Pakistan and Iran to Boost Trade via Gwadar-Chabahar Route
Pakistan and Iran have reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation by expanding maritime trade via the strategically vital Gwadar-Chabahar route. In a joint session held during the official visit of the Iranian President to Pakistan, Iranian Minister for Roads and Urban Development, Farzaneh Sadegh, met with Pakistan’s Federal Ministers for Communications, Commerce, and Railways to discuss regional connectivity and economic integration.
One of the key outcomes of the discussion was Iran’s expression of interest in aligning with the Silk Road initiative, strengthening trilateral cooperation among Pakistan, Iran, and China. The talks explored multiple dimensions of transportation development, particularly through the Gwadar and Chabahar ports, which are central to future maritime trade routes in the region.
P.c. Ary News
Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan warmly welcomed the Iranian delegation, lauding Iran’s firm position on global issues and extending an invitation to the upcoming Ministerial Conference in Pakistan scheduled for October 23-24. In return, Minister Sadegh thanked Pakistan for its continued support and solidarity against Israeli aggression and expressed goodwill toward the Pakistani nation.
The Iranian side proposed increasing vehicular flow along the Quetta-Zahedan route and called for its modernization to facilitate smoother cross-border trade. Minister Abdul Aleem Khan suggested the creation of bilateral working groups to ensure timely implementation of the proposed initiatives.
Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan briefed the Iranian delegation on the immense potential to boost trade volumes, emphasizing untapped opportunities in multiple sectors. Railway Minister Hanif Abbasi also reiterated Pakistan’s intention to revive and enhance regional railway networks, including the Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul Railway and the expansion of the Quetta-Zahedan Line, in order to strengthen interconnectivity and economic resilience.