Pakistan Opens Trade Route Through Iran

Pakistan has opened a new land corridor for trade with Central Asia—and has already sent the first shipment on its way. As customs officials told The Express Tribune on April 13, an initial export shipment was sent from Karachi to Tashkent.

The new route runs through Iranian territory and connects Pakistan’s ports on the Arabian Sea directly to markets in Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and, in the future, other countries in the region. This creates a shorter and more road-based alternative to previous, often complex transport chains.

New Route Aims to Save Time and Money

According to the authorities, the corridor is primarily intended to shorten transit times and reduce costs for exporters. Until now, many shipments had to be handled via time-consuming sea routes and multiple transit points.

The first shipment consisted of frozen meat, which was transported in refrigerated trucks from Karachi to the Uzbek capital. In the future, goods are expected to be increasingly handled through the port of Gwadar and then forwarded via Iran.

Sanaullah Abro, director of the transit customs department, confirmed that operations have already begun. Further shipments are being planned and will be expanded gradually.

Strategic Opening Toward Central Asia

With the new corridor, Islamabad is pursuing a clear strategic goal: better access to the inland markets of Central Asia. At the same time, Pakistan aims to strengthen its role as a regional logistics player and increase the utilization of its ports.

At an official launch ceremony in Karachi, representatives from government agencies and logistics companies described the project as an important step toward regional integration. The direct land route through Iran could bypass existing bottlenecks in congested ports and accelerate cross-border goods traffic.

The new transport system relies on truck traffic through Iran. This shortens processing times and simplifies customs procedures. For many exporters, the corridor could thus represent a viable and economically attractive alternative.

Pakistan views the new route not only as a logistical improvement but also as a geopolitical signal: The country is positioning itself more strongly as a bridge between South Asia, the Middle East, and Central Asia—with growing significance for regional trade flows.