A political academic has told Radio Goftogoo that the border fencing will prevent the terrorist activities as well as smuggling.
In this episode of “Bedoone Khatkhordegi” program the cooperation between Iran and Pakistan was discussed with University Professor Dr. Sajjad Bahrami.
Sajjad Bahrami who’s an academic in the field of International Politics told our host that the relations with neighboring countries is among the priorities of the current Iranian government. “Pakistan is among those neighbors which has a significant importance for Tehran. It’s a Nuclear Power with an enormous population. We have 920 kilometers of common border and enjoy a great relationship with this country.”
He pointed out the Pakistani Deputy Speaker’s visit to Iran and his meeting with the Iranian Speaker of Parliament and said that the border issue has been one of the most important topic of discussion between the two countries; “Pakistan is erecting fences on its side of the border. They have an unalienable right to do so which will ease the way for countering terrorism and smuggling but in some areas adjacent to the border it will create problems for the economic condition of the local residents.” He added.
Dr. Bahrami said that not only the problems will affect the border residents but also the trans-border trade between Iran and Pakistan will get harmed possibly. The solution to the problem is creation of border markets and supply lines.
“According to the discussions between the two countries, joint friendship groups will visit border markets to rectify the problems and deficiencies in the infrastructure faced by these markets. It must be addressed so the economic cooperation is upgraded.” He said.
Mentioning the security pact signed between Tehran and Islamabad in 2014, Bahrami Moqaddam said that luckily many issues have been pointed out in this deal up to minute details. “Detail of fighting organized crimes, human trafficking and drug smuggling has been listed in this deal.”
Dr. Bahrami Moqaddam also said that the security pact also includes the rights of the nationals of both the countries; “There is a possibility that some Pakistani Nationals in Iran are facing criminal cases in Iran or are jailed in our country; it’s all been detailed in this deal.
