ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Iran have chalked out five-year trade cooperation plan 2023-2028 with trade target of five billion dollars. This was stated by Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari at joint press stakeout along with his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir here.

Bilawal Bhutto said five-year plan is aimed at removing impediments on bilateral trade, finalisation of Free Trade Agreement and establishment of institutional linkages between our respect private sectors. He said Pakistan encompasses a vision for greater enhanced trade which is fully aligned with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi policy of neighbourhood first. To this end, we have agreed to prioritise operationalisation of five remaining border markets by end of this year.

He said we have decided to repatriate all sentenced prisoners as per provisions of agreements between two sides. He said it has also been decided to set free fishermen in custody and to waive off any fine imposed by authorities of both countries for release their vessels. He said two sides will exchange lists of prisoners to put into practice this understanding expeditiously.

He discussed grave human rights situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. He said we are grateful to Iranian leadership for its firm and consistent support to legitimate cause of Kashmiri people. Regarding situation in Afghanistan, he said we agreed to continue our active engagement with view of advancing peace and stability in Afghanistan to promote wellbeing and prosperity of Afghan brothers and sisters.

Iranian Minister called for promoting cooperation in economy, trade and tourism under regional mechanisms. He said two sides are fully committee to increase bilateral trade to five billion dollars. He said we have agreed to setup special economic free trade region along common border points. Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said two countries will take immediately steps for release of fishermen and their vessels. He said convicted prisoners on both sides will be exchanged. Emphasising on completion of Pakistan-Iran gas pipeline, Iranian Foreign Minister said it will definitely serve national interests of two countries. He condemned most recent terrorist attack in Bajaur and extended sympathies with effected people and government of Pakistan.