Russia and Pakistan are working to launch the first freight railway route between the two countries, Russian Ambassador to Pakistan Albert Khorev said.

AzerNEWS reports Khorev said freight services are planned to operate in both directions along the Moscow–Faisalabad and Moscow–Karachi routes.

The two sides are also considering the possibility of involving Belarus in the project, the diplomat said.

Khorev noted that the launch of the project had been postponed several times amid rising geopolitical tensions in the region in 2025 and early 2026.

The parties are currently finalizing a contract for the provision of services and selecting companies interested in transporting cargo from countries located along the proposed railway routes, he said.

The planned routes are expected to strengthen direct trade and transport links between Russia and Pakistan while potentially opening a new freight corridor connecting markets along the route.