Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi held a meeting with the Interior Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Eskandar Momeni, in Islamabad. The meeting was also attended by the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Pakistan, Dr. Reza Amiri Moghadam.
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.
The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the deep religious, historical and cultural ties between Pakistan and Iran and discussed in detail ways to enhance bilateral railway cooperation, cross-border connectivity, regional integration, trade and economic collaboration.
The Federal Minister stated that Main Line-3 (ML-3) serves as the principal railway corridor connecting Pakistan with Iran. He said that work on the upgradation of ML-3 is expected to commence during the current fiscal year, with the project likely to be completed by December 2029. Upon completion, the project will significantly improve train speeds, line capacity and operational efficiency, while facilitating greater trade and regional connectivity between Pakistan, Iran and neighboring countries.
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 between the two brotherly countries.
He further informed the Iranian delegation that, at the request of Iranian Railways, Pakistan has declared Taftan Railway Station a Customs Clearance Station, which will 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. He added that both countries are also advancing cooperation under the Framework of Cooperation signed in 2025, aimed at strengthening bilateral railway operations, cross-border connectivity, trade and technical collaboration.
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.
Speaking on the occasion, Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni thanked the Federal Minister for Railways for the warm hospitality extended to him and his delegation.
He said that Pakistan and Iran enjoy deep-rooted, historic and brotherly relations, which have reached an exemplary level over the past two years.
The Iranian Interior Minister expressed gratitude for Pakistan’s unwavering support and appreciated the constructive diplomatic efforts made by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir during the recent regional tensions. He stated that Pakistan stood by Iran in a spirit of brotherhood and sincerity, and that the Iranian nation would always remember this support with appreciation.
Eskandar Momeni reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to further expanding cooperation with Pakistan in the fields of railways, trade, border connectivity, security and economic development.
At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides agreed that enhanced cooperation between Pakistan and Iran would contribute not only to stronger bilateral relations but also to greater regional connectivity, trade, peace, stability and shared prosperity across the region.
