longer depend on illegal Indian shadow fleets.

Hence sanction free Iran is paramount for Pakistan national interest.
 
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