960418

'Blocking of

caravan won't

affect Pak-Iran

ties'

HASEEB HAIDER

LAHORE: Iran which signed multi-billion dollar MoUs with Pakistan recently, said minor irritants may not deter the level of relations between the two Muslim nations.

A senior Iranian diplomat, while talking to Business Recorder, was cautious over recent happenings which created awkward situation for them.

According to details Pakistan Customs authorities blocked a caravan of 16 trucks carrying Iranian goods for the purpose of trade exhibition at Lahore's Industrial and Trade Fair, started on April 15. The goods were kept in custody for 16 days, for which Iranians, who were scheduled to open their enclosure on April 15, had to postpone it for April 17.

Interestingly, on April 17 Governor of Punjab Raja Saroop Khan was to open the Iranian Trade Fair but despite the fact that Governor of Irani Balochistan province Aghai Jehan Buksh was the host, the governor did not turn up, and instead a provincial Minister for Auqaf, Shah Newaz Cheema was deputed in his place.

An Iranian diplomat keeping a low profile said, these things are minor in nature and would not effect the cordial relations between the masses of two Muslim nations.

He said that his nation was committed to promote trade and economic relations with Pakistan at every cost. He referred to number of MoUs signed with Iran's Muztazfan Foundation under which a cement plant, and other things would be imported from Pakistan while Iran would provide 1000 bulldozers as a barter deal. An oil refinery and a gas pipeline project and some infrastructure related projects would also be erected in Pakistan.

The Iran plastic utensils, and household things, hand knotted carpets, glasswares are on display at the exhibition which would continue for a week.