ISLAMABAD, Jul 22: Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi said on Wednesday that Pakistan and Iran have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, expanding railway cooperation and enhancing regional connectivity.
During a meeting with Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni, Hanif Abbasi welcomed him to Pakistan and said the visit was an important step towards further deepening the longstanding brotherly ties between the two neighbouring countries.
Iran’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Dr. Reza Amiri Moghadam, also attended the meeting, said a news release.
The minister paid tribute to the resilience, determination and steadfastness demonstrated by the Iranian nation, government and leadership during the recent crisis.
Hanif Abbasi also expressed respect for Iran’s Supreme Leader and paid homage to the innocent civilians who lost their lives during the crisis.
The two leaders reaffirmed their resolve to further strengthen the religious, historical and cultural bonds between Pakistan and Iran and stressed the importance of promoting peace, stability, diplomatic engagement and mutual cooperation across the region.
The meeting focused on expanding railway cooperation, improving cross-border connectivity and facilitating bilateral trade through enhanced rail links.
Hanif Abbasi informed the delegation that work on the upgradation of Main Line-3 (ML-3) is expected to commence during the current fiscal year, with completion anticipated by December 2029.
He said ML-3 would serve as the principal railway corridor linking Pakistan and Iran and would significantly boost bilateral trade and regional connectivity upon completion.
The minister also appreciated the cooperation extended by the Iranian government and Iranian Railways in the restoration of the Zahedan-Taftan railway section.
He said Taftan Railway Station had been designated as a customs clearance station at the request of Iranian Railways, a move that would facilitate cross-border freight movement and shunting operations.
The two sides also discussed the revival of the Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul (ITI) freight train service to promote regional trade and connectivity.
Both countries agreed to further expand railway collaboration under the 1959 bilateral railway agreement and the 2025 Framework of Cooperation.
They reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening railway links, cross-border trade, economic cooperation and regional connectivity for the mutual benefit of Pakistan, Iran and the wider region.
On the occasion, Eskandar Momeni expressed gratitude to Federal Minister for the warm hospitality extended to him during his visit to Pakistan and reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation with Pakistan.
During the meeting, Momeni said Pakistan and Iran enjoy deep-rooted, historic and brotherly relations that continue to grow stronger with the passage of time.
He said that bilateral ties between the two neighbouring countries had reached an exemplary level over the past two years, reflecting the shared commitment of both governments to enhancing cooperation in various sectors.
The Iranian minister also appreciated the support and cooperation extended by the Government of Pakistan and thanked the country’s leadership for its constructive role in promoting bilateral relations.
Referring to the recent regional tensions, Momeni commended Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for their diplomatic efforts and support, describing their role as commendable.
He said the Iranian nation would always remember Pakistan’s sincere efforts and support during a difficult period, adding that Pakistan had demonstrated the true spirit of brotherhood when Iran needed it most.
Reaffirming Iran’s desire to further deepen engagement with Pakistan, Momeni expressed confidence that the two countries would continue expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest, further strengthening their longstanding partnership and regional collaboration.
