Pakistan and Russia discussed launching a direct flight between Moscow and Islamabad during the OIC ministerial conference in Istanbul. Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan met Russian Deputy Minister for Transport Zverev Dmitry Stanislavovich to promote air and land connectivity. The talks aim to enhance trade, transport, and regional cooperation.
The Russian deputy minister invited Abdul Aleem Khan to the International Transport and Logistics Forum in Saint Petersburg on April 1-3, 2026. Both sides also discussed expanding bilateral banking channels and removing obstacles affecting trade and transportation between Pakistan and Russia. Officials said these steps would streamline operations for freight and logistics companies.
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Aleem Khan highlighted practical steps to improve transport-sector cooperation, including addressing visa and operational issues faced by Pakistani truck drivers. He reiterated Pakistan’s interest in developing land corridors in coordination with China and other regional partners, linking Pakistan to Russia through Central Asian countries.
The federal minister emphasized mutual benefits of road network development and noted that shared experience among OIC member states could enhance regional connectivity. Russian officials expressed goodwill and indicated that broader cooperation with Pakistan in transport and logistics was feasible.
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Officials said both countries aim to strengthen air, road, and trade links while improving regional economic integration. The proposed Moscow-Islamabad flight and expanded land corridors are expected to enhance connectivity, trade, and diplomatic ties between Pakistan, Russia, and neighboring states.