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ISLAMABAD, Oct 24 (APP):Pakistan has relocated the Hydrocarbon Development Institute of Pakistan (HDIP) laboratory to Taftan, enabling the on-site testing of hydrocarbons and related products at the border wih Iran.
The decision marks a major milestone in Pakistan’s trade facilitation framework with Iran, aiming to expedite the clearance process for fuel and energy consignments while improving compliance standards.
According to official documents available with Wealth Pakistan, the move will reduce dwell times, enhance transparency, and promote ease of doing business at one of the country’s busiest border points.
The HDIP lab relocation is part of a broader initiative to modernise border control and trade monitoring systems.
The measures include the deployment of automated WeBOC (Web-Based One Customs) and PSW (Pakistan Single Window) systems to streamline import and export , along with enhanced scanning, digital weighing, and 24/7 operations at Taftan. These technologies will enable real-time monitoring of cross-border trade, ensuring faster and more secure cargo processing.
As per the documents, transloading facilities have also been introduced to shift goods from Iranian to Pakistani vehicles, providing real-time tracking and minimising delays.
Additionally, a Green Channel facility is now operational, enabling swift clearance of LPG consignments and supporting smoother energy trade between the two nations.
Meanwhile, the upgrade of the National Logistics Cell (NLC) terminal facilities at Taftan has further improved yard management, reduced congestion, and streamlined the overall cargo handling process.
Member of National Assembly Mirza Iftikhar Baig told Wealth Pakistan that the HDIP lab’s presence at Taftan will not only ensure quality control of petroleum and hydrocarbon products but also serve as a strategic enabler for Pakistan’s growing trade with Iran.
He said that these reforms collectively reflect Pakistan’s commitment to regional connectivity, trade efficiency, and energy security, with Taftan emerging as a key gateway for future economic cooperation between Islamabad and Tehran.
It is noteworthy that HDIP previously had its main petroleum testing and quality control laboratories in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad.
For border-related testing, samples from Taftan were earlier sent to the HDIP laboratory in Karachi, which used to cause significant delays in clearance and increased dwell time for petroleum consignments at the Pak-Iran border.