ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi has announced that the Islamabad–Iran–Istanbul train service will begin on December 31, 2025, and urged the business community to support its success. He added that train services from Kazakhstan to Afghanistan and Chaman (Pakistan) will also start soon, along with the Chaghi–Nokkundi–Karachi track project.
He shared this information while addressing, as chief guest, at dignified event held in connection with Iqbal Day at the S.M. Munir Auditorium of ICCI, organized by the Nazriya-e-Pakistan Council, Pakistan Cultural Forum, and the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI).
While addressing the ceremony, Hanif Abbasi said that today, the slogan “Pakistan Zindabad” is being raised everywhere because Pakistan has earned recognition in the world. He said that by making Iqbal’s concept of Khudi (selfhood) part of our actions, policies, and collective thinking, we can overcome any challenge. Iqbal likened youth to Shaheens — noble, strong, and purpose-driven eagles.
He added that Pakistan today is striving for economic stability, transparent governance, and social harmony.
The speakers expressed their wish that the Railways Ministry is of immense national importance, suggesting that Pakistan’s railway should be permanently connected with Central Asia and Turkey to make the country a hub of regional trade.
