Abdul Aleem Khan. PHOTO: ONLINE
ISLAMABAD:
Federal Communications Minister Aleem Khan on Friday held separate high-level meetings with transport ministers of Russia and Iran, focusing on improving transport, logistics and bilateral connectivity between Pakistan, Iran and Russia.
The meetings took place on the sidelines of the Second OIC Transport Ministers’ Conference in Istanbul, where Russian Deputy Transport Minister Dmitry Stanislavovich Zverev and Iran’s Roads and Infrastructure Minister Farzaneh Sadegh met with Aleem Khan, according to a press release.
He said Khan and Sadegh held talks on the movement of commercial transport across the Pakistan-Iran border. They addressed current challenges and measures to improve facilitation, highlighting that daily border crossing capacity could be increased from 200 trucks to 800 to 1,000 trailers.
Both ministers agreed on the need to further improve border parking facilities, bilateral agreements and matters relating to relevant institutions, particularly the FBR, Ministry of Commerce and customs authorities.
Sadegh noted that conditions on the Pakistan-Iran border have improved, although there is still room for further progress. Khan reaffirmed commitment to strengthening deep brotherly ties and affirmed that every Pakistani has sincere goodwill for the security and prosperity of Iran, the press release added.
The meeting also covered the recent visit of the Iranian minister to Islamabad and the Regional Conference of Transport Ministers in Pakistan, and the promotion of positive engagement through the OIC platform. Sadegh appreciated the efforts of the Pakistani government and reiterated Iran’s commitment to greater cooperation.
During talks with the Russian deputy minister, both sides agreed that expanding direct land and air connectivity between Pakistan and Russia would significantly improve regional trade and economic activity. They emphasized promptly launching practical measures, including the launch of direct Moscow-Islamabad flights.
During the meeting, Zverev formally invited Khan to participate in the International Transport and Logistics Forum, scheduled to be held from April 1 to 3, 2026 in the historic Russian city of Saint Petersburg.
Khan underlined the need for concrete measures to enhance cooperation in the transport sector and stated that Pakistan is willing to collaborate with Russia in developing road networks and logistics corridors.
The two sides also expressed firm commitment to resolve visa and related issues faced by Pakistani cargo truck drivers. In addition, detailed discussions were held on expanding banking channels and removing financial obstacles between the two countries.
