Business Desk 
Nov 08, 2025
An undated image of Green Line Express train attached with new imported coaches from China at a railway station. — APP
Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi on Saturday announced important updates on regional railway cooperation that are designed to build greater trade and freight connectivity across South and Central Asia.
Abbasi announced that the Islamabad–Tehran–Istanbul (ITI) freight train service, connecting these cities, would restart by the end of this year.
The ITI route, once operational, is expected to facilitate smoother cargo movements among the member nations, firming up regional trade.
He also pointed out that Kazakhstan has finished the preparations to lay the missing rail link to Chaman. At the same time, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan have agreed upon a deal to expand regional railway cooperation.
Critical infrastructure is being renewed within the country by Pakistan Railways. Investment in the Karachi–Rohri railway track is expected from the Asian Development Bank, while renovation of the Nokundi–Rohri sector is likely to facilitate the transportation of minerals to sea ports.
Abbasi emphasised that these initiatives are part of broader efforts to modernise Pakistan Railways, making it a more efficient, freight-friendly, and regionally connected institution.
