PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi and Iranian Consul General in Peshawar Ali Banafsheh Khah have discussed the possibility of launching direct flights between Peshawar and Mashhad to strengthen travel, trade and tourism links between Pakistan and Iran.
Iranian Consul General Ali Banafsheh Khah visited the Governor House, where the two sides discussed matters of mutual interest and explored opportunities to expand cooperation between the two countries, particularly in sectors relevant to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The proposed direct air link between Peshawar and Mashhad was highlighted as an important step towards improving people-to-people contacts and facilitating travel for tourists, traders and visitors. Mashhad is also a major religious and cultural destination in Iran.
The proposed Peshawar-Mashhad flight connection could provide a new avenue for closer economic and people-to-people ties if the plan moves forward. Both the sides also discussed greater cooperation in the agriculture sector and reviewed progress on a proposal to establish sister-city relations between Peshawar and Birjand.
Governor Kundi said KP offered significant opportunities for investment, citing its potential in oil and gas, minerals, precious gemstones, tourism, religious tourism and affordable electricity.
He said the province had considerable investment potential and expressed hope that Pakistani and Iranian investors could benefit from each other’s expertise by exploring joint ventures in different sectors.
The Iranian consul general reaffirmed Iran’s interest in strengthening cooperation with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in areas of mutual benefit, particularly trade, investment and agriculture. He vowed to soon start direct flights between Peshawar and Mashhad.
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