ISLAMABAD, Sunday, August 03, 2025 (WNP): Pakistan and Iran on Sunday reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing transport, infrastructure, and trade ties, with Iran expressing strong interest in joining the China-Pakistan Silk Road initiative in a significant move to bolster regional connectivity and economic integration.

The announcement came during a joint ministerial session in Islamabad, where Iranian Minister for Roads and Urban Development Farzaneh Sadegh met with Pakistan’s Federal Ministers Abdul Aleem Khan (Communications), Jam Kamal Khan (Commerce), and Hanif Abbasi (Railways). The meeting was held on the sidelines of Iranian President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian’s official visit to Pakistan.

The talks centered on accelerating cooperation in cross-border infrastructure development, particularly improving road and rail links, maritime trade, and vehicle movement between the two nations.

Minister Sadegh emphasized Iran’s interest in becoming an active stakeholder in the Silk Road trade corridor alongside Pakistan and China. She also proposed enhancing maritime commerce via the Gwadar-Chabahar Route, a move seen as pivotal for regional trade flows.

Welcoming the Iranian delegation, Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan hailed Iran’s recent defiance and unity during its conflict with Israel, calling it “a proud moment for the entire Muslim world.” He underscored the deep-rooted ties between Pakistan and Iran, stating that recent geopolitical developments have brought the two nations even closer.

Aleem Khan also invited the Iranian Minister to attend the upcoming International Ministerial Conference on Connectivity scheduled in Pakistan for October 23–24, which will bring together ministers from over 20 countries. He proposed the creation of bilateral working groups to fast-track key transport projects.

During the session, Minister Sadegh stressed the need to modernize the Quetta-Zahedan Road Corridor and expand the number of vehicles operating between the two countries to improve mobility and trade logistics.

Federal Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan highlighted the vast untapped trade potential between Pakistan and Iran, encouraging greater collaboration in sectors like agriculture, textiles, minerals, and pharmaceuticals. “Both countries can serve as gateways to larger markets in South and West Asia,” he said.

Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to reviving the long-standing Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul Railway Project. He announced that the Quetta-Zahedan Rail Line would be upgraded to improve freight capacity and streamline regional transit routes.

Minister Farzaneh Sadegh described her visit as “pleasant and memorable” and extended warm greetings from the Iranian government and people. She thanked the Pakistani ministers for their hospitality and reaffirmed Tehran’s full cooperation in implementing joint initiatives.

In a symbolic gesture of goodwill, Minister Aleem Khan presented traditional gifts to his Iranian counterpart and expressed hope for a new chapter of strategic, commercial, and cultural engagement between the two brotherly nations.