Pakistan has taken an important step to promote regional trade by allowing Iran to use its territory for transit trade to third countries, marking a significant development in economic cooperation between the two neighbors.
The decision follows the issuance of the “Transit of Goods Order 2026” by the Ministry of Commerce Pakistan, which introduces new rules allowing Iranian cargo to pass through Pakistan for shipment to other destinations.
According to the official notification, the federal government has made amendments to the Import and Export Control Act 1950, and the new order is now in effect immediately.
The notification states that it applies to goods originating from third countries that will be transported through Pakistan and linked with Iran for onward delivery to various destinations.
Under the new system, all transit goods will remain under the supervision of Pakistan’s customs authorities in line with the Customs Act 1969 and procedures set by the Federal Board of Revenue.
Pakistan has also approved a detailed network of transit routes for cargo movement, including key trade corridors such as Gwadar, Port Qasim, Lyari, Ormara, Pasni, and Gabd. Inland routes will pass through Karachi, Khuzdar, Dalbandin, Taftan, Turbat, Hoshab, Panjgur, Quetta/Lak Pass, and Nokkundi.
Officials said Pakistan already plays an important role as a regional transit hub, and this new arrangement further strengthens its position in cross-border trade and commercial connectivity.
