The Kabul Tribune (KT) — Pakistan has launched a new trade corridor through Iran, opening a route to Central Asia as regional diplomatic and economic engagement deepens, according to Anadolu Agency.
The inaugural shipment, consisting of frozen meat, was
transported to Tashkent, Uzbekistan, on Friday, officially activating the
Pakistan-Iran Transit Corridor.
Under the new arrangement, exports from Pakistan will move
through Gwadar Port—part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)—before
passing through Iran and onward to Central Asian markets.
Analysts cited by Anadolu Agency say the development
reflects improving ties between Islamabad and Tehran, particularly amid
Pakistan’s recent diplomatic efforts in regional conflict mediation.
Islamabad has reportedly played a mediating role in efforts
to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East, including facilitating ceasefire
understandings involving regional and international actors.
The new corridor follows Pakistan’s relaxation of export
rules, allowing shipments of food, medicines, and tents to transit through Iran
toward Central Asia.
Pakistan, along with several regional partners including
Türkiye, China, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, has also been involved in recent
diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions between Washington and Tehran.
Experts say China’s role remains significant due to its
interest in expanding connectivity under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor
(CPEC), which links western China to Gwadar Port through major infrastructure
networks.
India, which previously had cooperative arrangements with
Iran through the Chabahar Port project, has been largely excluded from the new
transit framework amid shifting regional alignments.
Trade between Pakistan and Central Asia has also increased,
reaching $2.41 billion in 2025 compared to $1.92 billion in 2024, according to
official figures.
