ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to regional connectivity and inclusive growth. Speaking at the Regional Transport Ministers’ Conference in Islamabad on Thursday, he said Pakistan aimed to become a regional hub by enhancing transport coordination, cross-border facilitation, and joint investments. He emphasized that Pakistan was turning its geography into an opportunity to build stronger economic pathways across the region.
The conference, themed “Regional Connectivity: Opportunities for the Region,” was hosted by the Ministry of Communications. It brought together transport ministers and delegates from over 27 countries, including Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Iran, and Kazakhstan. Representatives from global organizations such as the Asian Development Bank, ECO, and UNESCAP also attended, highlighting the growing importance of regional transport cooperation.
Read more: Pakistan’s trade with Central Asia hits $2.41bn in FY25
Dar described the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a key driver of energy development, transport infrastructure, and regional trade integration. He said Pakistan’s extensive network of motorways and highways connected major border crossings to ports in Karachi and Gwadar, enabling faster trade and lower costs. He also mentioned the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan Railway Framework Agreement and the Istanbul-Tehran-Islamabad Road and Rail Corridor as crucial projects for expanding trade across South and Central Asia.
The deputy prime minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s participation in major energy projects such as CASA-1000 and TAP-500, which aim to enhance energy security and regional market connectivity. He also highlighted Pakistan’s e-visa facilities for citizens of 126 countries, including Gulf and Central Asian nations, and efforts to improve banking access, logistics, and cross-border movement of goods and people.
Read more: Pakistan-Afghanistan Trade Routes Closed for 11 Days, Economic Impact Severe
Dar stressed that both physical and digital connectivity are vital for regional progress. He said Pakistan was investing in digital trade platforms and e-port integration to ensure seamless, paperless, and transparent trade operations. Concluding his address, he invited all regional partners to deepen cooperation, align strategies, and build trust. “Together, we can transform these corridors into engines of growth,” he said, calling connectivity a symbol of shared opportunity and common destiny.