Islamabad, Feb 20: Pakistan Railways is set to launch an international freight train service to Russia by March 15, aiming to enhance trade with Iran, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, and Russia. The initiative, announced by Pakistan Railways Freight CEO Sufiyan Sarfaraz Dogar, is expected to provide a cost-effective and efficient trade corridor between South Asia and Central Asia.
The new service will operate from Qasim International Container Terminal and Pakistan International Container Terminal, offering container capacity options of 22 tons and 44 tons. Taftan station in Pakistan has been designated as a key entry point, with authorities addressing customs-related issues to ensure smooth trade operations.
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The freight train will facilitate the import of oil, natural gas, steel, and industrial goods from Russia to Pakistan while enabling Pakistani exporters to access key markets in Iran, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, and Russia. Products such as textiles, food, and agricultural goods, including rice, wheat, and cotton, will be transported along this new trade route. The initiative builds upon an MoU signed between Pakistan and Russia during the 27th Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum in June 2024, aimed at strengthening economic ties and expanding regional trade networks.
The All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) has welcomed the project, with APTMA Chairman Kamran Arshad highlighting the immense growth potential of Pakistan’s textile industry, which has set an ambitious $50 billion export target over the next five years. He stressed the need for automated freight handling and cargo delivery to cut costs and delays while recommending the establishment of dry ports along the route and the introduction of a barter trade system with Russia, similar to the existing Pakistan-Iran trade model.
APTMA believes that this freight train service will be a game-changer for regional trade, offering businesses reliable and affordable logistics solutions. The project is expected to reduce transportation costs, improve market access, and strengthen trade ties between Pakistan and Central Asia, marking a significant milestone in Pakistan’s economic and trade expansion strategy.
