Pakistan has officially activated the Gabd-Rimdan border terminal, inaugurating a new transit trade corridor through Iran. This strategic move aims to strengthen regional connectivity and lessen dependence on the traditional trade routes via Afghanistan.
Amid global supply chain challenges caused by tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, Pakistan has intensified efforts to expand economic ties with Iran. Recently, the country dispatched its first export consignment from Karachi to Tashkent along this newly operational corridor, marking the formal opening of a trade link connecting South Asia to Central Asia.
The Gabd-Rimdan border crossing, situated between Gabd in Pakistan’s Balochistan province and Rimdan in Iran’s Sistan-Baluchestan province, has been upgraded with advanced scanning equipment and facilities aligned with the Transports Internationaux Routiers (TIR) system. Since April 2026, the terminal has been handling containerized and refrigerated cargo, streamlining cross-border logistics.
Developed by the National Logistics Corporation (NLC), this terminal offers an efficient and secure route for cargo moving through Iran to Central Asian countries. It serves as a shorter and safer alternative to the older transit pathways that pass through Afghanistan. The inaugural shipment under this corridor consisted of frozen meat, transported utilizing the TIR system, which helps minimize delays and reduce transportation expenses. After customs clearance, the goods proceeded through Iran toward Uzbekistan.
An official ceremony held in Karachi saw attendance from senior customs officials and logistics industry representatives, who hailed the initiative as a significant milestone in enhancing trade connectivity between Pakistan, Iran, and Central Asia. The corridor is expected to provide exporters with a cost-effective and dependable passage to landlocked Central Asian markets, notably Uzbekistan, while substantially cutting transit times.
Economic analysts have highlighted that this new transit route will diversify Pakistan’s export channels beyond China and Afghanistan, facilitating increased commerce with Central Asia through Iran. The reduced distance and improved logistics infrastructure are anticipated to lower costs, improve efficiency, and ultimately boost trade volumes.
Experts further emphasize that this development positions Pakistan as a potential regional connectivity hub, providing direct access to Central Asian markets and reinforcing its geopolitical and economic influence in the region.
Atif Ikram Sheikh, President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), described the project as a “remarkable achievement” that could open new pathways for regional trade and economic integration. Similarly, J. Hoth, President of the Gwadar Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), called the first shipment to Uzbekistan via Iran a landmark event, noting Gwadar’s rising importance as a nexus linking South Asia with the Middle East and Central Asia. He stated, “Gwadar has the potential to become the centre of regional economic activity, connecting Pakistan with global markets.”
Meanwhile, Sardar Tahir Mehmood, President of the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), underscored the significance of regional economic integration for Pakistan’s economic growth. He pointed out that the new transit route through Iran is expected to accelerate trade and strengthen economic cooperation across the region.
The inauguration of the Gabd-Rimdan corridor aligns with Pakistan’s broader strategy to diversify its trade routes, reduce reliance on singular transit pathways, and enhance economic engagement with neighboring regions. Experts also foresee that the corridor, located near Gwadar Port, could evolve into a major trade gateway in the future, further expanding Pakistan’s footprint in regional commerce.
