Islamabad, June 19, 2025: Pakistan’s historic first freight train service to Russia has been temporarily postponed due to rising regional instability linked to the Iran-Israel conflict. The train, originally scheduled to leave Lahore on June 22, was set to transport 16 freight wagons to Astrakhan, Russia—marking a milestone in Pakistan’s efforts to establish stronger trade routes with Central Asia.
The strategic rail corridor was to pass through Iran, Turkmenistan, and Kazakhstan, offering a shorter and more economical route for trade. However, heightened geopolitical tensions have led to border restrictions and international route closures, forcing authorities to put the plan on hold.
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Officials from Pakistan Railways emphasized that the project is not canceled but merely paused until regional security improves. The initiative aimed to begin with 16 containers, with plans to scale up to 30 and eventually 50 wagons per shipment—boosting bilateral trade and unlocking new economic potential for Pakistan.
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