ISLAMABAD: The government of Pakistan has approved six transit corridors to streamline the movement of goods to Iran, announced under the “Transit of Goods through Territory of Pakistan Order 2026” issued by the Ministry of Commerce. The move comes at a time when thousands of containers are waiting to depart for Iran at the Karachi port.
According to officials, the routes notified include Gwadar-Gabad, Karachi/Port Qasim to Lyari, Ormara, Pasni to Gabad, and Karachi to Khuzdar, Dalbandin and Taftan. In addition, a long corridor from Gwadar to Taftan via Turbat, Panjgur, Khuzdar and Quetta has also been included. Other routes include Gwadar to Lyari and Quetta, while Karachi to Gwadar and Gabad.
This development is significant in the context that more than 3,000 containers have been stuck at the Karachi port for the past few days. Trade sources attributed the delay to the situation in the Strait of Hormuz and Iranian ports, which have been affected by recent geopolitical tensions.
The Strait of Hormuz is a key global energy transit route, carrying about 20 percent of the world’s oil and gas supplies. The recent dispute between the US and Iran, which began in late February, has put pressure on this vital route. Although a ceasefire is currently in effect, trade activities have not fully resumed.
According to the Commerce Ministry, the order will regulate transit trade in accordance with the Customs Act 1969 and FBR rules. It allows cross-stuffing, under which goods can be moved through different containers or transport modes.
In addition, traders have been made required to submit a bank guarantee receivable on transit goods, the value of which is equal to the import duties applicable in Pakistan. The move is aimed at protecting revenues and preventing illegal trade.
According to the order, this facility will be applicable to goods being sent to Iran from a third country and Pakistan is only providing a transit route. It also includes a clear definition of “transit” and “transit transport corridor” to avoid ambiguity in the implementation of the policy.
The notification has come into effect from April 25 and officials expect it to revive stalled trade and increase Pakistan’s regional trade importance.
According to experts, if these measures are implemented effectively, Pakistan can emerge as an important transit hub in the region.
