Pakistan activates new transit trade corridor through Iran
The National Logistics Corporation (NLC) has activated the Gabd Border Terminal for Transit International Roads (TIR) system. This marks a significant step towards enhancing regional connectivity and reducing reliance on the traditional Afghanistan route.
The terminal, located between Gabd in Balochistan, Pakistan, and Rimdan in Iran’s Sistan-Baluchestan province, became operational for containerised and refrigerated cargo in April 2026. It is equipped with modern scanning systems and facilities that support the TIR framework.
Pakistan recently dispatched its first export consignment from Karachi to Tashkent under this new corridor, signalling the formal launch of the route linking South Asia with Central Asia.
Economic experts noted that the new corridor will help diversify Pakistan’s export routes beyond China and Afghanistan. It is expected to reduce costs, enhance efficiency, and boost overall trade volumes by offering a shorter distance and improved logistics.
President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), Atif Ikram Sheikh, termed the initiative a “remarkable achievement,” expressing optimism that it would open new avenues for regional trade and economic integration.