Iran is replacing a big chunk of its trade logistics from the United Arab Emirates with Pakistan’s ports and highway network following new transit arrangements between Islamabad and Tehran, according to Iran’s Fars News Agency.
Pakistan has taken a formal step toward activating a transit corridor with Iran. The country’s Ministry of Commerce earlier issued directives allowing goods from third countries to pass through Pakistani territory en route to Iran.
The proposed routes include road corridors connecting Pakistani ports, namely Gwadar, Karachi, and Port Qasim, to border crossings at Gabad and Taftan.
Iran has historically relied heavily on UAE ports, especially Jebel Ali Port, for imports and transit trade. However, the current geopolitical temperature and war shocks have made that route less stable in recent times.
Iran sees access to Pakistani routes as a potential alternative that could diversify Tehran’s trade pathways and strengthen its supply chain.
Fars is a state news agency linked to the elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).