1,400 cargo trucks stranded at Taftan as border shut on coronavirus fears.

ISLAMABAD -- More than 1,400 trucks loaded with goods are stranded at the Taftan border crossing after Pakistan temporarily closed its border with Iran over concerns of coronavirus, Dawn has learnt from knowledgeable sources.

Pakistan closed its border with Iran on Feb 23 amid rising number of coronavirus cases and associated deaths. Balochistan, which shares 959km border with Iran, has already declared emergency in the province to contain the virus.

Well-placed sources told Dawn that Tehran has requested Islamabad to allow trucks to enter into the country. 'We are considering finding out ways for the clearance of goods,' the source said while adding the final decision is expected in the next couple of days.

The trucks stranded at the border are loaded with petroleum products especially liquefied petroleum gas, scrap and chemicals.

The source said the goods are not the problem, since they cannot carry the virus but the issue lies with drivers and helpers driving the trucks. The government is considering various options to check truck drivers at quarantine places on the border, the source said.

In addition, Pakistan's leather manufacturers import raw skin of sheep and other animals from Iran and there is no alternate option for this raw material. The closure of borders with Iran is likely to affect the leather industry as well.

Pakistan and Iran carry out trade on barter basis in the wake of US sanctions on Iran. In April 2017, the State Bank of Pakistan had signed a Banking and Payment Arrangement with Iran's central bank, Markazi Jomhouri Islami Iran Bank (BMJII) for providing a trade settlement mechanism to promote bilateral trade. However, the agreement failed to materialise after the US reimposed sanctions on Tehran following its withdrawal from Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.

According to sources, Iranian envoy in Islamabad also held meetings with top Pakistani authorities for opening of border stations to allow entry of trucks in to the country.

Pakistan's exports to Iran through the Taftan border mostly include fruits and vegetables. There is no restriction on exports of fruits from Pakistan on the Taftan border, a customs...