Pakistan Railways is set to launch an international freight train service to Russia by March 15 to boost trade with Iran, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, and Russia. The announcement was made by Pakistan Railways Freight CEO Sufiyan Sarfaraz Dogar, who encouraged the business community, especially members of the All-Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA), to commit to containerised cargo shipments for the new service.

The freight train will run from Qasim International Container Terminal and Pakistan International Container Terminal, providing container capacity options of 22 tons and 44 tons. Taftan station in Pakistan will be a crucial entry point for goods along this route, with authorities resolving most customs-related issues to facilitate a smooth trading process.

This rail service will enable the export of oil, natural gas, steel, and industrial goods from Russia to Pakistan while providing Pakistani exporters with improved access to markets in Iran, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, and Russia for textiles, food, and agricultural products like rice, wheat, and cotton.

The initiative builds on a memorandum of understanding signed between Pakistan and Russia during the 27th Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum in June 2024, aiming to create a cost-effective trade route connecting South Asia with Central Asia and Russia.

APTMA Chairman 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 advocated for automating freight handling, establishing dry ports along the route, introducing a barter trade system with Russia akin to the Pakistan-Iran model, and enhancing banking channels. APTMA supports the new freight service, believing it will enhance regional trade, streamline logistics, reduce costs, and establish a more reliable trade network between Pakistan and Central Asia.