Pakistan–Iran–Central Asia: a new transport corridor is changing the geo-economy of Eurasia

The launch of the Pakistan–Iran–Central Asia transport corridor opens new opportunities for regional trade, energy cooperation, and the development of alternative logistical routes across Eurasia.

A new transit corridor originating in southern Pakistan and connecting to Central Asia via southern and eastern Iran has recently become operational. The first export consignment was dispatched from Karachi Port to Uzbekistan through this route. The corridor enters Iranian territory via the Gabd–Rimdan border crossing before extending onward to Central Asia.

In the broader context of Tehran–Islamabad relations, various practical measures are being considered to enhance road transport and transit efficiency, with the aim of reducing operational expenses. These measures also include logistical and institutional solutions to accelerate the movement of goods, particularly in emergency situations. In fact, under the agreement, goods from Pakistan are transported to Central Asia via Gwadar Port and Iranian territory using cargo trucks.

Opportunities of the Pakistan-Iran-Central Asia Corridor

The new corridor operates under the international transit system and will pass through border crossings with sealed trucks and minimal inspection procedures. The objective is to transform it into a fast, practical, and commercially efficient route by reducing both transit time and transportation expenses.

It also represents the operationalization of a corridor directly connecting South Asia to the 70-million-strong markets of Central Asia and the development of regional trade. The new corridor also connects Gwadar, via Iran, with broader regional development plans, including its integration with China and the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), as well as related regional connectivity initiatives.

It is also possible to transport cargo from Zahedan to Central Asian countries via the rail network. In fact, border crossings and transit points along the corridor have been activated under the TIR Convention procedure, with administrative and customs processes also coordinated to facilitate cargo transportation.

Pakistan borders the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea in the south, Iran in the west, and China in the northeast. Previously, Pakistan routed a significant portion of its exports to Central Asia through Afghanistan. However, following border tensions between Pakistan and the Taliban and the subsequent closure of key border crossings, exports to Central Asian markets have increasingly been redirected through Iran.

The new corridor represents a strategic alternative for Pakistan to access Central Asian markets, which have a combined population of nearly 70 million. Another key outcome of this corridor is the increased cargo handling capacity at the ports of Karachi and Gwadar.

In this approach, Pakistan reduces its reliance on traditional trade routes while working to expand exports and increase the volume of trade exchanges with the region. Furthermore, goods can be transported from Pakistan’s ports to Afghanistan via Iran. Current geopolitical and geo-economic shifts, and internal reasons have prompted Islamabad to consider the Pakistan-Iran-Central Asia corridor more seriously. By joining the Pakistan-Iran-Central Asia corridor, Islamabad can diversify its logistical routes, establish multipolar trade relations, and enhance its economic resilience. Pakistan’s trade with Central Asian countries has significant potential due to mutual interests. The annual trade volume remains low. Projects like the Trans-Afghan Corridor, which would connect Pakistan and Central Asia through Afghanistan, remain uncertain.

The completion of the Pakistan-Iran-Central Asia corridor chain and serious pursuit of projects like the Chabahar-Zahedan railway in Iran could benefit Pakistan as well. The Pakistan-Iran-Central Asia corridor offers Pakistan opportunities in energy security, multilateral energy import and cooperation centered around Iran and Russia, and expanding trade with China. The Pakistan-Iran-Central Asia corridor can serve Pakistan’s economy, economic diplomacy, and trade with the Eurasian Economic Union.

Iran’s irreplaceable role as a secure, stable, and strategic communication bridge between South Asia and the heart of Eurasia is underscored by its privileged geopolitical position and extensive road and rail infrastructure. Tehran tries to be a connecting pole between ECO, ASEAN, EAEU, India, Central Asia, the Middle East, and South Asia. With the existence of more than 14 thousand kilometers of railways in Iran, the “Special Plan for the Development of Makran” is part of Iran’s plan to become a regional transit hub.

The Chabahar-Zahedan railway has progressed more than 90%. Furthermore, Iran will be able to play a stronger role in the Pakistan-Iran-Central Asia corridor by completing the Zahedan-Sarakhs railway line. Relying on its strong infrastructure and strategic geographic location, Iran recorded nearly 20 million tons of transit cargo last year by developing a robust, indigenous transit system.

Recently, Iran has developed and operationalized ten transit corridors along various routes, including connections to Central Asia, Russia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Turkey, and Iraq, in order to provide alternative options should naval trade routes in the southern part of the country be disrupted or blocked.

That means if naval routes such as the Strait of Hormuz, the Indian Ocean, and the Arabian Sea are blocked or experience disruptions or delays for any reason—such as sanctions or security challenges—Iran can rely on alternative transit corridors, including those connecting to Pakistan.

By highlighting the concept of a potential “naval blockade” of Iran, it becomes possible to mitigate part of the economic pressure arising from maritime threats by strengthening rail and land-based trade through the North–South and East–West corridors. In fact, the deeper Iran’s economic ties with Russia, Central Asia, and Pakistan become, the more the effectiveness of sanctions and naval blockade diminishes.

In redesigning Iran’s logistics network, the aim is to reduce dependence on any single bottleneck and enhance route diversification in terms of both origins and destinations. This approach also provides alternative transit options, such as the Pakistan–Iran–Central Asia corridor, thereby strengthening regional connectivity and resilience.

The necessary transport infrastructure and the current condition of the roads along the route from Gwadar to Quetta and Zahedan are not yet in place for mass-scale transportation, and the capacity for truck transit remains limited. Security and logistical challenges in certain areas of Pakistan currently limit the safe and large-scale movement of container shipments. The success of the corridor still depends on facilitating and accelerating customs procedures, as well as harmonizing regulatory processes.

Although the Pakistan–Central Asia corridor has become operational, it must overcome extensive technical, political, and economic obstacles to achieve its goals. However, the convergence between Tehran and Islamabad can contribute to the integration of the CPEC and INSTC corridors in regional transit and help turn Gwadar and southeastern Iran into more important international logistics hubs. Broader cooperation among members can help enhance connectivity within and between the Eurasian continents.

Samyar Rostami, а political observer and senior researcher in international relations

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