Pakistan has launched two new overland trade corridors through Iran and China, offering Central Asian countries alternative routes to Pakistani ports. These corridors became operational in April 2026, marking a significant shift in regional economic strategy. This strategic move follows Islamabad's decision to indefinitely close its main transit crossings with Afghanistan in October 2025, citing persistent cross-border militancy as the reason.
The new routes run specifically through Iran's Gabd-Rimdan border crossing and China's Sost Dry Port. The closure of the Torkham and Chaman crossings less than one year ago necessitated these alternative pathways for regional trade.
More than 14,000 metric tons of cargo have already been transported through these two new routes. One corridor saw its formal inauguration during a coordination ceremony in Karachi, attended by senior representatives from Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan.
Pakistan has presented these routes as a permanent alternative for Central Asian countries. They now seek access to global markets without relying on Afghan transit, a move that could reshape regional economic dependencies.
Regional Economic Realignments
The first convoy utilizing these new corridors carried frozen meat and other exports. It traveled to Tashkent and Bishkek through Iran, demonstrating the immediate operational capacity of the new network. Pakistan also dispatched its first export shipment from the Karachi Export Processing Zone to Kyrgyzstan via the Sost Dry Port, operating under the TIR regime.
The 3,300-kilometer Bishkek-Karachi corridor, which operates under the Quadrilateral Traffic in Transit Agreement, has since completed its first reciprocal commercial shipments. Kyrgyz transport fleets delivered minerals and textiles to Pakistan, establishing a two-way flow of goods. Separately, the Hemani Group transported a 23.9-tonne consignment to Kyrgyzstan, utilizing the Pakistan Single Window electronic customs system for streamlined processing.
These new corridors provide Central Asian countries, including Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, with direct overland access to the Arabian Sea through Pakistan. This effectively bypasses Afghanistan, reducing reliance on a region marked by instability.
Uzbekistan has already begun to use the Gabd-Rimdan route for transporting agricultural equipment and industrial raw materials. This highlights the practical application and immediate benefits of the diversified trade pathways.
Gwadar Port's Expanding Role
Pakistan is also expanding the role of Gwadar Port within Phase 2 of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). This port is strategically located about 400 kilometers east of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global maritime choke point. It's expected to handle increasing cargo volumes moving through the new land corridors as regional trade routes continue to diversify.
The new network also expands the use of the TIR transit regime. This international customs transit system facilitates the movement of goods across borders. Furthermore, the Pakistan Single Window system, which electronically processes customs documentation for cross-border shipments, sees expanded use. These technological integrations aim to streamline trade and enhance regional connectivity.