Islamabad, Mar 21 (IANS): The global fraternity should "lift the sanctions on Iran", Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said, as the neighbouring country struggled to cope with the coronavirus epidemic.

Khan's comments on Friday came after Iranian President Hassan Rouhani wrote to him asking for help in dealing with the outbreak that has killed at least 1,433 people, reports The News International.

"I would stress and insist to the international community to lift the sanctions on Iran," the Prime Minister said at a press conference.

"It is very unjust they are dealing with such a large outbreak on one side, and on the other they are facing international sanctions."

Pakistan shares a 960 km border with Iran, with the main crossing point located at Taftan in Balochistan province.

Pakistan sealed its border with Iran last week but not before hundreds of pilgrims returned home from the Islamic Republic, which has been one of the countries worst affected by the coronavirus outbreak.

As of Friday, Pakistan had tested 3,410 suspected coronavirus cases with 461 positive cases and at least three deaths.