Governor Balochistan chairs Pak‑Iran joint chamber meeting, announces expansion of Air links and trade facilitation
Quetta, Governor Balochistan Jaffar Khan Mandokhail has expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif for directing the immediate launch of flights from Quetta to Jeddah, Iran, Turbat, and Gwadar in response to provincial demands. He said the government is determined to expand air connectivity from Quetta to provide traders and industrialists access to economic markets in Iran and Central Asia.
Presiding over the 11th annual meeting of the Pakistan‑Iran Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Governor Mandokhail praised the outgoing cabinet’s performance and congratulated the newly elected office‑bearers. The meeting was attended by Haji Rafugul Barich, Naveed Yousuf Rajput, Wali Muhammad Nurzai, Javed Pracha, Sharmeen Younus, Farzana, Attaullah Mengal, and members of the Chamber of Small Industries. On the occasion, the Governor was presented with a gold medal by the chamber.
Jaffar Mandokhail said the current government and Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan are committed to supporting traders and industrialists. He assured that practical and viable proposals from the business community will be acted upon promptly. He emphasized strengthening working relations at federal and provincial levels and providing facilities to boost Pakistan‑Iran bilateral trade.
Highlighting the target of raising bilateral trade volume to $10 billion, the Governor stressed the need to enhance border trade, business facilities, and mutual cooperation. He noted that strengthening small industries would increase local consumption, expand trade, and create new employment opportunities, thereby reducing unemployment.
Jaffar Mandokhail described economic growth as a process of mutual dependence, stating that “if the smaller economic wheels move, the larger ones advance faster.” He added that the development of one sector strengthens others, forming the foundation of overall economic progress.
He further announced that a Jerry Visa Courier Service office is being opened in Quetta to facilitate visa services for traders, easing access to Iran and other regional markets. The Governor reaffirmed his commitment to making Balochistan a hub of regional trade and economic activity by strengthening ties between the government and the business community.