While Iranian government is yet to release Pakistani exporter who has been arrested over the charge of hoarding in Mashhad recently, Pakistan has finally taken up the issue with Iran govt. Through a letter sent to Chairman Trade Development Authority Pareb Tehran on November 14, Qazi Habib-ur-Rehman, Consul General of Pakistan in Mashhad has informed that Pakistani rice merchant Abdul Bahadur and one of his relatives, namely Raz Muhammad, have been arrested by Iranian authorities for hoarding rice imported into Iran.
Referring to a letter sent by Rice Exporter Association of Pakistan (REAP) on November 8, a copy of which is available with Business Recorder, he said in the letter that the consulate was pursuing the matter with the Iranian authorities through the Department of Foreign Affairs representation in Mashhad.
The Consulate of Pakistan in Mashhad while referring to another letter sent on November 10, has informed that the consulate which presents its complements to the Department of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Islamic Republic of Iran in North and East of the country and has the honour to state that the REAP has informed this Consulate that; " One of their member M/s M K Rice Processing Mills, Kamoke-Pakistan has established Warehouses for sale of rice at Mashhad Ambar-e-Ajalean, Ambar-e-Hussanian, Ambar-e-Shah Savand and Ambar-e-Iranian with huge investment in Iran. Their contact person in is Mashhad Abdul Bahadur Passport No BE 1075282, Khayaban e Abkoh I, Block 1, Mashhad.
Recently, Iranian officials have been harassing the staff of the M.K Rice Processing Mills asking them to close their rice business or sell the rice cheaper, as per the price fixed by Iranian government. The passport of Abdul Bahadur has been taken away by the authorities." The letter further said that "due to the international sanctions imposed on Iran, the Iranian currency has devalued considerably and their member is not in a position to sell out his merchandise at a loss, according to the Iran government price.
REAP has requested the Consulate to intercede with the authorities for resolving the issue and save the REAP member from heavy financial losses. The esteemed department is requested to direct the concerned authorities to unseal and release the merchandise and stores of the Pakistani company, which has been imported legally into Iran and appraise this consulate about the action taken.
The consulate avails itself of the opportunity to renew to the Department of Ministry of Foreign North and East of the Country the assurances of its highest consideration". Pakistani Consulate has also informed the concerned ministry of Tehran that 'no further details have been shared with the Consulate so far'. "The esteemed department is requested to look into the matter and inform this Consulate about whereabouts and details of his case and, assist him to settle the difficulties", it added.
Talking to Business Recorder, Jawed Ali Ghori, Chairman REAP said the association through Trade Development Authority of Pakistan, Ministry of Commerce and ministry of Foreign Affairs was going to take up the issue with Iranian high ups who visiting Pakistan to attend the ongoing D-8 Summit in Islamabad. He said that their fellow was still arrested in the neighbouring country besides being his rice stock worth $500,000 seized in Mashhad. The fresh development has further put the existing rice trade with Iran in danger, he added.