Pakistan to Launch Railway Link with Iran Soon, Says Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi

Islamabad: Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi has announced that a railway track connecting Pakistan to Iran will soon be operational, calling it a positive development for the country.

Speaking on the future of Pakistan’s railway network, Abbasi said the system is expected to expand further, with long-term plans to extend connectivity all the way to Europe. He also noted that the responsibility for the construction of the Karachi Circular Railway lies with the provincial government of Sindh.

The minister added that he has been working alongside Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for the past 25 years. He revealed that 14 railway schools, Royal Palm facilities, and seven hospitals are being outsourced as part of broader reforms.

Abbasi further said that a plan to digitalize Pakistan Railways, initially scheduled for completion by May 28, has been delayed by one month due to global circumstances.

Highlighting infrastructure challenges, he described the Rohri–Karachi railway line as the oldest and most difficult track, originally built between 1861 and 1868. The government has decided to reconstruct the 480-kilometer stretch at an estimated cost of around $2 billion (approximately Rs700 billion).

He also mentioned that rehabilitation work is underway on the 900-kilometer Rohri–Nokundi section and the 87-kilometer Nokundi–Taftan track.

“Without railways, Pakistan cannot move forward,” the minister emphasized.