Pakistan Allows Transit of Goods to Iran Through Its Territory

Iranian media said that Pakistan has issued an official permit for the transit of goods from its territory to Iran, enabling the ports of Gwadar, Karachi, and Port Qasim to support Iran’s southern ports in the event of a naval blockade.

According to Tasnim News Agency, Pakistan took a significant step toward activating designated trade corridors under a newly issued transit trade order.

The agency said, “A new framework issued by the Pakistani Ministry of Commerce authorizes the transit of goods from third countries through its territory en route to Iran, specifying multiple land routes passing through key locations in the southwestern areas of Gwadar and Taftan, as well as the southern port city of Karachi.”

The agency noted that this decision implements the international agreement on passenger and freight transport between the two countries, ratified on June 29, 2008.

It emphasized the growing importance of this development under current circumstances, given Iran’s significant portion of imports and transits passed through UAE ports, a route now unstable due to the tightening of the naval blockade and political changes in the region.

It stated, “Under these circumstances, opening the Pakistani route not only diversifies routes but also enhances the security of Iran’s supply chain.”

It added, “Gwadar, due to its geographical proximity to Iran’s eastern border and its direct connection to the Ghubad road, can provide a shorter and less cost-effective route for time- and cost-sensitive goods.”

Iran relies on ports overlooking the Gulf for more than 90% of its trade, with annual revenues approaching $110 billion. According to estimates, the American blockade may cost Iran direct losses exceeding $400 million per day, due to the disruptions of the ports of Bandar Abbas, Imam Khomeini, Kharg, and Asaluyeh. (EIR)