Pakistan Establishes Road Trade Routes with Iran Amid Hormuz Blockade

Pakistan Establishes Overland Corridor for Goods Bound for Iran

Islamabad, Pakistan – The Ministry of Commerce has issued a new order allowing goods originating from third countries to be transported through Pakistan and delivered to Iran by road. The Transit of Goods through Territory of Pakistan Order 2026 came into effect on April 25, formalizing six overland transit routes that link Pakistan’s main ports with two Iranian border crossings.

The move is aimed at facilitating the transportation of stranded cargo due to the US-Iran tensions. Thousands of containers remain stuck at Karachi port, unable to be collected by vessels due to the United States blockade of Iranian ports and ships trying to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.

According to the order, goods from third countries can now be transported through Pakistan’s territory to Iran via road. The six designated routes span across Balochistan, passing through Turbat, Panjgur, Khuzdar, Quetta, and Dalbandin before reaching the Iranian border.

The shortest route, the Gwadar-Gabd corridor, reduces travel time to the Iranian border to between two and three hours, compared with 16-18 hours from Karachi port. This route could cut transport costs by 45-55 percent, according to officials.

Iran has not publicly commented on the move, but Pakistani Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan described it as a “significant step toward promoting regional trade and enhancing Pakistan’s role as a key trade corridor”. The notification does not extend to Indian-origin goods, which are subject to a separate Commerce Ministry order issued in May 2025.

The establishment of this overland corridor comes amid the ongoing US-Iran tensions, with the two countries engaging in diplomatic efforts to resolve their differences. A ceasefire was brokered on April 8, and direct talks were held in Islamabad on April 11, but negotiations have since stalled.

Source: Al Jazeera