Islamabad: Iranian Prez Ebrahim Raisi announced on Monday during a joint press conference with Pakistan’s PM Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad that the two nations have resolved to increase their trade volume to $10 billion, stating the current level as “unacceptable”.
Raisi is on a three-day visit, the first by any foreign head of state since Pakistan’s controversial Feb 8 polls. This also comes in the backdrop of Iran’s recent attack on Israel, involving over 300 drones and missiles. The visit is closely watched amid ongoing tensions with Israel, and US sanctions.
“We are committed to strengthening relations at high levels. We have decided to increase economic, commercial, and cultural relations,” Raisi said. Sharif echoed the sentiment. “We have to keep this relationship strong despite the challenges we face,” he said, commending Iran for its firm stand on the humanitarian situation in Gaza and urging for an immediate cessation of hostilities.
Pakistan and Iran share a 900km border, which is susceptible to unlawful crossings, smuggling, and militant infiltration. Both nations accuse each other of failing to prevent terrorist outfits from seeking refuge on their territory and conducting cross-border assaults.
Last Jan, Iran launched missile strikes against anti-Iranian militant hideouts in Pakistan’s Balochistan province, prompting Islamabad to retaliate with strikes on bases of anti-Pakistan militants operating from Iranian soil. The exchange of strikes raised concerns about larger conflicts and regional instability.
