Islamabad, 18 May 2023 (TDI): Today, Prime Minister of Pakistan, Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, and the President of Iran, Seyed Ebrahim Raisi, jointly inaugurated the Mand-Pishin Border Sustenance Marketplace and Polan-Gabd Electricity Transmission Line at Mand-Pishin border crossing point.
The mand-Pishin market is one of the six common border markets at the Pakistan-Iran border. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan said in a statement, “The Mand-Pishin Border Sustenance Market Place will provide a thriving platform for increasing cross-border trade, fostering economic growth, and opening up new avenues of opportunity for local businesses.”
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The Polan-Gabd Electricity Transmission Line will bring in an additional 100 MW of electricity from Iran. It will meet the energy demand of local businesses and households.
In April, during the conversation on the phone, PM Shehbaz appreciated the government of President Raisi for a concession on the tariff range in Polan-Gabd Electricity Transmission Line. Iran agreed to the tariff range of Rs8.4 to 12.4 per unit. It was workable for Pakistan instead of Rs9.9 to 15.3 per unit, as Iran initially insisted.
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The MoFA further stated, “The joint inauguration is a manifestation of the strong commitment of Pakistan and Iran to uplift the welfare of residents of the neighboring provinces of Baluchistan and Sistan-o-Baluchestan, respectively. It also serves as a significant stride forward in the bilateral relationship between the two countries.”
Impact of Border Markets on Nearby Population
Pakistan and Iran share a 909 km-long border. The development of border markets plays a pivotal role in uplifting the living standards of the population along the border area. Most importantly, it will increase people-to-people contact, which will eventually strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.
The border markets will provide employment opportunities for the local people. Moreover, it will enhance bilateral legal trade and discourage the illicit flow of goods from Iran.
The writer is an intern at the Institute of Peace and Diplomatic Studies (IPDS). He holds a degree of Bachelor of Science in International Relations. He can be reached at ukuloch786@gmail.com
