ISLAMABAD – The much-anticipated Islamabad–Tehran–Istanbul freight train service, scheduled to begin on December 31, has been postponed after Pakistan Railways failed to obtain the required security clearance.
The railway officials said Pakistan Railways had announced the launch of the international freight service to strengthen regional trade connectivity between Pakistan, Iran and Turkey.
Under the planned route, the freight train was to depart from Islamabad, travel via Sibi to Spezand Junction, and then proceed through Noshki and Dalbandin before entering Iran at Mirjaveh.
The officials confirmed that all logistical and operational preparations had been completed by the Quetta Division of Pakistan Railways in anticipation of the train’s arrival and transit through the division.
However, the service was deferred a day before its scheduled launch due to the absence of security clearance. Pakistan Railways has not announced a revised date for the commencement of the freight train service.
