ISLAMABAD (special crosspondent) – Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi held a high-level meeting with the Interior Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Eskandar Momeni, in Islamabad on July 22, 2026. The session, also attended by the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Pakistan, Dr. Reza Amiri Moghadam, focused on expanding bilateral cooperation, enhancing regional connectivity, and bolstering trade and economic collaboration.

Strengthening Bilateral Relations and Regional Stability

Welcoming Minister Eskandar Momeni, Muhammad Hanif Abbasi emphasized that the visit signifies the enduring brotherly ties between the two nations. The Minister paid tribute to the resilience of the Iranian leadership and people during recent regional crises. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s consistent stance on promoting regional stability, diplomatic engagement, and peace. Both leaders expressed a shared commitment to deepening the historic, cultural, and religious bonds that define the Pakistan-Iran relationship.

Advancing Infrastructure and Railway Projects

A central focus of the discussions was the development of critical railway infrastructure. Minister Abbasi highlighted that Main Line-3 (ML-3) serves as the primary corridor linking the two neighbors. The government expects to initiate the upgrading of the ML-3 section during the current fiscal year, with a projected completion date of December 2029. This modernization is expected to drastically improve train speeds, increase line capacity, and enhance overall operational efficiency.

Minister Abbasi commended the Iranian government’s efforts in restoring the Zahedan–Taftan rail link. To further support this connectivity, Pakistan has officially designated the Taftan Railway Station as a Customs Clearance Station. This strategic move is designed to streamline customs processing, shunting operations, and the cross-border movement of freight, facilitating more robust commercial activity.

Reviving the ITI Corridor

The dialogue also addressed the revival of the Islamabad–Tehran–Istanbul (ITI) Freight Train service. Both sides expressed optimism that the full restoration of the ITI corridor will serve as a vital link for trade between Pakistan, Iran, and Türkiye, while simultaneously improving connectivity to Central Asia, Russia, and Europe. These efforts build upon the foundations established by the 1959 Bilateral Railway Agreement and the 2025 Framework of Cooperation, which continue to guide technical and operational collaboration.

Iranian Perspective and Future Cooperation

Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni expressed gratitude for Pakistan’s hospitality and support. He specifically acknowledged the constructive diplomatic efforts led by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir throughout recent regional tensions. Minister Momeni reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to deepening cooperation in railways, border security, trade, and economic development, concluding that such initiatives are essential for ensuring shared prosperity and stability across the region.