, July 11, 2025 — Pakistan and Russia are set to inaugurate a pilot freight train service this August, marking a major milestone in their expanding economic partnership and regional connectivity efforts.
The announcement came during a high-level meeting in Moscow between Pakistani Special Assistants to the Prime Minister Syed Tariq Fatemi and Haroon Akhtar Khan, and Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk. The two sides reviewed a broad spectrum of cooperation, including trade, energy, industrial development, and regional security.
Deputy PM Overchuk described Pakistan and Russia as “natural allies,” emphasizing President Vladimir Putin’s view of Pakistan as a key partner in regional growth. He confirmed plans to launch the freight train as part of a trilateral connectivity initiative linking Uzbekistan, Pakistan, and Russia via rail.
Fatemi reaffirmed Islamabad’s commitment to deepening ties with Moscow, calling Russia a “stabilizing force in global affairs.” Haroon Akhtar Khan highlighted Pakistan’s investment-friendly industrial policies and ongoing discussions to revive the Karachi Steel Mills project—a legacy of past cooperation with Russia.
The freight train corridor is expected to streamline cargo movement, reduce transit costs, and enhance trade volumes between the two countries. It also aligns with Pakistan’s broader strategy to diversify trade routes and reduce reliance on traditional maritime channels.
The meeting also touched on regional issues, including developments in South Asia, Afghanistan, and the Middle East. Both sides expressed optimism about expanding cooperation across sectors and confirmed plans for a bilateral meeting between President Putin and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the upcoming SCO Summit in Tianjin, China.
As preparations for the freight train launch accelerate, officials from both nations see the initiative as a symbol of strategic convergence and a gateway to deeper economic integration.
Pakistan and Russia to Launch Freight Train Corridor in August to Boost Bilateral TradeMoscow
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