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Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi announced major steps to enhance regional railway connectivity, aiming to strengthen trade across South and Central Asia.
The Islamabad–Tehran–Istanbul (ITI) freight train service is set to resume by the end of this year, streamlining cargo movement between Pakistan, Iran, and Turkey. Abbasi highlighted that this revival will create faster and more reliable trade routes.
He also revealed that Kazakhstan has completed preparations to extend the missing rail link up to Chaman. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan have finalized an agreement to bolster regional railway collaboration.
On the domestic front, Pakistan Railways is upgrading critical infrastructure to improve efficiency. The Asian Development Bank will invest in the Karachi–Rohri railway track.
Additionally, upgrades to the Nokundi–Rohri section will facilitate faster mineral transport to seaports. Abbasi stressed that these projects are part of a broader plan to modernize Pakistan Railways, making it more efficient and freight-friendly.
