Islamabad: Pakistan and Iran have agreed to strengthen their cooperation in the railway sector, focusing on enhancing trade, border connectivity, security, and economic development. This commitment was made during a meeting between Pakistan's Minister for Railways, Muhammad Hanif Abbasi, and Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni in Islamabad.

According to Radio Pakistan, the discussions revolved around boosting bilateral railway cooperation, cross-border connectivity, and regional integration. Minister Abbasi emphasized the importance of Main Line-3 (ML-3), the primary railway corridor linking Pakistan and Iran. He announced that the upgradation of ML-3 is set to begin within the current fiscal year and is expected to be completed by December 2029. This project aims to improve train speeds, line capacity, and operational efficiency, facilitating greater trade and connectivity between Pakistan, Iran, and neighboring regions.

Minister Abbasi also informed Minister Momeni that Pakistan has designated Taftan Railway Station as a Customs Clearance Station at the request of Iranian Railways. This move will enhance customs clearance, shunting operations, and cross-border freight movement.

The meeting further addressed the revival of the Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul (ITI) Freight Train Service, with both sides agreeing that its restoration would significantly boost trade among Pakistan, Iran, and Trkiye, while also enhancing regional connectivity with Central Asia, Russia, and Europe.

Additionally, Iran's Deputy Minister of Transport, Mehran Ghorbani, and Deputy Minister of Interior for Economic Affairs, Mehdi Dousti, met with Pakistan's Minister of State for Finance and Railways, Bilal Azhar Kayani, in Islamabad. They discussed economic cooperation, trade, and connectivity, underscoring the mutual interests of both nations.