The launch of the Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul freight train service has been postponed due to security reasons, railway officials said on Wednesday.

According to the Railways Department, the freight service, which was scheduled to begin on Wednesday, has been deferred after the required security approvals were not granted.

Pakistan Railways had earlier announced that the service would commence from December 31.

Officials said the freight train was planned to depart from Islamabad and travel via Sibi to reach Spezand Junction. From there, it was to pass through Noshki and Dalbandin before entering Iran at Mirjawa.

A Pakistan Railways spokesperson said that all preparations for the train’s arrival and movement within the Quetta Division had been completed, but the service had to be postponed due to security-related reasons.

It is recalled that Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi and Iran’s Ambassador to Pakistan Dr Reza Amiri had earlier agreed to revive the Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul freight train service within the year to enhance regional trade and connectivity.

Railway sources said a new date for the launch of the service will be announced once the necessary security clearance is obtained.