Chief Minister of Pakistan’s south western Balochistan Province has said that enhancing trade ties with Iran, particularly through Taftan border, could help improve the living standard of the people in both sides of the border.

Jam Kamal Khan made the remarks while addressing a ceremony held at the Iranian Consulate in Quetta to mark the 40th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution in Iran.

“Iran and Pakistan have pledged to enhance the bilateral trade to five billion dollars. The coming era will be of the people of Pakistan and Iran,” Kamal said.

Referring to the 1979 revolution, the chief minister said Late Founder of the Islamic Revolution Imam Khomeini was a historic figure who fought for the revolution with firmness and succeeded in turning Iran into an Islamic Republic.

“Pakistan and Iran have historical ties and both countries have helped each other in every crucial moment. Iran was the first country to accept Pakistan as an independent state; therefore, the people of Pakistan have a great respect for the brotherly Iranian nation,” Jam Kamal said.

The National Assembly Deputy Speaker Qasim Khan Suri, provincial ministers and government officials were also present at the ceremony hosted by the Iranian Consul General Mohammad Rafiee. 

Suri said Iran and Pakistan are facing serious challenges.

“Both the countries should unite and play a vital role for the Muslim world,” he urged. 

Under the National Assembly Pakistan-Iran parliamentary friendship group, 123 lawmakers will visit Iran and it would promote Pakistan-Iran friendship in a good way, he said.

Iranian consul general said Pakistan is the first country that accepted Iran’s Islamic Revolution officially.

“Through trade with neighboring countries, we could promote peace in the region,” he added.

Mohammad Rafiee, for his part, said Balochistan Province has a long border with Iran but the two countries do not do enough to boost level of bilateral trade. 

Both countries have lots of opportunities in trade sector, he said. 

“Pakistan and Iran are important geopolitically and economically for the rest of the world. Pakistan and Iran have historical relations,” he added.

Talking about Iran’s revolution, he said: “In 1979, the Iranian nation under leadership of Imam Khomeini ended the 2,500 year old monarchy. Today the world admires the great change in Iran.”