Russia and Pakistan are working to launch their first direct freight rail services linking Moscow with Faisalabad and Karachi, in a move aimed at strengthening trade and transport connectivity between the two countries. Russian Ambassador to Pakistan Albert Khorev said Moscow and Islamabad are working with their respective partners to establish freight rail links along the proposed Moscow-Faisalabad and Moscow-Karachi routes. Speaking in an interview with Russian newspaper Izvestia, Khorev said the two sides are also considering the possible participation of Belarus in the proposed rail network. However, the Russian ambassador did not provide a specific timeline for the launch of the proposed freight rail services. The development comes as Pakistan and Russia continue efforts to expand economic and trade cooperation, particularly in transport, energy and regional connectivity.