Pakistan has issued a new Transit of Goods through Territory of Pakistan Order 2026. This order allows goods from third countries to travel through Pakistan on their way to Iran. The Ministry of Commerce notified the order, which came into force immediately on April 25, 2026.
The government has approved six special transit routes. These routes connect Pakistan’s main ports and inland cities to the Iran border. The designated routes are:
- Gwadar to Gabd
- Karachi/Port Qasim – Lyari – Ormara – Pasni – Gabd
- Karachi/Port Qasim – Khuzdar – Dalbandin – Taftan
- Gwadar – Turbat – Hoshab – Panjgur – Nag – Besima – Khuzdar – Quetta/Lakpass – Dalbandin – Nokundi – Taftan
- Gwadar – Lyari – Khuzdar – Quetta/Lakpass – Dalbandin – Nokundi – Taftan
- Karachi/Port Qasim – Gwadar – Gabd
These paths link important places like Karachi, Port Qasim, Gwadar, Quetta, and border points such as Gabd and Taftan.
The new framework helps move cargo under strict rules. All goods need an encashable bank guarantee as security. Movement follows the Customs Act 1969 and Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) procedures. Customs officers will monitor the cargo closely to prevent misuse.
This step comes at an important time. Thousands of containers destined for Iran are stuck at Pakistani ports due to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. The new land routes offer an alternative path for trade.
Pakistan hopes the order will boost regional trade, increase activity at the ports of Gwadar and Karachi, and strengthen economic ties with Iran. It also positions Pakistan as a useful transit corridor between South Asia, the Middle East, and beyond.
