Islamabad : Federal Minister for Communications Abdul 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 the State Secretary and Deputy Minister of Transport of the Russian Federation, Dmitry Stanislavovich Zverev, and Iran’s Minister for Roads and Infrastructure, Farzaneh Sadegh, met with Abdul Aleem Khan, said a press release.
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 emphasized initiating practical steps, including the launch of direct Moscow–Islamabad flights, without delay.
During the meeting, Russian Deputy Minister Dmitry Stanislavovich Zverev formally invited Federal Minister Abdul Aleem 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.
Federal Minister Abdul Aleem 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.
Abdul Aleem Khan stated that Pakistan has a strong interest in establishing land corridors through China and other countries, enabling effective connectivity with Russia via Central Asian States.
He noted that forums such as the 2nd OIC Transport Ministers’ Conference in Türkiye provide valuable opportunities for regional countries to benefit from shared experiences.
