Abdul Aleem Khan. PHOTO: ONLINE
ISLAMABAD:
Federal Communications Minister Aleem Khan on Friday held separate high-level meetings with the transport ministers of Russia and Iran, focusing on enhancing transport, logistics, and bilateral connectivity among Pakistan, Iran, and Russia.
The meetings took place on the sidelines of the 2nd OIC Transport Ministers’ Conference in Istanbul, where Russian Deputy Minister of Transport Dmitry Stanislavovich Zverev, and Iran’s Roads and Infrastructure Minister Farzaneh Sadegh met with Aleem Khan, said a press release.
It said that Khan and Sadegh held discussions on the movement of commercial transport across the Pak-Iran border. They addressed current challenges and measures to enhance facilitation, highlighting that the 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 arrangements, and matters related to relevant institutionsparticularly the FBR, the Ministry of Commerce, and customs authorities.
Sadegh noted that conditions at the Pak-Iran border have improved, though there remains room for further progress. Khan reaffirmed the commitment to strengthening deep fraternal ties, stating that every Pakistani holds sincere goodwill for Iran’s security and prosperity, the press release added.
The meeting also covered the Iranian minister’s recent visit to Islamabad and the Regional Transport Ministers’ Conference 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 enhanced cooperation.
During talks with the Russian deputy minister, both sides agreed that expanding direct land and air connectivity between Pakistan and Russia would significantly enhance regional trade and economic activity. They emphasised initiating practical steps, including the launch of direct Moscow-Islamabad flights, without delay.
During the meeting, Zverev formally invited Khan to participate in the International Transport and Logistics Forum, scheduled to be held from April 1-3, 2026, in the historic Russian city of Saint Petersburg.
Khan underscored the need for concrete measures to enhance cooperation in the transport sector, stating that Pakistan is keen to collaborate with Russia in the development of road networks and logistics corridors.
The two sides also expressed a firm commitment to resolving visa and related issues faced by Pakistani freight truck drivers. In addition, detailed discussions were held on expanding banking channels and removing financial bottlenecks between the two countries.
