Russia and Pakistan are working to launch their first direct freight rail services linking Moscow with Faisalabad and Karachi, in a move aimed at strengthening trade and transport connectivity between the two countries.
Russian Ambassador to Pakistan Albert Khorev said Moscow and Islamabad are working with their respective partners to establish freight rail links along the proposed Moscow-Faisalabad and Moscow-Karachi routes.
Speaking in an interview with Russian newspaper Izvestia, Khorev said the two sides are also considering the possible participation of Belarus in the proposed rail network.
The ambassador said the project had faced several delays because of heightened geopolitical tensions in the region during 2025 and early 2026. However, discussions are now continuing to finalize the arrangements required to launch the freight services.
According to Khorev, the parties are currently working on an agreement covering freight operations while also identifying companies in countries along the proposed routes that are interested in transporting goods through the corridor.
The proposed rail links could provide Pakistan with a new overland route to access markets in Russia and potentially other parts of the region, while offering Russian businesses an additional transportation corridor to reach Pakistani markets.
The initiative is expected to support bilateral trade by providing an alternative to existing maritime routes and strengthening regional economic connectivity.
However, the Russian ambassador did not provide a specific timeline for the launch of the proposed freight rail services.
The development comes as Pakistan and Russia continue efforts to expand economic and trade cooperation, particularly in transport, energy and regional connectivity.
