Federal Communications Minister Aleem Khan convened critical high-level meetings with Iran’s Roads and Infrastructure Minister Farzaneh Sadegh and Russia’s Deputy Minister of Transport Dmitry Zverev during a recent OIC Transport Ministers’ Conference in Istanbul. The discussions centered on strengthening bilateral connectivity between Pakistan, Iran, and Russia.
These meetings were not just formal exchanges but served as platforms to discuss practical challenges facing the movement of commercial transport across shared borders. Khan and Sadegh identified significant improvements at the Pak-Iran border, noting that current capabilities could be doubled, with daily crossings potentially reaching up to 800 to 1,000 trailers.
Both ministers agreed on the importance of enhancing border parking facilities, bilateral arrangements, and cooperation between various institutions including the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), Ministry of Commerce, and customs authorities. Sadegh highlighted ongoing efforts to improve conditions while acknowledging that more progress is needed at the border.
Khan emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to bolstering its strong ties with Iran, asserting that every Pakistani holds sincere aspirations for both nations’ security and prosperity. The minister also noted a reciprocal goodwill from Iran toward Pakistan’s stance on this front.
During their discussions, Sadegh underscored Iran’s readiness to engage further in enhanced cooperation. Zverev welcomed Khan’s participation in an International Transport and Logistics Forum scheduled for April 1-3, 2026, in Saint Petersburg, the historic Russian city renowned for its rich history and cultural heritage.
Khan underscored the urgent need for concrete steps to strengthen their partnership in transport infrastructure development and logistics corridors. Both sides also committed to swiftly addressing visa-related issues faced by Pakistani freight truck drivers, as well as exploring expanded banking channels to alleviate financial bottlenecks between the two countries.
The meeting concluded with a positive note of collaboration, setting a stage for further substantial progress towards mutual benefits across these vital trade routes linking Pakistan, Iran, and Russia.