A high level Iranian delegation is due in Pakistan next week to finalize modalities for launch of Islamabad-Zahidan-Mashhad bus service, officials said. The commencement of the service will help promote people to people contacts and bilateral trade with Iran, they said. During First Joint Comprehensive Transport Meeting held in Tehran in April this year Pakistan and Iran agreed to start a regular bus service between Quetta-Zahedan-Mashhad route and agreed that more routes would be added later. A bus between Quetta and Zahedan (Iran) is running successfully but Pakistani Zaireen (pilgrims) have to travel by local buses up to Mashhad. Officials said that construction work of bus terminal on Pak-Iran border will be completed by year end. Minister for Communications Shamim Siddiqui visited Iran in April and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for launch of new bus service. Officials said the International Road Transport Agreement that the two countries have signed will prove a milestone in promoting trade with Iran and Central Asian countries.
