Tehran: Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni has described the planned railway connection between Iran and Pakistan as a strategic project that could transform regional transportation, strengthen bilateral trade, and improve access to destinations across the region and beyond. Speaking during a meeting in Islamabad with Pakistan's Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi, the Iranian minister highlighted the growing cooperation between the two neighboring countries and emphasized the importance of expanding rail connectivity.
According to Islamic Republic News Agency, the meeting was attended by Pakistan's Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, the governor of Iran's Sistan and Baluchestan Province, senior Iranian Foreign Ministry officials, and Iran's ambassador to Pakistan. Momeni stated that Iran and Pakistan share deep historical and cultural ties, noting that bilateral relations have expanded significantly over the past two years. He expressed gratitude to the Pakistani government and people for their support during the recent imposed war against Iran and praised Islamabad's efforts to promote regional peace.
Momeni emphasized the potential for both countries to expand their cooperation far beyond its current level. He noted that closer synergy could advance their shared interests, particularly by promoting development and prosperity for people living along their common border. The Iranian minister highlighted the launch of the ECO container train and the completion of cross-border rail infrastructure as significant steps toward enhancing trade and regional connectivity.
The official elaborated on how linking Iran's railway network with Pakistan would benefit both countries by increasing commercial exchanges and facilitating passenger travel between the neighboring nations. Momeni announced that the modernization of the Zahedan-Mirjaveh railway line is expected to be completed within a month. He urged Pakistan to complete the standard-gauge railway from Mirjaveh to Taftan to ensure seamless train operations across the border.
Furthermore, Momeni spoke about the nearing completion of the Zahedan-Chabahar railway project, adding that an integrated Iran-Pakistan rail network would strengthen transport links connecting South Asia with Central Asia and Europe. Pakistan's railways minister welcomed the initiative, noting that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif attaches special importance to rail cooperation with Iran. Abbasi added that Pakistan's Ministry of Railways has established a framework to advance railway projects, including the modernization of the Taftan rail line.