Pakistan and Iran have agreed to boost railway cooperation to improve trade and connectivity across the region. Railway Minister Hanif Abbasi held important talks with Iranian Ambassador Dr. Reza Amiri Moghadam in Islamabad recently. The two sides focused on expanding the Taftan–Zahedan railway link and reviving the long-delayed Islamabad–Tehran–Istanbul (ITI) freight train project.
The Islamabad–Tehran–Istanbul corridor aims to create a direct rail route from Pakistan through Iran to Turkey. Once operational, it will offer a faster and cheaper land route for goods, reducing reliance on sea transport. Both countries believe this link will greatly increase regional trade and economic cooperation.
Recent disruptions in Middle Eastern sea routes, especially around the Strait of Hormuz, have pushed many nations toward safer land-based alternatives. Officials discussed infrastructure upgrades, track repairs, and better security measures to ensure smooth operations. Pakistan shared the challenges it faces in its railway sector but showed strong commitment to moving the project forward.
This renewed focus on rail connectivity signals a strategic shift. It reflects growing interest in regional integration and cross-border commerce amid changing global trade patterns. Successful implementation of the ITI project could open new economic doors for Pakistan, Iran, and Turkey.
