Iran and trading partners: Transit trade at 6 points still not operational
Pakistan's newly designated transit trade points with Iran remain non-operational, hindering the movement of thousands of containers despite official notification and a 2026 order.
- Non-operational status of Pakistan-Iran transit points.
- Specific routes designated for transit trade with Iran.
- Pakistan's recent allowance of non-sanctioned exports to Iran.
- Historical trade agreements between Pakistan and Iran.
ISLAMABAD: Transit trade facilities at six designated points notified by Pakistan government, meant to facilitate transit trade between Iran and its trading partners through Pakistani ports are still not operational.
Background interaction with the private sector and officials, the very purpose of newly notified designated points has not been achieved as thousands of containers came from other countries at Pakistani ports have not been routed to Iran.
On April 25, 2026, Commerce Ministry issued SRO 691(1) 2026, titled Transit of Goods through territory of Pakistan Order 2026”.
READ MORE: Pakistan activates new transit trade corridor through Iran
The following routes were designated for the transit of goods under the Order ;(i ) Gwadar- Gabd ;( ii) Karachi/Port Qasim-Lyari-Ormara-Pasni-Gabd ;(iii) Karachi/Port Qasim- Khuzdar-Dalbandin-Taftan ; (iv) Gawadar-Turbat-Hoshab-Panjgur-Nagg-Besima-Khuzdar-Quetta/LakpassDalbandin Nokundi –Taftan ;( v) Gwadar-Liari-Khuzdar-Quetta/Lakpass-Dalbandin-Nokundi-Taftan ; and (vii) Karachi /Port Qasim-Gwadar-Gabd.
The transportation of cargo under this notification was to be regulated in accordance with the provisions of the Customs Act, 1969, the rules made thereunder and the procedure prescribed by the Federal Board of Revenue.
Transit means movement of goods in transit across the territory of Pakistan, when the passage across such territory, is only a portion of a complete journey which begins and ends beyond the borders of Pakistan.
According to the private sector, shipping lines have departed after dumping containers of Iranian goods due to closure of Iranian ports and new arrangements had made on the request of Iran, but all things are at a standstill.
Pakistan’s export to Central Asia via Iran are already underway for the last six-months.
In March 2026, Pakistan allowed export of non-sanctioned items to Iran like food its and medicines so that increased demand due to war with US and Israel and disruption or destruction of Iran’s manufacturing facilities and ports.
“Pakistan had allowed export of non-restricted items for three months and their data is being received by the Customs but its final impact will be evaluated after three months, “said an insider.
Pakistan’s exports through formal channels were down from 1999 which are now zero in official figures. This is the first time after decades that exports will be shown in the official trade data of FBR.
Pakistan and Iran had signed a road transportation agreement in 2008 which also allows transit facility to Central Asia, but after souring of relations with Afghanistan and closure of corridor Pakistan has operationalised it through Iran.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026