Islamabad: Pakistan and Iran on Thursday agreed to resume the Islamabad–Tehran–Istanbul (ITI) train service before the end of the year, marking a major step toward enhancing regional connectivity and boosting cross-border trade.
The agreement was reached during a meeting in Islamabad between Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi and Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan Dr. Reza Amiri Moghaddam. Both sides discussed ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation across political, economic, and trade sectors, stressing the importance of improved transport links for regional growth.
The meeting, also attended by Iranian Commercial Counsellor Ms. Kamali Moghaddam, highlighted the potential for increased trade volumes between the two countries. Minister Abbasi said that expanding imports and exports through rail networks would not only enhance railway revenue but also support Pakistan’s broader economic objectives.
“In line with the Prime Minister’s vision, strengthening regional connectivity and linking the region through rail networks remains our top priority,” Abbasi said.
Ambassador Moghaddam invited the minister to visit Iran to review the country’s railway system and explore opportunities for collaboration. Abbasi accepted the invitation, saying the visit would help identify avenues for modernizing and expanding regional rail links.
The revival of the ITI train service is expected to facilitate smoother movement of passengers and goods, deepen economic cooperation, and re-establish a strategic rail corridor connecting South Asia with the Middle East and Europe.
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