FBR Declares Taftan Railway Station a Land Customs Station to Boost Pakistan-Iran Trade
QUETTA: Pakistan’s Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has officially declared the Taftan Border Railway Station a Land Customs Station for import and export operations, a move expected to facilitate rail-based cargo transportation and strengthen formal trade between Pakistan and Iran.
According to the FBR, the decision authorizes the Taftan Railway Station to handle the loading, unloading, customs clearance, and processing of imported and exported goods. The notification also defines the customs jurisdiction over the station’s 11.75-hectare area, formally integrating the Taftan Railway Terminal into Pakistan’s customs network.
The Islamic Republic of Iran Railways said the development follows discussions between the heads of Pakistan and Iran Railways and official correspondence aimed at activating the Taftan railway crossing for commercial operations.
Taftan serves as Pakistan’s principal land border crossing with Iran and has long held strategic importance. However, experts say the route has remained underutilized due to limited infrastructure and the absence of full customs facilities.
Officials believe the establishment of the railway customs station will streamline cross-border freight movement by rail, reduce transportation costs, accelerate customs clearance procedures, and promote formal bilateral trade.
The initiative is also expected to discourage smuggling and informal trade by improving documentation, inspections, and customs enforcement, encouraging traders to use official trade channels.
Following the notification, authorities have begun implementing the necessary arrangements for customs operations at the station.
Business leaders from the Quetta Chamber of Commerce and Industry welcomed the decision, describing it as a significant step toward enhancing trade between Pakistan and Iran. They emphasized, however, that timely provision of infrastructure, customs personnel, and other operational facilities will be essential to ensure the successful implementation of the project.
