The Katagar Border Crossing Point has been officially opened on the Pakistan-Iran border in Balochistan’s Mashkhel district, marking a major step toward enhancing cross-border trade, people-to-people contact, and regional economic cooperation.
The inauguration ceremony was led by Inspector General Frontier Corps (South) Balochistan, with Member Provincial Assembly Mir Zabid Ali Reki, local elders, and traders in attendance.
At the opening ceremony, MPA Haji Mir Zabid Ali Reki expressed great joy over the reopening, saying that the reopening of the Zero Point border gate is a moment of happiness for the people of Mashkel.
IGFC South Balochistan Major General Bilal Sarfraz, addressing the gathering, praised the people of Mashkel and Washuk as peaceful and hospitable citizens, acknowledging that the closure of the Guzzar border has indeed caused them difficulties.
The decision to open the crossing was taken during a Grand Jirga in Dalbandin on July 2, 2025, on the directives of Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti and the Corps Commander Balochistan.
Officials said the new border point will facilitate legal trade, improve connectivity, and create economic opportunitiesfor communities on both sides of the border. Frontier Corps Balochistan, in coordination with the district administration and Iranian authorities, completed all administrative and security preparations before the inauguration.
Local leaders welcomed the initiative, calling it a milestone for peace and prosperity in the region. Security officials added that continued cooperation between the armed forces, provincial government, and local communities is helping Balochistan move toward stability and sustainable development.
