New Iran-Pakistan border crossing has implications beyond trade
The opening could indicate a tilt toward China by Iran and comes at a time when there have been small tensions in Islamabad’s relations with Riyadh.
Pakistan and Iran inaugurated a second official border crossing Dec. 19 at the strategically located crossing point of Gwadar-Ramdhan. Situated in Iran’s southeastern province of Sistan-Baluchistan, which lies adjacent to Pakistan’s Baluchistan province, this new gateway is now the shortest land route connecting the port of Gwadar to Iran.
The idea for a second border crossing had recently been suggested by Iran. On his fourth visit to Pakistan since the Imran Khan government assumed power, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif came to Islamabad in November. During meetings with the Pakistani leadership, the proposed land crossing remained at the top of the agenda.
According to reports, Zarif announced that since Iran was opening the Rimdan crossing in a week’s time, the Pakistani side could also open the Gabd (Gwadar) crossing point to promote trade. Both sides agreed, and the second gateway opened in a matter of weeks.
Denoting a new level of trust and understanding between the two states, the opening of the Rimdan-Gabd gateway is an encouraging development for Pakistani-Iranian trade. In addition, tourists and religious pilgrims from both sides will also be able to visit both the important port cities with convenience.
