Islamabad, Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi met Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni in Islamabad on Tuesday, reaffirming the commitment of both countries to deepen bilateral cooperation in railway connectivity, cross-border trade, regional stability, and economic integration. Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan Dr. Reza Amiri Moghadam also attended the meeting.
Welcoming the Iranian minister, Hanif Abbasi described the visit as an important milestone in further strengthening the longstanding brotherly relations between Pakistan and Iran. He paid tribute to the resilience, determination, and steadfastness demonstrated by the Iranian nation, government, and leadership during the recent regional crisis, while also honoring Iran’s Supreme Leader, the country’s leadership, and the innocent civilians who lost their lives.
The two leaders reaffirmed that Pakistan and Iran share deep-rooted religious, historical, and cultural ties and stressed the importance of enhancing diplomatic engagement, regional peace, stability, and mutually beneficial cooperation.
Railway connectivity and trade featured prominently in the discussions. Hanif Abbasi said work on the Main Line-3 (ML-3) railway upgrade is expected to commence during the current fiscal year, with completion anticipated by December 2029. He described ML-3 as a strategic railway corridor that will significantly improve regional connectivity and facilitate greater trade between Pakistan and Iran.
The minister also appreciated the Iranian government’s support in restoring the Zahedan–Taftan railway section, noting that Taftan Railway Station has been designated as a customs clearance station at the request of Iranian Railways. The move is expected to streamline customs procedures, improve freight handling, and facilitate cross-border cargo movement and shunting operations.
Both sides also reviewed efforts to revive the Islamabad–Tehran–Istanbul (ITI) freight train service, describing it as a vital regional transport corridor linking South Asia with Central Asia, Iran, and Türkiye. They agreed to further expand railway cooperation under the 1959 Bilateral Railway Agreement and the 2025 Framework of Cooperation, with the objective of strengthening trade, transport, border connectivity, and broader economic collaboration for the benefit of both countries and the wider region.
Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni thanked Hanif Abbasi for the warm hospitality and said Pakistan-Iran relations are historic, brotherly, and exceptionally strong. He noted that bilateral relations have reached an exemplary level over the past two years and expressed gratitude for Pakistan’s continued support and cooperation.
Momeni particularly praised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for their diplomatic support and solidarity during the recent regional tensions, stating that Pakistan’s sincere efforts and brotherly stance during a difficult period would always be remembered by the Iranian people.
Concluding the meeting, both leaders reaffirmed their shared commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation across railway infrastructure, trade, border connectivity, economic development, and regional peace, expressing confidence that closer collaboration would generate lasting benefits for both nations and contribute to greater regional integration and stability.
