Pakistan, Iran prioritize rail link to boost trade and connectivity

November 26, 2025 (MLN):  Pakistan and Iran have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening regional connectivity, with a special focus on enhancing the rail link between the two neighboring countries to boost trade and tourism. 

In a meeting at Aiwan-e-Sadr on Wednesday, President Asif Ali Zardari received Dr. Ali Ardashir Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, said a press release issued.

President Zardari emphasized that strengthening the Pakistan-Iran rail link should be prioritized, noting that improved connectivity would facilitate businesses, support tourism and better serve the needs of Zaireen.

He said enhanced transport infrastructure would significantly contribute to expanding bilateral trade.

The President welcomed Dr. Larijani and congratulated him on assuming charge of the Supreme National Security Council.

He said that frequent high-level engagements reflect the positive momentum in bilateral ties and recalled his meeting with the Iranian President in August.

President Zardari thanked the Iranian leadership for expressing solidarity with Pakistan after the recent floods and for the humanitarian assistance provided by the Iranian Red Crescent.

He highlighted the deep-rooted relationship between Pakistan and Iran, founded on history, faith and culture, and acknowledged Iran’s consistent support to Pakistan, including during the war with India.

He reiterated Pakistan’s political and diplomatic backing for Iran in the wake of Israeli aggression and praised the resilience of the Iranian people during the recent conflict.

He also appreciated Iran’s principled stance on the rights of the people of Illegally Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and Palestine.

On the Iran-Pakistan Gas Pipeline, the President called for a mutually workable solution in view of Pakistan’s rising energy needs.

He welcomed the recent technical talks in Islamabad and expressed hope for continued progress during upcoming discussions in Tehran.

Dr. Larijani conveyed the regards of Ayatollah Ali Hosseini Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian to President Zardari.

 He thanked Pakistan for its diplomatic and moral support during the 12-day war earlier this year, and said Pakistan’s recent military successes were viewed as shared achievements by Iran.

He added that following the Iranian President’s visit to Pakistan, directives had been issued to give preferential access to Pakistani products in Iranian markets, setting a clear path toward achieving the target of US$10 billion in bilateral trade.

The meeting was also attended by senior officials including Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Syed Nayyar Hussain Bukhari, and the Secretaries of Foreign Affairs and National Security.

The Iranian delegation comprised Ambassador Reza Amiri Moghadam, Deputy for Foreign Policy and International Security Ali Bagheri, Deputy for Security Alireza Bayat, and Alireza Taqavaei-Zadeh, Secretary of the Asia, Eurasia and Oceania Committee.

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