Pakistan has decided to join Russia's North-South International Transport Corridor (INSTC) following an invitation from Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to diplomatic sources.

According to a 24NewsHD TV channel report, this significant development comes after Putin extended the invitation during his State of the Union address last year.

Pakistan has agreed in principle to be part of the INSTC and has initiated discussions and related procedures. The corridor, a 7,200-kilometre multi-mode network of air, rail, and highway routes, aims to enhance connectivity and trade between Iran, India, Azerbaijan, Pakistan, the Russian Federation, Central Asian countries, and Northern Europe.

In addition to this strategic move, Pakistan recently imported 1 million tonnes of Russian crude oil, indicating growing economic cooperation between the two nations. Discussions on agricultural collaboration are also progressing, with the first shipment of Pakistani canoes delivered to Dagestan via Iran and Azerbaijan.

Pakistan is also exploring the use of the Silk Road as an international transport corridor alongside the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). There are considerations to import timber from Russia, which could benefit Pakistan's modern furniture industry, leveraging Russia's rich timber resources.

Efforts to increase the number of Pakistani students studying in Russian universities are underway, along with discussions on environmental sustainability. The INSTC, much like CPEC, is expected to be a game-changer economically, enhancing trade and strengthening Pakistan's relations with Iran, Azerbaijan, Russia, and other regional countries.

The corridor will feature a network of ports, road, and rail routes in the Persian Gulf and Caspian region, potentially revolutionizing transportation and trade in the area.

Reporter: Anwar Abbas