Pakistan and Iran push $10 bn trade goal and deepen diplomatic ties

Pakistan and Iran have reaffirmed their commitment to raise bilateral trade to US$10 billion annually. At the 10th Pakistan‑Iran Joint Trade Committee meeting in Islamabad, commerce ministers Jam Kamal Khan and Mohammad Atabak signed a memorandum of understanding and accelerated negotiations on a free‑trade agreement, outlining steps to improve customs coordination, border logistics, maritime connectivity and barter trade.

The two countries also agreed to expand trade facilitation measures, such as extending border‑crossing hours, developing joint border markets and enhancing electronic data interchange, aiming to boost export‑led growth and private‑sector participation.

In parallel, Pakistan’s foreign minister Ishaq Dar has invited Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi to Islamabad for talks, signalling Islamabad’s role as a diplomatic bridge amid renewed US‑Iran tensions. Iran is also exploring the use of two Pakistani ports to maintain trade flows in response to a U.S. maritime blockade, underscoring the broader regional economic and strategic dimensions of the partnership.