LAHORE, (APP – UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News – 31st Jul, 2026) Pakistan and Turkiye have reaffirmed their commitment to expanding long-term cooperation in the railway sector, with both countries agreeing to promote joint investment, technology transfer and modernization projects during a high-level meeting held in Ankara.
According to the PR spokesperson on Friday, the understanding was reached during a delegation-level meeting between Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi and Turkish Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloglu on the second day of the Pakistani minister’s official visit to Turkiye.
The two sides agreed to restore the Islamabad–Tehran–Istanbul (ITI) freight train service at the earliest and develop it into a permanent commercial trade corridor. They described the ITI freight corridor as a strategic initiative for enhancing trade and regional connectivity among South Asia, Central Asia and Europe.
During the meeting, the Pakistani delegation briefed the Turkish side on the upgradation of the Rohri–Taftan Main Line-3 (ML-3), stating that the project would significantly improve regional trade and freight operations through Iran. Progress on the Karachi–Rohri Main Line-1 (ML-1) project was also shared, while Turkish companies were invited to invest in the remaining sections of the railway network.
Pakistan also invited Turkish public and private sector companies to participate in Pakistan Railways’ infrastructure projects. Both sides discussed the possibility of Turkiye’s participation and technical cooperation in the Uzbekistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan Railway Corridor (UAPRC).
A detailed presentation was given on Pakistan Railways’ digital transformation, modern signaling systems, rolling stock upgradation and private sector participation. The two countries agreed to enhance cooperation in technology transfer, digital railway solutions, capacity building and modern operational systems.
The meeting also explored opportunities for joint investment, joint ventures and local manufacturing at Pakistan Railways’ Carriage Factory in Islamabad, concrete sleeper factories and engineering workshops. Both sides expressed interest in utilizing Turkish technology for the local production of railway equipment, passenger coaches and freight wagons.
Pakistan and Turkiye also agreed to promote cooperation in railway manufacturing, outsourcing, industrial collaboration and greater private sector participation. Detailed presentations on railway projects, regional connectivity and investment opportunities were delivered by both delegations.
Speaking on the occasion, Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi said Pakistan would fully benefit from Türkiye’s experience, investment and advanced technology in the modernization of Pakistan Railways.
The two countries reaffirmed their resolve to transform bilateral railway cooperation into practical projects, joint investments and initiatives aimed at promoting regional economic growth and connectivity.
