Iran has reaffirmed its commitment to further expanding cooperation with Pakistan in the fields of railways, trade, border connectivity, security and economic development.

This resolve was expressed during a meeting between Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi and Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni in Islamabad today.

The two leaders discussed in detail ways to enhance bilateral railway cooperation, cross-border connectivity, regional integration, trade, and economic collaboration.

Hanif Abbasi highlighted that Main Line-3 (ML-3) serves as the principal railway corridor connecting Pakistan with Iran.

He said work on the upgradation of ML-3 is expected to commence during the current fiscal year, with the project likely to be completed by December 2029. Upon completion, the project will significantly improve train speeds, line capacity and operational efficiency, while facilitating greater trade and regional connectivity between Pakistan, Iran and neighbouring countries.

He further informed the Iranian Interior Minister that, at the request of Iranian Railways, Pakistan has declared Taftan Railway Station a Customs Clearance Station. This will facilitate customs clearance, shunting operations and cross-border freight movement.

The meeting also focused on the revival of the Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul (ITI) Freight Train Service.

Both sides agreed that the restoration of the ITI corridor would significantly enhance trade among Pakistan, Iran, and Türkiye while improving regional connectivity with Central Asia, Russia, and Europe.

Meanwhile, Iran's Deputy Minister of Transport Mehran Ghorbani and Deputy Minister of Interior for Economic Affairs Mehdi Dousti called on Minister of State for Finance and Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani in Islamabad today.

The two sides discussed matters of mutual interest, including economic cooperation, trade and connectivity.