Pakistan launches six transit routes for Iran-bound trade

International Desk, PNN

Pakistan has launched six land transit routes for transporting goods to Iran. Through this decision, the country has created an opportunity for third-country goods to be transported to Iran via its territory. This step has been taken amid a situation where a large number of containers are stuck at Karachi port, according to authorities.

Pakistan’s Ministry of Commerce issued the “Transit of Goods Through Territory of Pakistan Order 2026” on April 25, which came into immediate effect. According to the order, goods from third countries can be transported to Iran through Pakistan’s territory.

The new routes connect major Pakistani ports such as Karachi, Port Qasim, and Gwadar with Iran’s Gabd and Taftan border areas. Key cities in Balochistan, including Turbat, Panjgur, Khuzdar, Quetta, and Dalbandin, are part of this corridor.

According to government officials, the Gwadar–Gabd route is the fastest, taking only 2 to 3 hours to reach the Iranian border. In contrast, it takes 16 to 18 hours from Karachi to the same border. The new route is expected to reduce transportation costs by 45 to 55 percent.

The decision comes at a time when trade through Iran’s maritime routes has been disrupted due to US naval restrictions and geopolitical tensions, resulting in thousands of containers being stuck at Karachi port.

Pakistan’s Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan described the initiative as an important step to expand regional trade and strengthen Pakistan’s role as a transit hub.

Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi visited Islamabad and met Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the army chief. The visit took place amid diplomatic efforts to ease tensions between the United States and Iran.

Analysts say the new transit system could bring major changes not only in trade but also in the geopolitical balance of South and West Asia. It may also reduce Pakistan’s dependence on Afghan transit routes and help develop new economic corridors.

However, experts have warned that the effectiveness of this corridor could be at risk if border security and regional stability are not maintained.