Pakistan and Iran have agreed to strengthen regional economic and trade ties through collaboration on the Silk Road and the Gwadar-Chabahar projects. This agreement emerged during a joint session held between Iranian Minister for Roads and Urban Development, Farzaneh Sadegh, and Pakistan’s Federal Ministers for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan, Commerce Jam Kamal Khan, and Railways Hanif Abbasi. The Iranian minister accompanied the Iranian president on an official visit to Pakistan.
Key discussions centered on Iran joining the Silk Road initiative with Pakistan and China, and enhancing maritime trade through the Gwadar-Chabahar route. The session also focused on improving transportation, expanding connectivity networks, and upgrading road infrastructure to further bilateral relations.
Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan welcomed the Iranian delegation, congratulating Iran on its firm stance against Israel and highlighting the solidarity between the two nations. He emphasized Pakistan and Iran’s longstanding friendship and recent developments that have further strengthened their relationship.
Minister Abdul Aleem Khan invited Iranian Minister Farzaneh Sadegh to attend the upcoming Ministerial Conference in Pakistan, scheduled for October 23-24, which will host ministers from 20 countries. The conference aims to accelerate collaboration on regional initiatives. Minister Sadegh expressed gratitude for Pakistan’s support against Israeli aggression and reiterated sentiments of goodwill toward the Pakistani people.
The Iranian minister suggested modernizing the Quetta-Zahedan route to increase vehicle movement between the two countries, while Minister Abdul Aleem Khan proposed creating bilateral working groups to fast-track project implementation. Additionally, Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi reaffirmed the importance of upgrading the Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul Railway project and expanding the Quetta-Zahedan railway line to enhance regional connectivity.
Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan briefed the Iranian delegation on untapped trade opportunities and the potential for economic growth through expanded trade volumes. He emphasized that both nations could serve as viable markets for each other across multiple sectors.
Minister Sadegh described her visit to Pakistan as highly pleasant and assured full cooperation from Iran in implementing these initiatives. She also highlighted the importance of fostering stronger bilateral engagements and expressed optimism for continued progress.
Reflecting on his recent visit to Iran, Federal Minister Aleem Khan noted the positive momentum in relations between the two countries. To mark the occasion, he presented gifts to Minister Sadegh, extending warm wishes to the people of Iran.
