KEY POINTS
- The ITI service spans over 6,500 kilometres, linking Pakistan, Iran, and Turkiye.
- Federal Minister Abbasi and Ambassador Moghaddam discussed strengthening bilateral relations and economic cooperation.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Iran have reached an agreement to revive the Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul (ITI) freight train service this year, in a move aimed at enhancing regional connectivity and facilitating cross-border trade between the two nations.
A Key Step Towards Regional Integration
The ITI freight train service, which covers a vast distance of over 6,500 kilometres, links Pakistan, Iran, and Turkiye. The route spans 2,570 kilometres in Iran, 2,000 kilometres in Turkiye, and approximately 1,900 kilometres in Pakistan.
This railway service is a significant project under the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), a regional trade bloc comprising 10 Asian nations.
The freight train service was first launched in August 2009, but it was suspended in 2012 due to security concerns. After nearly a decade, the ITI service was revived in December 2021, with the first trains reaching Turkiye by January 2022.
However, operational and administrative challenges led to the service being halted again by August of that year. Now, with renewed focus and cooperation, the two countries aim to restart the service by 2025.
Talks Between Pakistan and Iran Strengthen Bilateral Relations
On Thursday, Pakistan Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi held a meeting with Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan, Dr. Reza Amiri Moghaddam, in Islamabad. The meeting cantered on strengthening bilateral relations and advancing political, economic, and trade cooperation between the two nations.
Minister Abbasi and Ambassador Moghaddam both agreed on the importance of resuming the ITI train service, which will play a pivotal role in enhancing trade and economic linkages between Pakistan, Iran, and Turkiye. Iranian Commercial Counsellor Ms. Kamali Moghaddam also attended the discussions.
Key Points Discussed in the Meeting
- Resumption of ITI Service: Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to restarting the Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul freight train service this year.
- Boosting Bilateral Trade: Minister Abbasi emphasized the need to increase trade between Pakistan and Iran, highlighting the positive impact enhanced trade will have on both economies.
- Strengthening Regional Connectivity: The minister also noted that strengthening regional rail networks is in line with Pakistan’s broader vision for greater regional connectivity.
- Diplomatic Engagement: Amiri Moghaddam extended an invitation for Minister Abbasi to visit Iran, further deepening diplomatic ties between the two countries.
The Role of Railways in Pakistan’s Economic Future
Federal Minister Abbasi further elaborated that this initiative aligns with the prime minister’s vision to connect the region through robust rail networks, facilitating the flow of goods and services across borders.
Next Steps: Awaiting Full Revival
As the two countries gear up to resume the ITI train service, stakeholders are focused on ironing out operational challenges to ensure smooth functioning of the rail network. The freight train service, once fully revived, is expected to offer increased economic benefits for both countries, particularly in the trade of goods, energy, and raw materials.
Also Read: Iran, Pakistan, Turkiye to Revive ECO Rail Corridor
The resumption of this vital service comes at a time when regional integration and collaboration are key to economic growth and prosperity. With Iran and Pakistan poised to work more closely together, the ITI train service is seen as an important step towards achieving these goals.
Looking Ahead: The Third Meeting and Official Visit
Looking forward, both Pakistan and Iran remain optimistic about further strengthening their trade and economic relations. As part of the ongoing engagement, the invitation extended by Dr. Moghaddam for an official visit to Iran highlights the continued positive momentum in bilateral ties.
