Pakistan and Iran have agreed to strengthen cooperation in railways, trade, border connectivity, security, and economic development during high-level meetings held in Islamabad.
The understanding was reached during talks between Pakistan’s Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi and Iran’s Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni.
Focus on Railway Connectivity
The two leaders discussed measures to expand bilateral railway cooperation, improve cross-border connectivity, and promote regional integration through enhanced transport links.
Moreover, Hanif Abbasi said the Main Line-3 (ML-3) project serves as Pakistan’s principal railway corridor connecting the country with Iran. He added that work on the ML-3 upgrade is expected to begin during the current fiscal year and is scheduled for completion by December 2029.
According to the minister, the upgraded railway line will increase train speeds, improve operational efficiency, expand line capacity, and facilitate greater trade between Pakistan, Iran, and neighboring countries.
Taftan Station Declared Customs Clearance Hub
Hanif Abbasi also informed the Iranian delegation that Pakistan has declared Taftan Railway Station a Customs Clearance Station at the request of Iranian Railways.
As a result, the facility will support customs clearance, shunting operations, and smoother cross-border freight movement, helping streamline bilateral trade.
ITI Freight Train Revival Discussed
The meeting also focused on reviving the Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul (ITI) Freight Train Service, a key regional transport corridor.
Both sides agreed that restoring the ITI freight service would strengthen trade among Pakistan, Iran, and Türkiye while improving connectivity with Central Asia, Russia, and Europe.
Furthermore, they emphasized the importance of expanding transport links to support regional economic integration and facilitate international commerce.
Economic Cooperation Expands
Separately, Iran’s Deputy Minister of Transport, Mehran Ghorbani, and Deputy Minister of Interior for Economic Affairs, Mehdi Dousti, met with Pakistan’s Minister of State for Finance and Railways, Bilal Azhar Kayani.
The officials discussed economic cooperation, trade, transport connectivity, and other matters of mutual interest, reaffirming both countries’ commitment to strengthening bilateral relations.
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