The government of Pakistan has approved the inclusion of multiple new transit corridors for trade with Iran under the “Transit of Goods through Territory of Pakistan Order 2026,” in a move aimed at strengthening regional connectivity and boosting economic activity.

The notification, issued by the Ministry of Commerce and signed by Joint Secretary (FT-II) Maria Qazi, allows the movement of import and export goods — including third-country cargo — to Iran through Pakistan under the TIR Convention framework.

Under the new order, several key transit routes have been designated, including Gwadar-Gabd, Karachi/Port Qasim-Lyari-Ormara-Pasni-Gabd, Karachi/Port Qasim-Khuzdar-Dalbandin-Taftan, and Gwadar-Turbat-Hoshab-Panjgur-Nag-Basima-Khuzdar-Quetta-Dalbandin-Nokundi-Taftan, among others.

The initiative enables goods from third countries to reach Iran via Pakistan using these corridors, enhancing the country’s role as a regional trade hub.

Business leaders in Quetta welcomed the decision, calling it a long-awaited step.

President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Quetta, Haji Muhammad Ayub Mariani, along with other office-bearers, said the development followed sustained engagement with federal authorities.

They noted that the new corridors would create employment opportunities, particularly in Balochistan, while improving trade flows between Pakistan and Iran.

According to the chamber, the initiative is expected to enhance Pakistan’s geo-economic importance, generate valuable foreign exchange through transit fees, port handling and logistics services, and ensure more effective utilisation of Gwadar Port and other infrastructure.

Officials emphasised that the move would not place additional pressure on domestic industries but instead expand trade facilitation and regional integration.