Shipping from Turkmenistan to Pakistan: Key Cities and Ports
Trade between Turkmenistan and Pakistan is essential for strengthening economic ties between Central and South Asia. As a landlocked country, Turkmenistan relies on both maritime and overland routes to transport goods to Pakistan. Below is an overview of the major ports, key cities, and trade routes involved in this logistics network.
Major Ports and Transit Points in Turkmenistan for Trade with Pakistan
- Turkmenbashi Port
- Location and Role: Turkmenbashi Port is located on the Caspian Sea and serves as Turkmenistan’s primary maritime gateway for accessing sea routes.
- Logistics and Route Options: Goods shipped from Turkmenbashi can travel across the Caspian Sea to Iranian ports such as Bandar Anzali. From there, they are transported overland to Iran’s southern ports, like Bandar Abbas and Chabahar, before being shipped to Pakistan.
- Overland Routes to the Iranian Border
- Strategic Border Crossings: Goods transported overland usually cross into Iran through key border points such as Sarakhs or Lotfabad.
- Entry into Pakistan via Iran: Once in Iran, shipments proceed toward the Mirjaveh-Taftan border crossing in southeastern Iran, which connects directly to Pakistan, providing a direct overland route.
Key Cities and Trade Hubs in Pakistan
- Karachi
- Role in Trade: Karachi, as Pakistan’s largest port city, is the primary destination for goods arriving by sea from Iranian ports like Chabahar and Bandar Abbas.
- Distribution Network: Karachi’s extensive road and rail connections facilitate the efficient distribution of goods across Pakistan, making it a critical trade hub.
- Quetta
- Strategic Position: As the closest major city to the Mirjaveh-Taftan border crossing, Quetta serves as a key entry point for goods transported overland from Iran.
- Inland Transport: Due to its proximity to the border and strong logistics connections, Quetta enables efficient movement of goods further into Pakistan and is central to cross-border trade.
- Lahore
- Economic Significance: Lahore, a major economic center in Pakistan, is another key destination for goods from Central Asia, including Turkmenistan.
- Transport Connectivity: Lahore’s robust rail and road networks allow for rapid distribution of goods throughout Pakistan, making it a vital distribution hub.
Modes of Transport
Shipping between Turkmenistan and Pakistan involves both maritime and overland routes:
- Overland Route: Goods are transported overland from Turkmenistan through Iran, entering Iran at border points such as Sarakhs or Lotfabad and continuing into Pakistan via the Mirjaveh-Taftan border crossing.
- Combined Maritime Route: For goods shipped from Turkmenbashi Port, a common route involves sea transport across the Caspian Sea to Bandar Anzali in Iran. From there, goods continue overland to southern Iranian ports like Bandar Abbas or Chabahar, and finally by sea to Karachi in Pakistan.
