By Commerce Reporter
LAHORE: The Pak International Business Forum (PIBF) has welcomed the Government of Pakistan’s forward-looking decision to facilitate transit trade with Iran under the “Transit of Goods through Territory of Pakistan Order 2026,” terming it a landmark step toward enhancing regional connectivity and economic integration.
Under the new framework, goods from third countries will be allowed to pass through Pakistan to Iran via designated corridors including Gwadar, Karachi, Port Qasim, and Taftan. PIBF noted that this initiative will significantly reduce logistical bottlenecks, improve supply chain efficiency, and position Pakistan as a vital regional trade and transit hub connecting South Asia, the Middle East, and Central Asia.
The forum emphasized that this development comes at a crucial time when regional connectivity is gaining renewed importance. PIBF highlighted that Pakistan, Iran, and Türkiye have already agreed to revive the Islamabad–Tehran–Istanbul (ITI) freight train, a strategic corridor spanning over 6,500 kilometers that connects South Asia with Europe.
While welcoming this progress, PIBF stressed that work on the ITI cargo train should now be initiated forthwith on a priority basis, ensuring operational continuity and removal of past logistical and infrastructural bottlenecks. The forum noted that timely execution of this project will provide a faster, cost-effective, and reliable trade route for exporters.
In addition, PIBF reiterated the importance of expediting the long-pending Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project, which holds significant potential for addressing Pakistan’s energy requirements and further strengthening bilateral economic cooperation.
PIBF believes that the combination of transit trade facilitation, rail connectivity, and energy collaboration presents a comprehensive roadmap for deepening Pakistan-Iran relations and unlocking new economic opportunities for the region.
Commenting on the development, PIBF President Dr. Mushtaq Mangat said, “This is a highly strategic and timely initiative. Pakistan must capitalize on its geographic advantage by enhancing connectivity with neighboring countries. At the same time, projects like the ITI freight train should be implemented without delay to maximize trade potential.”
PIBF Secretary General Muhammad Ejaz Tanveer added, “Improved connectivity through Iran opens new gateways for Pakistan to access Central Asia and European markets. Immediate operationalization of regional projects, particularly the ITI train, will significantly boost exports and strengthen Pakistan’s role in global supply chains.”
The forum expressed confidence that sustained policy support and swift execution of regional connectivity initiatives will enable Pakistan to emerge as a leading trade and transit hub.
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