LAHORE: Pakistan’s Railways Minister, Hanif Abbasi, has announced that the government is actively working to revive the international railway service connecting Islamabad, Tehran, and Istanbul, with a target to restore the link by December 31st.
Speaking at a press conference, Minister Abbasi stated that re-establishing this route would provide Pakistan with crucial access to European markets via Central Asia. He revealed that a plan is underway to lay a new 400-kilometer railway track as part of this international corridor.
The minister highlighted that this effort is part of a broader push to modernize the country’s railway system. He emphasized that the entire network is being digitized, with a key focus on improving passenger amenities. These upgrades include providing internet and cafeteria services at stations, enhancing sanitation facilities, and building new passenger lounges at major hubs like Karachi Railway Station.
Minister Abbasi also mentioned that separate discussions on transport links have been held with delegations from Turkey and Uzbekistan, signaling a wider regional approach to improving rail connectivity.
Meanwhile Prime Minister PM Shehbaz Sharif has announced that Pakistan is launching the second phase of its major Economic Corridor project, with a renewed focus on enhancing regional transport and digital links.
Speaking at the closing of a regional transport ministers’ conference, the Prime Minister highlighted Pakistan’s strategic location and ports like Gwadar as key assets in global connectivity initiatives like the Belt and Road.
He stated that the country is actively investing in digital infrastructure and advancing several major railway projects to boost trade. These include the Trans-Afghan Railway and the Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul railway corridor.
The Prime Minister emphasized that this push to improve regional connections is expected to transform the nation’s economic and trade landscape.
