Pakistan, Iran push for rail and road connectivity to unlock bilateral trade

Pakistan and Iran have agreed to accelerate efforts to improve cross-border transportation networks, with both countries identifying stronger road and rail connectivity as a key requirement for expanding bilateral trade and economic cooperation.

The commitment emerged during talks between Pakistan’s Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan and Iran’s Minister for Roads and Urban Development Farzaneh Sadegh in Islamabad, where the two sides reviewed ways to enhance transport links and facilitate the movement of goods between the neighbouring countries.

A major outcome of the meeting was the decision to activate the Pakistan-Iran Joint Transport Committee, a mechanism expected to help coordinate infrastructure development, address operational challenges and improve transport cooperation across multiple sectors.

Speaking during the discussions, Abdul Aleem Khan said stronger land-based connectivity would play a critical role in unlocking the substantial trade potential that exists between Pakistan and Iran. He said Islamabad was committed to removing transport-related bottlenecks and ensuring that issues affecting the smooth flow of trade were resolved on a priority basis.

The focus on road and rail infrastructure comes as both countries seek to deepen economic engagement and improve regional connectivity, with policymakers increasingly viewing transport networks as a cornerstone of future trade growth.

Farzaneh Sadegh welcomed Pakistan’s efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation and expressed appreciation for Islamabad’s constructive role in supporting recent diplomatic initiatives that helped pave the way for a regional peace agreement.

The meeting reflects a broader push by both governments to translate improving political relations into practical economic cooperation, with enhanced transport corridors expected to facilitate commerce, reduce logistical constraints and create new opportunities for cross-border trade.