Russia, Pakistan advance plans for first direct freight rail link

Russia and Pakistan are advancing plans to launch their first direct freight rail link, aiming to establish regular cargo routes connecting Moscow with Faisalabad and Karachi in both directions, Russia’s ambassador to Pakistan said.

“We are working with our Pakistani partners on a project to organise the first freight railway route between our countries along the Moscow–Faisalabad and Moscow–Karachi routes in both directions. The possibility of involving the Belarusian side in the project is being considered,” Ambassador Albert Khorev told Izvestia.

The initiative marks a step toward expanding trade connectivity between the two countries, although progress has been slowed by regional instability. Khorev said heightened geopolitical tensions during 2025 and early 2026 had led to repeated delays in implementation.

“At present, the parties are at the stage of finalising the contract for the provision of services and selecting companies interested in transporting goods from countries along the proposed route of the train,” he added.

The project could potentially include Belarus as a participant, reflecting broader efforts to develop transnational logistics corridors linking Eurasian markets.

By Tamilla Hasanova