Iran denies reports of border closure with Pakistan, says exports remain open

Iran has rejected reports that it is closing its borders with Pakistan assuring Islamabad that exports of Iranian goods including liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) remain unrestricted.

Iran has rejected reports that it is closing its borders with Pakistan assuring Islamabad that exports of Iranian goods including liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) remain unrestricted.

Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghadam said on October 25 that Iran had not imposed any ban on the export of goods to Pakistan. He added that the country’s borders with all neighbouring states remained open and that closing the border with Pakistan would not serve Iran’s interests under the current circumstances.

The ambassador’s remarks come amid concerns over disruptions in cross-border trade and difficulties faced by traders transporting goods from Iran into Pakistan.

Trade disruptions affect Iranian exports

Moghadam explained that changes to Pakistan’s electronic form or e-form procedures had affected the movement of goods from Iran. He said traders were facing difficulties in transporting shipments into Pakistan and that discussions were underway with Pakistani authorities to resolve the issue.

According to the ambassador several hundred trucks carrying LPG had entered Gabd through Iran’s Rimdan border crossing. However the vehicles had reportedly been waiting for clearance on the Pakistani side for several weeks.

The delay in clearing LPG shipments has affected bilateral trade raising concerns among traders over the movement of essential commercial goods between the two neighbouring countries.

Iran seeks resolution through dialogue

The Iranian envoy emphasised that cross-border trade between Iran and Pakistan was part of bilateral agreements reached at the highest levels. He said Tehran remained committed to expanding commercial ties and addressing obstacles affecting the flow of goods.

He added that both countries were maintaining close contact to find solutions to the existing difficulties, particularly those linked to Pakistan’s e-form procedures.

Moghadam stressed that stronger trade relations would benefit both countries and their populations. He indicated that resolving procedural issues and facilitating the movement of goods were important steps towards achieving that objective.

Bilateral trade remains a priority

Iran’s clarification suggests that the reported border closure should not be confused with the administrative and clearance problems currently affecting shipments. According to the ambassador the issue concerns difficulties in transporting and clearing goods rather than an Iranian decision to suspend exports.

The situation highlights the importance of coordination between Pakistani and Iranian authorities to prevent further delays and ensure the smooth movement of commercial shipments particularly LPG consignments awaiting clearance.

Both countries are continuing discussions aimed at removing trade barriers and strengthening economic cooperation.