ISLAMABAD (special crosspondent) – Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi held a formal meeting with the Interior Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Eskandar Momeni, in Islamabad to discuss the expansion of bilateral ties. The meeting was also attended by the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Pakistan, Dr. Reza Amiri Moghadam.

Strengthening Regional Connectivity

Welcoming the Iranian Interior Minister to Pakistan, the Federal Minister for Railways expressed confidence that the visit would further strengthen the longstanding brotherly relations between Pakistan and Iran and open new avenues of cooperation in the fields of railways, trade, and regional connectivity. Muhammad Hanif Abbasi paid tribute to the resilience, determination, and steadfastness demonstrated by the Iranian nation, government, and leadership during the recent crisis. He also expressed respect for Iran’s Supreme Leader, leadership, and the innocent civilians who lost their lives, reaffirming Pakistan’s consistent support for peace, regional stability, dialogue, and diplomatic engagement.

Infrastructure and Future Projects

The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the deep religious, historical, and cultural ties between Pakistan and Iran. Discussions focused on enhancing bilateral railway cooperation and cross-border connectivity. The Federal Minister stated that Main Line-3 (ML-3) serves as the principal railway corridor connecting Pakistan with Iran. He noted that work on the upgradation of ML-3 is expected to commence during the current fiscal year, with completion anticipated by December 2029. This project is expected to significantly improve train speeds, line capacity, and operational efficiency, mirroring efforts to promote National Innovation within strategic infrastructure sectors.

Operational Advancements

Muhammad Hanif Abbasi appreciated the efforts of the Government of Iran and Iranian Railways in restoring the Zahedan–Taftan railway section, describing it as an important step towards strengthening railway connectivity and cross-border trade. He further informed the Iranian delegation that, at the request of Iranian Railways, Pakistan has declared Taftan Railway Station a Customs Clearance Station to facilitate customs clearance, shunting operations, and cross-border freight movement. The Minister highlighted that railway cooperation between Pakistan and Iran has continued successfully under the 1959 Bilateral Railway Agreement, with both countries now advancing cooperation under the Framework of Cooperation signed in 2025.

Reviving the ITI Freight Train

The meeting also focused on the revival of the Islamabad–Tehran–Istanbul (ITI) Freight Train service. Both sides agreed that the restoration of the ITI corridor would significantly enhance trade between Pakistan, Iran, and Türkiye, while improving regional connectivity with Central Asia, Russia, and Europe. This effort aligns with broader goals for Scientific Cooperation across member states to bolster economic integration. Speaking on the occasion, Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni thanked the Federal Minister for Railways for the hospitality. He expressed gratitude for the constructive diplomatic efforts made by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir during recent regional tensions, emphasizing that Pakistan’s support was deeply valued. Both sides concluded that enhanced cooperation would contribute to greater regional peace, stability, and shared prosperity, much like the Scientific Innovation encouraged by current legislative leaders.