Pakistan operationalises ‘Gabd Border Terminal’ transit corridor with Iran, reducing reliance on Afghanistan

BusinessMust ReadPakistan operationalises ‘Gabd Border Terminal’ transit corridor with Iran, reducing reliance on AfghanistanBy Web Desk-Apr 15, 2026KARACHI: Pakistan has operationalised a new transit trade corridor through Iran by activating the Gabd-Rimdan border terminal, marking a major step toward strengthening regional connectivity and reducing reliance on the traditional Afghanistan route. The development comes amid growing calls within the country to expand trade with Iran, particularly as global supply chains face disruptions due to tensions affecting the Strait of Hormuz. Pakistan recently dispatched its first export consignment from Karachi to Tashkent under this new corridor, signalling the formal launch of the route linking South Asia with Central Asia. The Gabd-Rimdan border terminal—located between Gabd in Balochistan, Pakistan, and Rimdan in Iran’s Sistan-Baluchestan province—is a strategically upgraded crossing equipped with modern scanning systems and facilities supporting the Transports Internationaux Routiers (TIR) framework. The terminal became operational for containerised and refrigerated cargo in April 2026. Developed by the National Logistics Corporation (NLC), the terminal enables efficient cargo movement through Iran to Central Asian states, offering a shorter, safer, and more modern alternative to routes passing through Afghanistan. The inaugural shipment, consisting of frozen meat, was transported under the TIR system, which facilitates seamless cross-border trade by reducing delays and lowering transportation costs. After customs clearance, the consignment proceeded through Iran en route to Uzbekistan. An inauguration ceremony was held in Karachi, attended by senior customs officials and representatives from the logistics sector, who described the initiative as a milestone in enhancing trade connectivity between Pakistan, Iran, and Central Asia. Officials said the corridor provides exporters with a cost-effective and reliable route to a...