Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja on Wednesday said the government aims to raise fiberization to nearly 60 percent within the next three years. Speaking at the EU-Pakistan Business Forum 2026, she said, “Only 16 percent of our towers are fiberized at this point. Our target is that in the next […]
Central Asia
Pivot to Central Asia
For the first time in over two decades, a Kazakh president has visited Islamabad, and he’s calling Pakistan a “reliable and important partner in South Asia and beyond.” In a whirlwind of ceremonies, Pakistan and Kazakhstan inked 27 agreements and MoUs across sectors from petroleum to mining to maritime affairs. Ambitious targets aim to double […]
Kazakhstan president to visit Pakistan on Feb 3–4 to boost bilateral ties
ISLAMABAD: President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev will undertake a two-day official visit to Pakistan from February 3 to 4, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement. The visit comes as Pakistan and Kazakhstan continue to strengthen their friendly diplomatic relations, with Kazakhstan emerging as Pakistan’s leading export destination among Central […]
Uzbekistan reopens border crossing with Afghanistan
TASHKENT: Uzbekistan has fully reopened its only border crossing with Afghanistan, closed to travelers since the Taliban seized power in 2021, signaling a renewed focus on economic cooperation with its neighbor. The Termez-Hairatan bridge crossing is now operational, allowing people to travel directly and safely between the two countries, the Uzbek Chamber of Commerce and […]
Afghanistan seeks Central Asian trade to cut reliance on Pakistan
Afghanistan is attempting to deepen trade ties with Central Asian nations as it works to reduce its long-standing economic dependence on Pakistan. The push comes amid deteriorating relations between Kabul and Islamabad, marked by deadly cross-border clashes and the prolonged closure of key trade routes. Afghan traders say the month-long shutdown of border crossings has […]
ADB invests $250M to combat glacier loss and protect livelihoods
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved $250 million for a new initiative called “Glaciers to Farms”. The project is part of the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and aims to strengthen water and agriculture systems in Central Asia and Pakistan. It will support communities that depend on glaciers for water, energy, and farming. Over the […]
Pakistan ready to serve as regional hub for connectivity: Ishaq Dar
ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar on Thursday said Pakistan is ready to become a regional hub for connectivity, facilitating transport links, cross-border trade, and joint investments across South and Central Asia. Addressing the Regional Transport Ministers’ Conference in Islamabad, themed “Regional Connectivity: Opportunities for the Region,” Dar emphasized that Pakistan […]
Pakistan’s trade with Central Asia hits $2.41bn in FY25
Pakistan’s bilateral trade with Central Asian states, along with Afghanistan and Azerbaijan, surged to $2.41 billion in FY25, showing a sharp increase from $1.92 billion in the previous fiscal year. Pakistan’s exports to these countries surged to $1.77 billion, while imports were recorded at $641 million. This represents a clear recovery from FY24, when exports […]
Pakistan launches $10B corridor to connect with Central Asia
Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi announced a $10 billion rail corridor project to connect Pakistan with Afghanistan and Central Asia. He revealed this at the launch of the AD Ports office. The project will build a railway line from Kohat to Mazar-e-Sharif, offering landlocked Central Asian countries access to seaports through Pakistan. Abbasi called […]
Pakistan hosts key defence summit with US, Central Asia
Pakistan hosted a major defence conference in Islamabad on Saturday, bringing together top military leaders from the United States, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. The Central & South Asia Chiefs of Defence Conference focused on building stronger regional ties under the theme “Strengthening Bonds, Securing Peace.” Officials discussed joint efforts to improve regional security and […]