Pakistan, Turkiye set to explore cooperation in railways: minister

ISLAMABAD: To expand mutual and regional connectivity, Pakistan and Turkiye are set to explore cooperation in railways, transport and infrastructure, with a focus on modern railway technology, technology transfer, investment and local manufacturing.

This was stated by the Federal Minister for Pakistan Railways Mohammad Hanif Abbasi while departing on a two-day official visit to Türkiye here on Wednesday. Abbasi is visiting Türkiye at the invitation of the Turkish Minister of Transport and Infrastructure.

Both sides will also discuss matters related to the revival of a 6,500-kilometer overland route of the Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul (ITI) freight train service and measures to enhance regional connectivity.

During the visit, Abbasi will hold high-level meetings and visit key railway institutions to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the railway and transport sectors.

Abbasi said that the Government of Pakistan is committed to transforming Pakistan Railways into a modern, safe, efficient, and passenger-centric transport system. He noted that learning from internationally successful railway models, particularly Türkiye’s experience, would play a vital role in accelerating Pakistan Railways’ modernization and digital transformation.

He further stated that the visit marks an important step toward deepening Pakistan–Türkiye strategic cooperation and advancing the Government’s vision of developing Pakistan Railways into a world-class railway system through innovation, technology, and international partnerships.

Abbasi will meet with Türkiye’s Minister of Transport and Infrastructure to discuss expanding cooperation between Pakistan and Türkiye in railways, transport, and infrastructure. The discussions will focus on joint projects, investment opportunities, technology transfer, institutional collaboration, and the exchange of technical expertise.

A high-level bilateral delegation meeting, co-chaired by the two ministers, will also be held to review ongoing areas of cooperation and explore new avenues for partnership in railway modernization, digital transformation, and infrastructure development.

During the visit, the minister will inspect Turkiye’s advanced railway monitoring, operational control, safety, signalling, and digital railway systems. He will also visit modern coach and locomotive manufacturing facilities, railway production units, and operational control centres to study Turkiye’s best practices in railway management and manufacturing.

The visit aims to benefit from Turkiye’s expertise in modern railway technologies to enhance Pakistan Railways’ operational efficiency, improve passenger services, and strengthen indigenous manufacturing capabilities for coaches and locomotives.

The two sides will also discuss opportunities for Turkish companies to participate in Pakistan Railways’ development projects through investment, technology transfer, industrial collaboration, and joint ventures.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026