Russia, Pakistan to launch first freight rail service connecting Moscow to Karachi: report

Russia and Pakistan are set to launch their inaugural freight rail service connecting Moscow with Karachi and Faisalabad, according to Russia’s ambassador to Pakistan, Albert Khorev. The two nations are also exploring the inclusion of Belarus in this venture. The Moscow-Karachi and Moscow-Faisalabad routes are targeted for freight services in both directions, according to Khorev, who outlined the project's progress in an interview with Russian news agency Izvestia on August 8.

The recent delays are attributed to escalating geopolitical tensions in the region. Currently, the parties are finalizing the agreement for freight-related services and pinpointing interested companies in the respective countries that wish to transport goods along this route. The rail links would facilitate a land-based freight connection between Russia and Pakistan, potentially enhancing trade and transport cooperation between the two countries.

Diplomatic relations between Pakistan and the Russian Federation were established on May 1, 1948, and have since flourished, overcoming Cold War-era mistrust and geopolitical alignments. Recently, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk announced ongoing negotiations between the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and Pakistan to establish a free trade zone.

Overchuk revealed that an expert group has already held joint consultations with Pakistan, and formal negotiations on the establishment of a free trade zone are expected to commence soon, according to a report from the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council meeting held on August 6.