Rail trade link to overcome shipping lines chaos

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is uniquely located geographically. It is endowed with land, sea & air routes that afford linkages like none other in the region. The post Covid -19 environment that drastically impacted the businesses world over has led to the government of Pakistan adopting all methods to boost the trade specially exports from Pakistan. Most of the exports are dependent on sea routes. Recent Shipping Line disruption due to Suez Canal choking and Covid – 19 scenarios has caused uncertainty in freight charges and schedules, which increased to 200 to 500 percent, in addition the shutout and cancellation of booking has become a routine affair while traders faced cancellation of orders and contracts. This issue is more compounded for the reason that Freight Management is being controlled from abroad which apparently provides priority to their exporters instead Pakistan.
PM Imran Khan’s vision to support the trade and trader is well taken by the all ministries through steps in the right direction. In the same vein, Pakistan’s Ministry of Railways has taken lead in opening the rail route from Pakistan to Turkey and Europe. The foresightedness of Mr Azam Khan Swati – Federal Minister for Railways to address the situation by tasking his team of dedicated officials to find ways for the benefit of Traders of Pakistan and in turn for the benefit of the region. The Pakistan Railway team under its Chairman – Mr Habib ur Rehman Gillani along with CEO Pakistan Railways Nisar Memon, Brig Amjad Ali (Retd) – Director General Coordination, Mr Imran Director General Operations (MoR), Syed Imtiaz Hussain Farooq (MoR) Director operations, Mr Hamadan (HQ Pakistan Railways, Lahore) – Operation Branch, Mr Shoukat – DS Islamabad, Mr Usman – DS Rawalpindi, Mr Kashif – DS Quetta, Mr Javed Siddiqui – CEO and Mr Waheed – Manager Operations respectively from PRFTC.
Pakistan Railways had been working with two Freight Forwarders who exhibited confidence and interest for this task. The Maxtelz Logistics team led by Mr Gohar Zia – CEO and duly supported by Mr FazleQadir Mirza, Mr Naeem , Mr MunwarSajjad, Mr Ajaz Ahmed, Mr Munim, Mr Adil Awan and Mrs Zunera worked tirelessly to bring to fruition the operations of Islamabad – Tehran – Istanbul Freight Train (ITIFT). Factors related to banks, insurance, equipment, various standards, operation capabilities and all other related aspects were evaluated and assessed and comprehensive report was formulated. Mr Gohar Zia – CEO Maxtelz Logistics briefed Pakistan Railways about the operations and financial compatibilities regarding ITIFT. The process involved deliberate consultations with authorities of Pakistan, Iran and Turkey under directions of Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO). Finally, in September 2021 Maxtelz Logistics Service (Private) Limited signaled the readiness for launching of ITIFT over ITI Railways link. In the meanwhile, Pakistan Customs also provided due support and resolved all issues pertinent to pre dispatch formalities. The office of the Pakistan Customs Islamabad under Mr Javed Jalil – Collector Customs Islamabad and Mrs Farheen Zehra – A/Customs while Ms Taniya – A/C Customs operating under direction of Mr Tariq Huda – Member Customs were always there to facilitate the process. The Anti Narcotics Force remained one step ahead for the best possible support for this project in furthering the national cause.
The task was complex, enormous and full of diplomatic sensitivities but Team Maxtelz Logistics who on its own resources worked days and night with dedication and made the operations of ITIFT possible. This is a defining feat by Maxtelx Logistics with reference to rail connectivity and related concerns. Undoubtedly, this is the landmark achieved by the Pakistan Railway under Mr Azam Khan Swati and Mr Habib ur Rehman Gillani’s patronage and fortitude respectively. Many big names in logistics trade in Pakistan remained detached from the effort as these did not believe it to materialize. Maxtelz Logistics – a new player in the field yet persevering with its dedicated and determined team worked to the best of its abilities in realizing ITIFT on ground. It is pertinent to mention the effort could not have yielded positive results without the valuable support from Pakistan Railways, Pakistan Customs and Anti Narcotics Force. Resultantly, on 21 December 2021 first train was launched from Islamabad. As of now, Eight trains have been moved on ITI route.
This is the relief given to traders & exporters of Pakistan as well as the region. The credit for this step goes to the vision of Mr Imran Khan – Prime Minister of Pakistan, Ministry of Railways, Pakistan Railways, Pakistan Customs, Anti Narcotics Force and particularly team Maxtelz Logistics who galvanized the effort for providing cost-effective, reliable and faster route for traders of all connected countries in times of uncertain yet cost-heavy shipping future.
Mr Gohar Zia – CEO Maxtelz Logistics once asked stated that this is the opening of Pakistan European Economic Corridor, Pakistan Russian Economic Corridor, Pakistan Central Asia Economic Corridor beside China Pakistan Economic Corridor. Mr Gohar Zia added that for the above mentioned alignments full support has also been assured by the envoys of Central Asian countries including Russia. He also mentioned that Pakistani diplomats in Europe and Central Asia such as Mr Rao Rizwan (Holland), Mr Bilal Pasha (Turkey), Mr Farooq (Kazakstan), Mr Asad Gillani (Uzbekistan) have given assurances for provision of the best support at their level that is in line with the government’s vision to enhance export based trade.

The teams involved in the process have made history. They are the unsung heroes who worked in the their fields selflessly while Maxtelz Logistics ensured inter-department coordination and facilitation for the successful outcome. A ray of hope has been provided for prosperity of region through rail connectivity by Pakistan. The volume on this route is anticipated to be more than US $60 billion per year. The improvement in infrastructure will be also be made which shall not increase employment opportunities, but also enhancement in trade. According to Mr Gohar Zia, the regular route utilization will earn good revenue to Pakistan Railways as well as all the stake holders. The revenue earned will be self-sufficient for completing major railways projects without borrowing money from outside. It is further added that there would be transaction of 2 million or more TEUs per year through Pakistan. The route is much feasible for Central Asian countries as well as for Europeans exporting to South East Asia. A comprehensive feasibility has been prepared by Maxtelz Logistics for each country which can export its good at competitive rates with less number of days. Mr Habib ur Rehman Gillani – Chairman Railways being a thorough professional has showcased realization of ITI Freight Corridor as an example for government employees. In addition, political acumen of Mr Azam Khan Swati can be seen manifested through ITIFT. In his capacity as Minister for Railways, Mr Azam Khan Swati is determined to deliver the best for Pakistan and its people. Pakistan government is keen to bring together the people and professional entities ready to work for Pakistan. The train has started plying on ITI route. In time it shall come up as a very productive rail train route to benefit Pakistan and the region.