In a significant push to establish the nation as a pivotal economic crossroads, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar today declared Pakistan”s readiness to coordinate transport plans and mobilize joint investments, underscoring the critical role of regional connectivity for stability and collective progress.
Addressing the Regional Transport Ministers’ International Conference on Thursday, Dar stated that Pakistan’s strategic location connecting South Asia with Central Asia, the Middle East, and China makes it a natural hub for regional integration. He emphasized the necessity of building seamless linkages through road, rail, air, maritime, energy, and digital corridors to transform geography into an opportunity.
The Deputy Prime Minister highlighted the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), describing it as a widely recognized catalyst for energy infrastructure development and improved trade across South and Central Asia. He asserted that the project embodies a commitment to building partnerships that deliver tangible benefits beyond just Pakistan and China, benefiting the entire region.
Dar pointed to key initiatives, citing the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan rail framework agreement as a landmark venture poised to open new avenues for trade. He also noted that the country’s motorways and highways form the backbone of both domestic and regional links, connecting crucial border crossings to the ports of Karachi and Gwadar, while reaffirming Pakistan”s commitment to investing in regional energy projects.
Also speaking at the conference, Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan called for practical and actionable measures to strengthen transport ties, facilitate commerce, and deepen regional integration.
The Communications Minister noted that transportation networks are pillars of economic advancement. He stressed that efficient logistics systems are a necessity for ensuring competitiveness, resilience, and sustainability in the modern economy. Khan concluded that the conference provides a valuable opportunity to share perspectives and forge new partnerships to fortify transport systems and bring regional communities closer together.