Russia and Pakistan Set to Inaugurate First Direct Train Service Next Year
The two nations are set to be connected through a direct cargo rail link, as confirmed by Pakistan’s Energy Minister Awais Leghari in an interview with RT. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
The countries anticipate initiating trial runs for the rail link by March 2025, as stated by Energy Minister Awais Leghari in an interview with RT.
Russia and Pakistan are preparing to establish a new freight train line as bilateral discussions progress, according to Islamabad’s Energy Minister Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari.
During the summer's International IT Forum in Khanty-Mansiysk, Pakistan’s ambassador to Moscow, Muhammad Khalid Jamali, indicated the country’s readiness to participate in the International North-South Transport Corridor, which spans 7,200 km and connects Russia and Central Asia to India through Iran.
“As early as March next year, the first south-north train trial run will transport goods from Russia to Pakistan via Iran and Azerbaijan,” Leghari relayed.
In the interview, he also highlighted the ongoing discussions between Moscow and Islamabad concerning the establishment of direct air services between the two nations, pointing out the “interest from both sides” in achieving airline connectivity “very soon.”
In October, a delegation from Russia’s Federation Council visited Islamabad, where the countries discussed bilateral transport and logistics projects. Chairwoman Valentina Matvienko underscored the importance of new logistics corridors and appreciated Pakistan’s interest in this initiative.
“It has both political and economic dimensions that Pakistan and Russia haven’t seen for a while,” Leghari asserted. He emphasized the importance of various initiatives being explored by the two governments, aiming to facilitate interactions among their peoples and foster business communications.
Recently, Islamabad and Moscow signed eight memorandums of understanding across diverse sectors such as health, trade, industrial cooperation, and education. These agreements were established during the meeting of the Inter-Governmental Commission, which has been functioning for about a decade.
Both nations have expressed their determination to enhance collaboration, especially in trade. Russia’s ambassador to Pakistan remarked in January that “bilateral trade is showing positive dynamics,” with the trade turnover between the two countries approximately $1 billion. However, Leghari pointed out that “there is a trade imbalance between Russia and Pakistan, and a serious one.” He added, “We’re wanting to also work towards an environment where the balance is more balanced,” noting that Pakistan’s role as a significant producer of agricultural commodities could make it a key food supplier for Russia.
Furthermore, Pakistan has suggested that Russia become involved in oil and gas exploration on its continental shelf and participate in oil refining. Moscow’s Deputy Energy Minister Roman Marshavin confirmed, “Stable supplies of Russian oil to Pakistan are ongoing, and all technical and financial issues are being promptly resolved by both sides,” also mentioning that efforts are in progress to enhance these supplies and broaden the range of products.
Sanya Singh contributed to this report for TROIB News
Russia and Pakistan are preparing to establish a new freight train line as bilateral discussions progress, according to Islamabad’s Energy Minister Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari.
During the summer's International IT Forum in Khanty-Mansiysk, Pakistan’s ambassador to Moscow, Muhammad Khalid Jamali, indicated the country’s readiness to participate in the International North-South Transport Corridor, which spans 7,200 km and connects Russia and Central Asia to India through Iran.
“As early as March next year, the first south-north train trial run will transport goods from Russia to Pakistan via Iran and Azerbaijan,” Leghari relayed.
In the interview, he also highlighted the ongoing discussions between Moscow and Islamabad concerning the establishment of direct air services between the two nations, pointing out the “interest from both sides” in achieving airline connectivity “very soon.”
In October, a delegation from Russia’s Federation Council visited Islamabad, where the countries discussed bilateral transport and logistics projects. Chairwoman Valentina Matvienko underscored the importance of new logistics corridors and appreciated Pakistan’s interest in this initiative.
“It has both political and economic dimensions that Pakistan and Russia haven’t seen for a while,” Leghari asserted. He emphasized the importance of various initiatives being explored by the two governments, aiming to facilitate interactions among their peoples and foster business communications.
Recently, Islamabad and Moscow signed eight memorandums of understanding across diverse sectors such as health, trade, industrial cooperation, and education. These agreements were established during the meeting of the Inter-Governmental Commission, which has been functioning for about a decade.
Both nations have expressed their determination to enhance collaboration, especially in trade. Russia’s ambassador to Pakistan remarked in January that “bilateral trade is showing positive dynamics,” with the trade turnover between the two countries approximately $1 billion. However, Leghari pointed out that “there is a trade imbalance between Russia and Pakistan, and a serious one.” He added, “We’re wanting to also work towards an environment where the balance is more balanced,” noting that Pakistan’s role as a significant producer of agricultural commodities could make it a key food supplier for Russia.
Furthermore, Pakistan has suggested that Russia become involved in oil and gas exploration on its continental shelf and participate in oil refining. Moscow’s Deputy Energy Minister Roman Marshavin confirmed, “Stable supplies of Russian oil to Pakistan are ongoing, and all technical and financial issues are being promptly resolved by both sides,” also mentioning that efforts are in progress to enhance these supplies and broaden the range of products.
Sanya Singh contributed to this report for TROIB News
