Iran advances rail link with Pakistan and seeks Iran‑Afghanistan‑China free‑trade zone

Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni said the planned railway connection with Pakistan is a strategic project that will transform regional transportation, boost bilateral trade and link South Asia with Central Asia and Europe. speaking in Islamabad with Pakistan's Railways Minister Muhammad Hanif Abbasi, he announced the modernization of the Zahedan‑Mirjaveh line will be completed within a month and urged Pakistan to finish the standard‑gauge line to Taftan, enabling seamless passenger and freight services across the border.

At the same time, Iran is moving forward with a proposal for a joint free‑trade and industrial zone involving Afghanistan and China. Morteza Zakarian, director‑general of economic and financial affairs for South Khorasan province, said administrative steps are under way and the plan would combine Iran's infrastructure, China's investment and technology, and Afghanistan's mineral resources and strategic location. A Chinese economic delegation gave a positive response, describing the corridor as a “secure, alternative and sustainable” route to deepen economic ties and offset recent trade disruptions with Pakistan.