Pakistan Railways is launching an international freight train service to Russia by March 15 to enhance trade with Iran, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, and Russia. The announcement was made by Pakistan Railways Freight CEO Sufiyan Sarfaraz Dogar. He urged the business community, particularly members of the All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA), to commit to containerized cargo shipments for this new service.
The freight train will operate from Qasim International Container Terminal and Pakistan International Container Terminal, offering container capacity options of 22 tons and 44 tons. Taftan station in Pakistan will serve as a key entry point for goods traveling along this route. Authorities have addressed most customs-related issues at Taftan to ensure a smooth trade process.
This rail service will facilitate the export of oil, natural gas, steel, and industrial goods from Russia to Pakistan. In return, Pakistani exporters will gain better access to markets in Iran, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, and Russia for their textile, food, and agricultural products, including rice, wheat, and cotton. The initiative builds upon a memorandum of understanding signed between Pakistan and Russia during the 27th Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum in June 2024. The agreement aims to establish an efficient and cost-effective trade route connecting South Asia with Central Asia and Russia.
APTMA Chairman Kamran Arshad highlighted the growing potential of Pakistan’s textile industry, which has set an ambitious export target of $50 billion over the next five years. He acknowledged the government’s role in creating a supportive environment for the textile sector, contributing to increased exports and foreign exchange earnings.
He suggested automating freight handling and cargo delivery to reduce costs and delays. He also recommended setting up dry ports along the route, introducing a barter trade system between Pakistan and Russia similar to the existing Pakistan-Iran model, and strengthening banking channels with Russia.
APTMA is supporting the new freight service, believing it will significantly boost regional trade and open new economic opportunities. The initiative is expected to streamline logistics, reduce transportation costs, and create a more reliable trade network between Pakistan and Central Asia.