Pakistan has opened six overland transit routes for goods destined for Iran, creating a formal road trade corridor as maritime shipping disruptions continue amid the United States blockade of Iranian ports and vessels attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
The Ministry of Commerce issued the Transit of Goods through Territory of Pakistan Order 2026 on April 25, with immediate effect. The order permits goods originating from third countries to be transported through Pakistan and delivered into Iran by road.
The move comes at a time when thousands of containers remain stranded at Karachi port due to rising tensions between Washington and Tehran and ongoing restrictions affecting regional shipping routes.
The announcement also coincided with the visit of Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to Islamabad, where he held talks with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir. The meetings are part of continuing diplomatic efforts as Pakistan seeks to mediate an end to the two month conflict between the United States and Iran.
Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan described the initiative as “a significant step toward promoting regional trade and enhancing Pakistan’s role as a key trade corridor.”
Iran has not officially commented on the development, while reports said queries sent to the Iranian embassy in Islamabad remained unanswered.
The new transit arrangement does not apply to Indian-origin goods. A separate order issued by Pakistan’s Commerce Ministry in May 2025, following the India-Pakistan aerial conflict, continues to prohibit the transit of Indian goods through Pakistan by any mode of transport.
Source : Reuters
