Business forum calls for stronger Pakistan-Iran economic cooperation through trade expansion, energy connectivity and border reforms.
The Pakistan Business Forum (PBF) has urged policymakers to revive the Iran-Pakistan Gas Pipeline project, saying the improving regional environment presents a valuable opportunity to deepen economic cooperation between the two neighbouring countries.
The business body believes that recent diplomatic progress and easing regional tensions should now be transformed into long-term economic growth, trade expansion and energy collaboration.
PBF Chief Organiser Ahmad Jawad said Pakistan’s constructive diplomatic engagement in promoting regional stability has opened the door for stronger economic relations with Iran.
He stressed that the current political goodwill should be translated into practical cooperation through increased trade, investment, energy connectivity and enhanced private-sector partnerships.
Jawad pointed out that despite sharing a 900-kilometre border, longstanding historical ties and complementary economies, official bilateral trade between Pakistan and Iran remains close to $2 billion annually, far below its actual potential.
He said both countries should work toward increasing bilateral trade to $5 billion over the next few years and eventually achieve an annual trade volume of $10 billion through policy reforms, improved border infrastructure, better banking arrangements and stronger business collaboration.
He highlighted Pakistan’s export potential in sectors including rice, textiles, fresh fruits, surgical instruments, pharmaceuticals, sports goods, leather products, halal food, cement, engineering products and information technology services.
At the same time, Iran could play a significant role in supplying Pakistan with natural gas, petrochemicals, fertilisers, chemicals, construction materials and dry fruits, creating a balanced and mutually beneficial trade relationship.
The PBF chief described the revival of discussions on the Iran-Pakistan Gas Pipeline as one of the most important confidence-building measures between the two countries.
He noted that the pipeline, designed to supply up to 750 million cubic feet of natural gas per day, could help ease Pakistan’s persistent energy shortages, strengthen industrial production, improve electricity generation, support the fertiliser industry and lower the overall cost of doing business.
Jawad maintained that affordable and reliable energy remains essential for Pakistan’s industrial growth, exports, employment generation and investment climate.
He added that, if implemented within an appropriate legal and diplomatic framework, the Iran-Pakistan Gas Pipeline could become a strategic economic asset capable of enhancing the country’s long-term energy security.
He also recommended establishing a Joint Economic Council with strong private-sector representation, modernising border crossings, activating additional border markets, streamlining customs procedures, facilitating business visas, encouraging joint ventures and improving transport and logistics networks.
In addition, Jawad called for expanding bilateral cooperation in agriculture, mining, tourism, renewable energy, digital technology and manufacturing, saying these sectors have the potential to generate employment, attract investment and accelerate regional economic integration.
He emphasized that lasting peace should be reflected through greater economic opportunity, stronger trade partnerships and sustainable development for the people of both Pakistan and Iran.
