Pakistan opens six transit routes for third-country goods to Iran
Pakistan has cleared the way for Iran to import goods from third countries through its territory by opening new transit routes.
The country introduced a new framework allowing transit of goods to Iran through its territory, opening designated trade corridors under the Transit of Goods through Territory of Pakistan Order 2026.
The framework, notified by its Ministry of Commerce, permits movement of goods destined for Iran through Pakistan under regulated transit arrangements aimed at facilitating bilateral and regional trade. According to a government notification issued Saturday, six routes have been designated linking ports including Karachi, Port Qasim and Gwadar with key border crossings in southwestern Balochistan Province.
The notification was issued during a visit to Islamabad by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who met Pakistani officials for talks amid tensions between the United States and Iran.
The order took immediate effect.
According to AP, analysts said Monday the new policy allows cargo bound for Iran to move across Pakistan swiftly without facing delays due to bureaucratic hurdles. They said it could also help Pakistan strengthen its role as a regional transit route and improve connectivity with Iran and beyond the region in future.