Pakistan will begin its first freight train service to Russia from Lahore on June 22. The route is part of the INSTC and aims to connect Pakistan's rail network with Central Asia, establishing a new trade corridor via Iran, Turkmenistan, and Kazakhstan.
Speaking at a press conference in Multan, Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi said the new freight service is part of an initiative to modernise Pakistan Railways and increase revenue through expanded logistics. He stated the project aligns with the government's goal to connect Pakistan's rail network with Central Asian countries, including Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.
"We are building not just a railway, but an economic corridor," Abbasi said in his statement.
The freight route uses the Eastern Branch of the INSTC. The estimated transit time for the 8,000-kilometre journey from Lahore to Russia is 20-25 days, which includes time for transhipments.
A Pakistan Railways official provided details on the route. The train will depart from Lahore, travel 2,001 kilometres through Pakistan to the Taftan border crossing, and enter Iran. At Zahedan, Iran, cargo will be transferred to another train due to a rail gauge change. The journey will then proceed to the Sarakhs border with Turkmenistan. From there, the train will cross Turkmenistan and enter Kazakhstan through the Bolashak-Aktau corridor, continuing through Atyrau in western Kazakhstan before arriving at its destination of Astrakhan, Russia.
The railway gauges are compatible across Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, and Russia.
The first train is expected to carry 15-16 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units), with about 500 tons of cargo confirmed by exporters. Plans exist to expand to a full load of 31 TEUs, pending the finalisation of freight rates.
The rail link is expected to impact bilateral trade. Pakistan's main exports to Russia include leather apparel, textiles, and electro-medical devices. Key imports from Russia include wheat, fertilisers, dried vegetables, and petroleum products.
Scientists have captured the first clear image of a rare double-detonation supernova, where a white dwarf star is destroyed by two rapid explosions, p...
A British Royal Navy F-35 fighter jet that has remained grounded in southern India since mid-June may soon be dismantled and transported back to the U...
Tech company Xiaomi says it will consider selling its electric vehicles (EV) outside China starting in 2027, CEO Lei Jun said, citing strong local dem...
Russia has cancelled its annual naval parade in St Petersburg amid security concerns, as the deputy head of its Navy was killed in a Ukrainian attack ...
The UK Space Agency has launched a new process to tackle the growing threat of space debris, initiating a £75.6 million tender for the country’s fi...
Pakistan has assumed the presidency of the United Nations Security Council for the month of July, part of its current term as a non-permanent member that began in January 2024.
Special envoys from Pakistan, China and Russia held an informal meeting in the Qatari capital on Monday to discuss regional cooperation on Afghanistan, Pakistani envoy Mohammad Sadiq confirmed in a post on X.
China, Pakistan and Bangladesh are in advanced talks to establish a new regional cooperation framework that could serve as an alternative to the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), according to a report by Pakistan’s Express Tribune.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for 29th June, covering the latest developments you need to know.
The U.S. economy faces a 40% risk of recession in the second half of 2025, JP Morgan analysts said on Wednesday, citing rising tariffs and stagflation concerns.
A magnitude 5.5 earthquake struck off Japan’s Tokara Islands on Wednesday, with no tsunami warning issued but residents advised to remain vigilant.
The United States has rescinded licensing restrictions on ethane exports to China, allowing shipments to resume after a temporary halt and signalling progress in efforts to ease recent trade tensions.
The European Commission is set to propose allowing carbon credits from other countries to count towards the EU’s 2040 climate target, according to a leaked internal document.
China has ramped up efforts to protect communities impacted by flood control measures, introducing stronger compensation policies and direct aid from the central government.
Washington’s latest trade decision hints at a broader diplomatic recalibration, as the global economic landscape demands new strategies to balance innovation with national interest.
A British Royal Navy F-35 fighter jet that has remained grounded in southern India since mid-June may soon be dismantled and transported back to the UK by military transport, as repair efforts continue to stall, according to a report by India Today.
Russia has cancelled its annual naval parade in St Petersburg amid security concerns, as the deputy head of its Navy was killed in a Ukrainian attack in Kursk.
Finland has endorsed the European Union’s proposed 90% cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, calling it a step toward climate neutrality and in line with its national goals, a key milestone on the EU’s path to climate neutrality by 2050.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has called for a 50% price increase on sugary drinks, alcohol, and tobacco over the next decade, pushing for taxation as a means to reduce chronic diseases and raise funds for health systems.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?