Pakistan and Russia are launching direct flights between Moscow and Islamabad. Both countries’ leaders discussed this idea during meetings on the sidelines of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) ministerial conference in Istanbul.
Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan met Russian Deputy Minister for Transport Zverev Dmitry Stanislavovich, where both sides agreed to promote land and air connectivity. In particular, they examined the feasibility of initiating direct air links to facilitate travel, trade and people-to-people exchanges.
Moreover, the Russian deputy minister invited Aleem Khan to attend the International Transport and Logistics Forum scheduled for April 1–3, 2026, in Saint Petersburg. The invitation signaled Moscow’s intent to deepen institutional engagement with Islamabad in the transport sector.
During the meeting, officials also discussed expanding bilateral banking channels and removing logistical and regulatory obstacles affecting trade and transportation. Aleem Khan outlined practical measures to strengthen cooperation and emphasized resolving visa and documentation issues faced by Pakistani freight truck drivers.
Focus on regional integration through Central Asia
Furthermore, Aleem Khan reiterated Pakistan’s interest in developing land corridors in coordination with China and other regional partners. He noted that Pakistan and Russia could enhance connectivity through Central Asian states, thereby improving regional integration and economic activity.
He also stressed that collaboration in road network development would benefit both countries and neighboring states. According to him, shared expertise and dialogue at multilateral platforms such as the OIC conference could accelerate progress.
In response, the Russian deputy minister expressed goodwill and affirmed that broader cooperation with Pakistan in transport and logistics remained achievable. Both sides agreed to maintain momentum through continued dialogue and technical engagement.
